AWWA QTC97007

In California, the use of methyl tert butyl ether (MTBE) in gasoline as a fuel oxygenator began in the late 1970s. MTBE is now used year-round and statewide. While reports indicate that air quality might have improved due to the use of MTBE in gasoline, its detection in groundwater and drinking water supplies has become an issue of concern. MTBE is a colorless liquid with a strong turpentine-like odor. Information on the threshold odor concentrations of MTBE in chlorinated drinking water can be used to help water suppliers in their efforts to identify the cause of odor in their water supplies and, if a problem exists, to seek appropriate odor control measures. In a previous study, at low levels of combined residual chlorine (0.17 mg/L), the threshold odor concentration was essentially the same as odor-free water. However, at a low level of free chlorine (0.21 mg/L), the threshold odor level of MTBE increased. In this study, the residual chlorine concentration in water was varied in order to determine its effect, if any, on the threshold odor concentration of MTBE.

Product Details

Published:

01/01/1997

ISBN(s):

0898679583

Number of Pages:

9

File Size:

1 file , 59 KB