Date of Award
3-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Department of Systems Engineering and Management
First Advisor
Willie F. Harper, Jr., PhD
Abstract
Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) is a volatile, soluble, organic compound introduced to gasoline within the United States as a fuel oxygenator in 1979. MTBE is a common groundwater pollutant due to its high water solubility and resistance to bio-degradation; it commonly infiltrates groundwater sources via leaking underground storage tanks or fuel spills. This research employed ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced advanced oxidation process (AOP) to treat MTBE contaminated water at the bench scale. Using four H2O2:MTBE molar peroxide ratios (100:1, 200:1, 400:1, 500:1), MTBE degradation was induced in a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and quantitively analyzed via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS). Using calculated pseudo-first-order rate constants (ks) as a performance metric, the molar peroxide ratios of 200:1 and 500:1 resulted in high levels of MTBE degradation, producing ks values of 0.0460 min1 and 0.0403 min1, respectively. Statistical analysis determined the optimal molar ratio to be 200:1 (average ks=0.0460 min1) due to no statistical difference between the 200:1 and 500:1 molar ratios, resulting in up to 50% MTBE degradation. Potential degradation pathways and byproducts were theoretically evaluated using Density Functional Theory (DFT). Tert-butyl Alcohol (TBA), Tert-butyl Formate, Methanol, and Acetate were designated potential degradation byproducts, with TBA acting as a potential hydroxyl scavenger and limiting MTBE degradation. The results contained within this research will serve as a baseline for utilizing AOP for groundwater pollutant remediation.
AFIT Designator
AFIT-ENV-MS-24-M-147
Recommended Citation
Neal, Aaron R., "Advanced Oxidation of Methyl Tert Butyl Ether with Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diodes" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 7799.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/7799
Included in
Environmental Chemistry Commons, Environmental Engineering Commons, Water Resource Management Commons
Comments
A 12-month embargo was observed for posting this work on AFIT Scholar.
Distribution Statement A, Approved for Public Release. PA case number on file.