Gasoline leak

Benzene is released to water from the discharges of both treated and untreated industrial waste water, leachate from landfills and other contaminated soils, gasoline leaks from underground storage tanks, and from accidental spills during marine transportation of chemical products (CDC 1994 Crawford et al. 

Cometabohc cultiues in MTBE degrading reactors may have some positives. The cometabohc strains normally grow much faster than strains which utihse direct metabolism. Furthermore, the simple branched chain alkanes used as energy soiuce diuing cometabohsm reactions are normally present in MTBE plumes caused by gasoline leaks. The use of cometabohc strains can result in faster reactor startup. Knowledge of the apphcabihty and hm-itations of cometabohc strains in bioreactors is limited and needs further research. 

Gasoline leaked from a facility in Los Angeles, California... 

In subsequent years, a new issue that bears on the composition of reformulated gasoline has surfaced. Concentrations of MTBE, presumably from gasoline leaks and spills that wash into natural waterways, have been found in drinking water. Because MTBE is not easily decomposed by natural processes or water treatment, it tends to remain where it has accumulated. It is reported to cause off tastes and odors in water. Also, it may be a carcinogen. In response to these concerns, a blue-ribbon panel of experts reviewed the evidence. In 2000, at their recommendation, efforts were begun to eliminate use of MTBE and promote further use of renewable oxygenates like ethanol. 

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