Toxic effect of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) and formaldehyde (FA) on microbial activity and diversity was compared in rice field, leek patch, and tidal mud flat soil samples. MTBE, TBA and FA with different concentrations were added into microcosms containing these soil samples, and placed at room temperature for 30 days. Then the microbial activities such as dehydrogenase and viable cell numbers and microbial community using a DGGE (Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) fingerprinting method were measured. Among the samples, dehydrogenase activity in rice field was inhibited the most by MTBE, TBA and FA. The toxic effect was higher according to the following orders: FA > MTBE > TBA. Dominant species in the microcosms contaminated with MTBE, TBA and FA were Chloroflex, Bacilli, gamma-proteobacteria in the rice field sample, Sphingobacteria, Flavobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacilli, gamma-proteobacteria in the leek patch sample, and Sphingobacteria, Flavobacteria, delta-proteobacteria, gamma-proteobacteria in the tidal mud flat sample.