Research Highlight - Avery Demond & Aline Cotel

In the late 1970’s the additive, methyl tert butyl ether (MTBE), was used to oxygenate gasoline mixtures. The comparatively economical solution allowed gasoline to burn more completely, reducing vehicle emissions. However, it was later discovered that MTBE easily polluted groundwater sources when spilled or leaked. Associate Professor Avery Demond ponders, “It seems that … we’re heading in the same direction with ethanol. We’re all jumping on the band-wagon saying ‘This is great’ without looking at the long term consequences on water quality.”

The focus on biofuels at first glance appears to be logical. The resource is renewable, it is relatively non-toxic up to high concentrations, and it is biodegradable. But Demond fears that the bigger picture is being overlooked. “Everybody thinks it’s going to be great because it’s going to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions, period.” She feels that a “holistic assessment of the risks should include not only those of producing the fuel, but also those of its inadvertent release into the environment.”

Associate Professors Aline Cotel and Avery Demond are working to assess the risks associated with biofuels.