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Systematic Approach to Evaluating Trade-Offs among Fuel Options
The Lessons of MTBE
Article first published online: 5 OCT 2006
DOI: 10.1196/annals.1371.068
Issue
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
Volume 1076, Living in a Chemical World: Framing the Future in Light of the Past pages 498–515, September 2006
Additional Information
How to Cite
DAVIS, J. M. and THOMAS, V. M. (2006), Systematic Approach to Evaluating Trade-Offs among Fuel Options. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1076: 498–515. doi: 10.1196/annals.1371.068
Publication History
- Issue published online: 5 OCT 2006
- Article first published online: 5 OCT 2006
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- MTBE;
- methyl tertiary butyl ether;
- ethanol;
- oxygenates;
- alkylates;
- risk assessment;
- life-cycle assessment;
- multimedia assessment;
- comparative assessment;
- comprehensive environmental assessment
Abstract: The fuel additive methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) has been used in an effort to improve air quality in the United States, but other undesirable effects, particularly the contamination of water resources, were eventually judged to outweigh any air quality benefits it may have offered. The experience with MTBE offers many lessons, including the need to evaluate potential positive and negative environmental impacts associated with fuel choices using a comprehensive approach that combines a product life-cycle perspective with the risk assessment paradigm. Such an approach, referred to as “comprehensive environmental assessment” (CEA), is illustrated here by highlighting some of the issues that might be considered in evaluating reformulated gasoline (RFG) produced with MTBE, ethanol, or no oxygenate.