What is the environmental impact of gasohol?

Answer 1

• Ethanol fuel mixtures have "E" numbers which describe the percentage of ethanol fuel in the mixture by volume, for example, E85 is 85% anhydrous ethanol and 15% gasoline.
• Low-ethanol blends, from E5 to E25, are also known as gasohol, though internationally the most common use of the term refers to the E10 blend.
• Link below shows that:

With the recent switch to Ethanol as a gasoline fuel oxygenate ("Gasohol") after MtBE became problematic to the groundwater systems across the United States, we are embarking into a new era. It has been theorized that Gasohol can: a) cause light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) to become more mobile; b) increase the solubility of BTEX in groundwater; c) create a significant

demand on oxygen and other electron acceptors to reduce natural attenuation abilities of the groundwater system and increase dissolved phase plumes; d) increase levels of methane in groundwater and soil as aerobic processes are changed to anaerobic; and e) reduce the hydrocarbon absorption ability of soil in the unsaturated zone. In addition, Ethanol put UST systems to the test with equipment compatibility, increased loose scale build up, increased loose

sediment, and water. Most issues were handled through research, cleaning, increased filter changes and water management practices. However, the alcohol can put a strain on weak portions of an UST system, resulting in a release.