Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
fate and transport of Bitrex in the environment, specifically, the
biodegradability, retardation, and bioaccumulation are not well under-
stood. However, the manufacturers of Bitrex report a biodegradation
half-life, derived under laboratory conditions and temperature of about
20
C, of
45 days (Bitrex, 1998).
2.5 CONCLUSIONS
Applying the hazard assessment guidelines from USEPA's Office of
Pollution Prevention and Toxics, a 1996 study concluded that methanol
is not persistent in the environment because it readily degrades in
air, soil, and water, and has no persistent degradation intermediates
(ENVIRON, 1996). In the event of a catastrophic methanol spill,
methanol would rapidly dilute to low concentrations (
<
1%) and
subsequently quickly biodegrade. If cleanup measures are imple-
mented, they must be instituted at a much faster pace compared to
petroleum spills in order to capture the methanol plume before signifi-
cant dilution. However, the relative speed of methanol's biodegradation
is expected to result in natural cleanup times that are faster than the
active cleanup times for methanol or gasoline releases.
Several additives may be used in methanol. The fate and transport of
each of these additives should be further studied.
REFERENCES
Alliance Consulting International. (2008) Methanol Handling Manual,
Produced for the Methanol Institute, Arlington, VA.
Alexander, M. (1994) Biodegradation and Bioremediation, Academic Press,
Inc., San Diego, CA.
Aronson, D. and Howard, P.H. (1997) Anaerobic Biodegradation of Organic
Chemicals in Groundwater: A Summary of Field and Laboratory Studies.
Report prepared for the American Petroleum Institute, Chemical
Manufacturer's Association, National Council of the Paper Industry for
Air and Stream Improvement, Edison Electric Institute, and American
Forest and Paper Association.
