Microbes breaks down MTBE

[Career/Pro <cpro@cpeo.org>]

Microbe munches MTBE contamination
Tuesday, October 13, 1998 

Researchers at University of California Davis have isolated microbial 
organisms that can remediate the carcinogenic fuel additive Methyl 
tertiary butyl ether (MTBE).  These microbes, when inoculated into the 
soil can completely degrade the chemical into 'harmless components' 
within a week. This research is part of an ongoing research to study 
potential exposure to, and management of, the additive in the state's 
water. 

 For more information, contact Kate Scow Associate Professor of Soil 
Science and Microbial Biology  (530)752-4632, email: kmscow@ucdavis.edu. 

For the full story go to:
http://www.enn.com/news/enn-stories/1998/10/101398/eatmtbe.asp