Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!
Industrial oil used in vehicle engines or industrial machinery becomes a highly polluting waste. It is so harmful to the environment that it is the first waste that the European Union expressed its concern about in the middle of the 20th century. Currently in Spain about 200,000 tons of used industrial oil are generated each year. The polluting potential is enormous if we take into account that with only two liters (which is removed in the oil change of a car) they are capable of contaminating all the water in an Olympic swimming pool and a single liter can contaminate the surface of a football field. In this Green Ecologist article, we are going to talk about the contamination of used oil from cars.
Used oil and pollution
It is shown that it is one of the most polluting waste that exist on the planet. Mainly due to its high content of heavy metals and its low biodegradability. Its discharge is capable of contaminating both the soil and surface and groundwater, seriously affecting soil fertility. making cultivation impossible.
If used oils are discharged into the sea, the hydrocarbon compounds can persist between 10 and 15 years floating on the waters. However, this polluting power can be avoided if the used oil is extracted, stored and treated properly.
Fortunately, the new regulations on used oils oblige lubricant manufacturers to take charge of the waste that their products will produce once they have been used. Last year, SIGAUS (a non-profit entity that deals with treating used oils) recovered 180,000 tons of oil. Two thirds of this quantity was regenerated (refined) to obtain a new lubricant base with which to make new oils. Thanks to this treatment, around 80,000 tons of lubricant could be returned to the market. While to obtain that same quantity in a first refining process, 28 million barrels of oil would be needed.
If you want to read more articles similar to Pollution of used oil from cars, we recommend that you enter our Pollution category.
