Question

Technician A says that the use of methanol in internal combustion engines has declined over the years. Technician B says that the use of MTBE as a gasoline additive has declined over the years. Who is correct?

Answer 1

Answer:

Both Technician A and B are correct

Explanation:

Methanol is used in internal combustion engines. However, the use of methanol in internal combustion engines has decreased lately even though it was thought to lead to cleaner emissions than gasoline. Methanol internal combustion engines produce formaldehyde which is also an environmental pollutant. Also, the cost of methanol is slightly higher than that of good quality gasoline.

MTBE replaced tetraethyllead as a gasoline additive because the former lead to the emission of particulate lead from automobile exhausts which is a serious environmental pollutant. The use of MTBE has declined over the years due to environmental concerns. It has been banned because it has been found to be a significant groundwater pollutant if gasoline containing MTBE is spilled or leaked at gas stations.