How to remove MTBE from water?

Unlike many other hydrocarbons, MtBE is difficult to remove from water. There are three treatment methods that are effective in removing MtBE from drinking water: air stripping, adsorption using activated carbon, and oxidation.

How does MTBE get into water?

Releases of MTBE to ground and surface water can occur through leaking underground storage tanks and pipelines, spills, emissions from marine engines into lakes and reservoirs, and to some extent from air deposition.

Does MTBE absorb water?

MTBE can be absorbed through skin when people handle gasoline, contaminated soil, or contaminated water.

What is the meaning MTBE?

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is a flammable liquid that has been used as an additive for unleaded gasoline since the 1980s. MTBE increases octane and oxygen levels in gasoline and reduces pollution emissions.

Is MTBE banned in the US?

Because of concerns for groundwater contamination and water quality, MTBE is now banned or limited in several states. MTBE is also used in small amounts as a laboratory solvent and for some medical applications.

Is MTBE a carcinogen?

EPA classified MTBE as a “possible” human carcinogen under its 1986 cancer risk assessment guidelines on the basis of results of inhalation cancer tests and has suggested that it be regarded as posing a potential carcinogenic hazard and risk to humans, though no quantitative estimate of the cancer potency of MTBE has …

How do you test MTBE water?

How do I know if I have MTBE in my water? It is possible your water would taste and/or smell like turpentine if MTBE is present at levels around or above 20-40 ppb (some people may detect it at even lower levels).

How does MTBE get into the environment?

When it was used in gasoline in Minnesota, MTBE usually got into the environment from spills or leaking gasoline tanks or pipelines, as well as evaporating into the air during refueling at gas stations. Spilled or leaked MTBE often moves from soil into groundwater or surface water.

How long does MTBE stay in your system?

Tests of exhaled air, blood and urine can detect MTBE for up to 1 or 2 days after exposure.

What are the benefits of MTBE?

MTBE increases octane and oxygen levels in gasoline and reduces pollution emissions. Because of concerns for groundwater contamination and water quality, MTBE is now banned or limited in several states. MTBE is also used in small amounts as a laboratory solvent and for some medical applications.

How do you remove MTBE from tap water?

Public water systems can use existing technologies such as air stripping, granular activated carbon (GAC), reverse osmosis with activated carbon block as pre-filtrations, and advanced oxidation to remove MTBE contamination. Some home treatment units can also remove MTBE in tap water. What is the Office of Water doing to address MTBE concerns?

What is the new rule for MTBE monitoring?

A new rulerequires all large and a representative sample of small public water systems to monitor for MTBE in ground water and surface water beginning in 2001. EPA is encouraging water systems to begin monitoring prior to the 2001 implementation date.

Is there a national standard for MTBE in drinking water?

EPA has not set a national standard for MTBE, although some states have set their own limits. EPA will issue a secondary drinking water standard, based on taste and odor, by late Fall 2000. This taste and odor standard will serve as a guideline that states may adopt.

What is EPA doing about MTBE in UST sites?

EPA recommended that State UST/LUST officials (PDF)(4 pp, 16K, January 2000)monitor and report MTBE and other ethers in ground water at all leaking UST sites. Where MTBE is detected, states are advised to take immediate and aggressive remedial action.