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Definition

Fuel oxygenates are oxygen-containing compounds that are added to gasoline to either boost the octane rating, make the fuel burn cleaner by increasing the oxygen content, or a combination. Among others, the most commonly used oxygenates are methyl tertiary butyl ether (MtBE) and ethanol. Ethanol has been used in automotive fuel blends since the 1930s and MtBE has been used increasingly since the 1970s. From 1970 to 1998, MtBE production increasedfrom 39th to 4th largest volume of all organicchemicals produced in the United States. MtBE blends easily with gasoline hydrocarbons; unfortunately, it is also highly soluble in water and is therefore verymobile in groundwater systems. Due to negligible natural degradation of MtBE by subsurface microorganisms, dissolved MtBE plumes covering kilometer-scale distances have now been documented throughout the country. The high mobility and solubility of MtBE in water, its low to negligible biodegradation, and widespread use have made the assessment and cleanup of this chemical very challenging.

Assessment Methods

Some of the most proven and successful MTBE assessment methods are:

RRM Experience

RRM's professional hydrogeolgists, engineers and scientists are experts in the fields of fuel oxygenate environmental fate and transport modeling, site assessment techniques, remediation methods, and regulatory policy. Our highly skilled team has completed hundreds of fuel oxygenate investigations for a wide array of clients: on time, within budget and with excellent service.