Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2026

Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation
Published on: October 31, 2019
Bioremediation of methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) by an innovative biofilter
C Hu1, K Acuna-Askar, A J Englande
1Environmental Health Sciences Department, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-2715, USA. chihyanghu@netscape.net
Abstract:
Methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) is a synthetic chemical used in unleaded gasoline as an additive to reduce levels of ozone and carbon monoxide from auto exhaust. Due to its chemical and recalcitrant properties, MTBE has caused groundwater contamination worldwide. A laboratory-scale biofilter made of a natural fiber (kenaf) mat and inoculated with MTBE-degrading microorganisms, was evaluated for MTBE removal efficiency. Operational parameters of oxygen flow rate, hydraulic retention time (HRT), yeast extract and initial MTBE concentration were varied and MTBE removal efficiencies determined. Four kinetic models were evaluated to describe the MTBE removal in the reactor. Formaldehyde and tertiary butyl alcohol (the most two reported MTBE biodegradation byproducts) were not found in the effluent; instead, carbon dioxide was monitored as the end product based on the results of a metabolic mass balance evaluation. Toxicity of treated effluent was evaluated by employing the Microtox acute toxicity test and comparing that to the influent.
More Related Videos
15:19Development of Sulfidogenic Sludge from Marine Sediments and Trichloroethylene Reduction in an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor
Published on: October 15, 2015
13:16A Whole Cell Bioreporter Approach to Assess Transport and Bioavailability of Organic Contaminants in Water Unsaturated Systems
Published on: December 24, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
Bioremediation
Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics
Microbial Wastewater Treatment
Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium
Microbial Fuel Cells