Degradation of tert-Butyl Methyl Ether (MTBE) by Oxidation Processes

Degradation of aqueous MTBE solutions by advanced oxidation processes are reviewed. The processes are based on the formation of reactive intermediates, in particular •OH radicals, which readily react with organic compounds. The processes discussed are the oxidation of MTBE with O3 or O3/H2O2, the Fenton reagent, potassium permanganate and potassium peroxodisulfate. Photochemical processes include UV photolysis with H2O2 and O3, photocatalytic TiO2/H2O2 oxidation, photo-Fenton reaction, and sonolysis. Recent studies provide additional information on the course of the above processes and factors determining their efficiency (process parameters, effects of contaminants such as aromatic and chlorinated compounds and radical scavengers). A technological and economical comparison of the O3/H2O2 and H2O2/UV oxidations with conventional methods (air stripping and carbon adsorption) groundwater decontamination is presented and discussed.