Using the Gasoline Additive MTBE in Forensic Environmental Investigations

摘要: Abstract A variety of additives are used in gasoline, and they can sometimes be to help identify the source, timing, or number gasoline spills at a site. The physicochemical characteristics additive MTBE, its historical use pattern United States since 1979, make it key compound study when conducting forensic investigations spills. MTBE's low octanol : water distribution coefficient high solubility cause dissolve into groundwater more readily than other components. Thus, initial appearance MTBE is often good indicator recent spill. very retardation minimal biodegradation with transport rate calculations establish relatively accurate estimates spill timing. Because moves faster BTEX compounds, if site has plume that longer plume, certain least two distinctly different releases have occurred. This allows for identification new spills, even substantial subsurface petroleum contamination already exists. An example application reviewed demonstrate data investigations.