AWWA QTC97075

The use of fuel oxygenates in California to promote cleaner emissions was mandated by the 1990 Federal Clean Air Act Amendments. Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is the most commonly used oxygenate. Significant levels of MTBE have been detected in groundwater wells as a result of contamination from nearby leaking underground fuel tanks. MTBE is highly soluble in water, does not volatilize readily and is not removed by conventional treatment techniques so that, once it contaminates a water supply, it presents significant implications for consumers. A draft lifetime health advisory of 70 ug/L has been issued for MTBE by the EPA, however, reported taste and odor (T&O) thresholds for MTBE are much lower than this. While no single concentration of MTBE will elicit the same T&O perception in everyone, the drinking water community would like to determine a threshold of consumer acceptance. In this study, the Flavor Profile Analysis technique was used to assess the potential aesthetic effects of MTBE in drinking water. Three areas of interest were addressed: determination of a statistical threshold; establishment of a dose/response relationship; and, definition of the T&O characteristics of MTBE.

Product Details

Published:

01/01/1997

ISBN(s):

0898679583

Number of Pages:

12

File Size:

1 file , 370 KB