Method for the degradation of MTBE and TBA
View Patent ↗A method for the degradation of methyl-tertiary-butyl-ether (MTBE) and tertiary-butanol (TBA) using a mixture of Pseudomonas putida is described. The method enables almost complete remediation of MTBE and TBA in situ in contaminated water and/or soil.
1. A method for the degradation of methyl-tertiary- butyl-ether (MTBE) and tert-butanol (TBA) in situ in the environment in the contaminated soil and water together or separately which comprises:
(a) adding an effective cell count of a mixture of Pseudomonas putida selected from the group consisting of Pseudomonas putida NRRL-B-18117, NRRL-B-18118 and mixtures thereof which degrade the MTBE and TBA in the contaminated soil over time so as to degrade the MTBE and TBA.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the Pseudomonas putida are a mixture of Pseudomonas putida NRRLB-18118 and NRRL-B-18117.
3. The method of claims 1 or 2 wherein the soil is contaminated with gasoline which is remediated along with the MTBE and TBA.
4. The method of claims 1 or 2 wherein a minimal medium is provided with the Pseudomonas putida which enables the Pseudomonas putida to degrade the MTBE and TBA.
5. The method of claims 1 or 2 wherein an oxygen source is provided in a minimal medium for the Pseudomonas putida .
6. The method of claims 1 or 2 wherein the cell count is between 10 6 to 10 12 CFU.
7. The method of claims 1 or 2 wherein the Pseudomonas putida are added sequentially over a period of days until the MTBE and TBA are degraded.
8. The method of claims 1 or 2 wherein the soil and water is in the environment which is at a gasoline delivery site.
9. The method of claims 1 or 2 wherein the cell count ratio of NRRL-B-18117 and NRRL-B-18118 is between about 1 to 10 and 10 to 1.