Date: October 28, 2009
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

 

Dr. Reynaldo D. Barreto associate professor of Chemistry

PNC Faculty Member Publishes Article on Effects of MTBE

Westville – Purdue University North Central faculty member Dr. Reynaldo D. Barreto, associate professor of Chemistry, recently had the research paper, “MTBE Contamination of Gasoline and Groundwater in Indiana and the Effects of Legislation” published in “The Journal of the Indiana Academy of the Social Sciences.”

The annual journal publishes peer-reviewed articles representing diverse disciplines that were presented at the Academy's Annual Meeting. Not all articles presented at that meeting are published. Articles accepted for publication are considered to have a significant academic contribution.

Barreto initially presented the paper at the Indiana Academy of Social Sciences 2008 annual meeting.

He has spent years researching and documenting the wide spread effects that the gasoline additive MTBE had as a groundwater contaminant. MTBE came in to widespread use as an octane enhancer in response to the Clean Air Act of 1990.

The Indiana Legislature reacted to the research that has shown extensive MTBE contamination in Indiana , and in 2004 adopted a restriction on the use of MTBE and limited the amount that can be added to gasoline.

However, Barreto's research shows that MTBE is still present in gasoline and causing groundwater contamination even five years after the state restriction has gone into effect. Barreto believes that ultimately the petroleum industry should be held responsible for MTBE groundwater contamination throughout the state of Indiana .

Barreto's knowledge and expertise on this subject has earned him national attention. He has been interviewed by newspapers and television reporters, has lectured on the subject throughout the country and has appeared before a number of panels and committees of experts studying the MTBE problem.

Further information may be obtained by contacting Barreto at785-5200, ext. 5475 or rbarreto@pnc.edu .

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