Y. Xiao-zhang
2003
Citations
0
Influential Citations
2
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Ecologic Science
Abstract
Increased input of the fuel oxygenate methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) into the environment has posed serious risks to human health and the environment. This paper reviews current MTBE research with a heavy emphasis on the environmental behavior and fate of MTBE, and toxicity evaluation and risk characterization. Initial studies indicated that a large amount of MTBE is released to the atmosphere and it will be susceptible to photoxidation with an estimated half-life of 4 days. MTBE is biodegradable under aerobic conditions, but little or no anaerobic degradation of MTBE has been found. Based on current MTBE toxicological data, MTBE has been recognized as the animal carcinogen and no strong evidence has been found to indicate the carcinogenic potential of MTBE for humans. MTBE is toxic to various aquatic organisms at high exposed dosages ( 7.4 mg