Can ORC be used on a separated MTBE plume?
Yes, provided site conditions are adequately understood and a proper design is implemented. MTBE biodegrading bacteria are generally widespread (although absent from a few notable sites), and MTBE bioremediation does not require BTEX to be present to be successful. The effect of BTEX compounds on MTBE biodegradation is being elucidated. In many cases, microbes that degrade both BTEX and MTBE will preferentially use the BTEX before degrading the MTBE. Thus, the presence of BTEX can be inhibitory to MTBE biodegradation. Additionally, without a supplementary oxygen source, BTEX biodegradation can deplete all oxygen in the system leaving the MTBE not degraded. On the other hand, BTEX biodegradation in the presence of oxygen can stimulate the production of enough biomass to rapidly degrade the MTBE and some bacteria actually need a small amount of BTEX (or other fuel hydrocarbons) to be present to induce MTBE-degrading enzymes. Overall, the likelihood for significant MTBE biodegradation inc
