Abstract: Methyl tert-butyl ether(MTBE)is widely used as an additive to gasoline,for increasing oxygen content and reducing tailpipe emission of pollutants.With the benefit to air quality,it also produces some problems to aquatic environment and human health due to leakage of gasoline storage tanks and a high stability and mobility of MTBE in ground water.The toxicity and effect of MTBE on the ecosystem and the environment were reviewed,the current status of prevention and control of MTBE pollution introduced,and the research directions in the future forecasted.