BTEX : A Serious Ground-water Contaminant

Abstract

Organic compounds can be a major pollution problem in groundwater. Their presence in water can create a hazard to public health and the environment. One of the most common sources for BTEX-contamination of soil and groundwater are spills involving the release of petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel fuel and lubricating and heating oil from leaking oil tanks. Because of their polarity and very soluble characteristics, the organic chemicals (BTEX) of petroleum products will be able to enter the soil and groundwater systems and cause serious pollution problems. In present study, we report about the BTEX contaminant and their characteristics and also try to provide information on what BTEX's are, why they are a risk to human and environment and how they might be removed through bioremediation from the contaminated site.