Anaerobic Intrinsic Bioremediation of MTBE

EPA Grant Number: R827015-01-0
Title: Anaerobic Intrinsic Bioremediation of MTBE
Investigators: Joseph M. Sulita
Institution: University of Oklahoma
EPA Project Officer: Bala Krishnan
Project Period: March 1, 2002 to February 28, 2003
Project Amount: $71,796
Research Category: Intrinsic bioremediation/natural attenuation

Description:

1st Quarterly Report:

The screening assay for anaerobic MTBE biodegradation was designed by Drs. Suflita, Kropp, and Ulrich and implemented by Dr. Ulrich. The latter individual represents Surbec-ART Environmental L.L.C., the company conducting the screening. This laboratory is currently monitoring biodegradation assays constructed from sediment and groundwater from several sites across the nation where field evidence suggested that MTBE decay might be an ongoing process. The screening assay minimally employs radiolabeled methyl-tert-butyl ether (14C-MTBE). An assessment of radiolabeled endproduct production at the OU laboratory is part of the screening protocol.

The preliminary screening is in an early stage. Preliminary findings have indicated that anaerobic biodegradation of 14C-MTBE to 14CO2 is occurring in some samples. Further characterization to quantify how much degradation is occurring in these assays is underway. However, even these tentative findings are useful for selecting sediment for further examination of anaerobic MTBE biodegradation. This sediment is currently available and has been stored under anoxic conditions. In addition, when Surbec-ART has determined that these initial positive incubations have reached an endpoint and the preliminary screening has ended, we will obtain incubations that have displayed anaerobic MTBE biodegradative activity and conduct further experiments to document this process as outlined in the proposal. We are presently collaborating with Surbec-ART in evaluating the preliminary results in an effort to identify some of the factors that may influence MTBE biodegradation.

The project has also had a change in personnel. Dr. Kropp has left OU to pursue a permanent position elsewhere. He was replaced on the project by Dr. Todd Townsend, an equally qualified research associate in the Suflita laboratory.