The Atmospheric Characteristics of Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) during Summer Time in Beijing, China

We used gas chromatography mass spectrometry to analyze characteristics of air pollution caused by MTBE in Beijing. The results showed that the atmospheric concentration of MTBE divided by function was: cultural tourism zone > industrial zone > commercial and residential zone > background point. Divided by time, in general, evening (17:00-19:00) > midnight (23:00-24:00) > noon (11:00-13:00); divided according to the day, in general, weekend > workday, but industrial zone is contrary. Traffic volume and traffic conditions are important factors in Beijing’s air pollution of MTBE. Production processes and environmentally friendly measures of industrial zone will also have some impacts on it. In the evening (17:00-19:00) and at weekend, concentration of MTBE in the atmosphere was comparably large.