MTBE

Paper Summary:

"This paper examines the legal issues surrounding the use of the additive MTBE, methyl tertiary butyl ether, a synthetic chemical mandated for use as a gasoline oxygenate. The additive has the effect of reducing carbon monoxide emissions by assuring more complete fuel combustion. The additive is used because of growing public concern over air quality. However, the fact that MTBE is effective in reducing automobile emissions has been overshadowed by the fact that the substance is now found more frequently in groundwater and surface waters across the United States. "

From the Paper:

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is a synthetic chemical mandated for use as a gasoline oxygenate. The additive has the effect of reducing carbon monoxide emissions by assuring more complete fuel combustion. The additive is used because of growing public concern over air quality. However, the fact that MTBE is effective in reducing automobile emissions has been overshadowed by the fact that the substance is now found more frequently in groundwater and surface waters across the United States. Because of this unintended consequence, and because of the health hazards posed by the MTBE itself, regulators became more concerned about the environmental impact of MTBEs. Such an impact occurs for several reasons: M MTBE tends to degrade very slowly. M Due to the dipole nature of its ether bond, it is highly soluble in water. M It does not easily absorb onto the aquifer matrix. M Retardation of MTBE is therefore minimal.

More papers on MTBE:

• Research Paper # 65446 : "EPA's Problematic Position on MTBE"
• Research Paper # 25884 : "MTBE and Legislation"
• Essay # 41663 : "MTBE and Water"

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