The project, which started in October 2016, also involved researchers in the Dept of Animal and Plant Sciences at the University of Sheffield, and examined the interactions between microorganisms which have the capability for biodegradation of this fuel additive in groundwater.
The aim of the project is to explore the functional role of these microorganisms in biodegradation processes, such as co-metabolism of ETBE with other gasoline ether oxygenate compounds (GEO) and hydrocarbons when these gasolines enter groundwater.
The research investigates which microorganisms and genes are involved in the biodegradation of ETBE and other GEO in mixtures, identified ETBE-degrading microorganisms as potential markers of ETBE biodegradation potential for site screening, and deduced the optimal conditions for in-situ biodegradation of ETBE.
The goal was to provide scientific information to support decisions on risk-management of ETBE-contaminated groundwater in Europe,