AWWA WQTC52812

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is a colorless synthetic volatile organiccompound (VOC) derived from natural gas and added to gasoline in the United States to increase octane levels, boost engine performance, and ostensibly improve air quality by reducing carbon monoxide and ozone levels in the air. Despite these benefits to air quality, MTBE has emerged as a significant water quality problem. Due to its high water solubility and slow natural attenuation or biodegradation, MTBE has been discovered in groundwater, lakes, and reservoirs used for drinking water throughout the country. The Test and Evaluation Facility at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is currently evaluating a packaged small-scale advanced oxidation process (AOP) system to oxidize and remove MTBE from drinking water supplies. This system uses combined ozone and ultraviolet irradiation that produces highly reactive and oxidizing hydroxyl radicals. This paper provides an overview of the system and reports on preliminary results using this AOP system.