Toxicity of methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) to California marine life
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ABSTRACT
The sublethal effects of methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) on three southern California marine species was examined by conducting the purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) 3-d embryo development test, the giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) 2-d germination and growth test, and the 7-d mysid (Holmesimysis costata) growth test. In addition, the effects of MTBE on the survival of mysids and amphipods (Grandidierella japonica) were measured. These two species of crustaceans were found to be most sensitive, with a 50% rate of mortality at an MTBE concentration of approximately 150 mg/L. The threshold for toxic effects in the most sensitive species (amphipod) was 37 mg/L. The least sensitive species was the giant kelp, with a 50% reduction in growth at 2,236 mg/L. The highest concentration of MTBE measured in receiving water was less than 0.1% of the threshold effects level for the amphipod, the most sensitive California species tested.