Enhanced Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether Removal by Mixed Consortium: Performance and Adaptability

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is widely used as a gasoline additive with toxicity and carcinogenicity, has caused environmental pollution worldwide. Biodegradation promising method for the removal of MTBE from contaminated sites. In this paper, three strains high adaptability different degrading characteristics to were cultured. The kinetic models established systematically simulate biodegradation by various at concentrations. Moreover, in synergistic system containing mixture pure was studied. mixed consortium enhanced concentrations (30–50 mg/L), degradation efficiency increased about 20% compared concentration 30 mg/L. Further, degraded nearly times faster than any individual, indicating that co-cultures cultures improved both rate biodegradation. addition, it found effectively removed presence other components, exhibited stronger adaptability, especially low or temperatures. This study supports cultivation remediate MTBE-contaminated environments, either single substrate environments components.