Assessing the Potential of Methyl- Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Natural Attenuation at Field Sites in Texas

摘要

In this research, a database of 86 MTBE LPST (Leaking Petroleum Storage Tank) sites is developed. Site data were collected from the TNRCC (Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission) in order to develop the database. Only sites with at least three years of MTBE data in a minimum of 6 monitoring wells were used. Sites were selected from all areas of the state, providing a variety of lithologies. Analyses were performed for periods of no groundwater extraction so that natural attenuation could be assessed more effectively. Concentration and plume length analysis both point to natural attenuation as a viable remediation alternative for groundwater contaminated with MTBE.