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Feasibility study: stable isotope effects during MTBE biodegradation; a marker for biochemistry of natural attenuation

Reference	E14658
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Bob Kalin
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Professor M Larkin, Dr Cecilia McCartan, Dr K Walsh
Institution	Queen's University of Belfast
Department	Sch Planning Architecture and Civil Eng
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	86,152
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/05/2001
End date	04/06/2003
Duration	25 months

Abstract

Methy tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is a common additive to gasoline and has potential harmful effects on the environment. Numerous cases of groundwater contamination by this compound have been reported. Natural attenuation has been identified as a risk-based management strategy. However, very little information about the microbial degradation of MTBE is available. This feasibility study aims to investigate stable isotope effects during microbial degradation of MTBE, thereby identifying bacterial strains for future study of the microbial biochemistry and genetics of MTBE biodegradation. It will identify metabolites e.g. tert Butyl Alcohol (TBA), and provide a technique for distinguishing biotic metabolites from abiotic additives.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Engineering & Biological Systems (EBS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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