The industrial oil used in vehicles or industrial machinery becomes a very polluting residue. It is so harmful to the environment that it is the first residue for which the European Union showed its concern in the mid -twentieth century. Currently in Spain about 200,000 tons of used industrial oil are generated every year. The polluting potential is huge if we take into account that with only two liters (which is removed in the change of oil from a tourism) are able to contaminate all the water from an Olympic pool and a single liter can contaminate the surface of a football field. In this ecology article, we will talk about the Pollution of the used cars.
Used oil and pollution
It is shown that it is one of the more 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 underground waters, seriously affecting soil fertility making it impossible for cultivation.
If used oils are thrown into the sea, hydrocarbon compounds can last Between 10 and 15 years floating on the waters. However, this polluting power can be avoided if the oil used is extracted, stored and properly treated.
Luckily, the new regulations on used oils, forces lubricant manufacturers to take care of the residue that will produce their products once they have been used. Last year, Sigaus (non -profit entity that deals with treating used oils) recovered 180,000 tons of oil. Two thirds of that amount was regenerated (refined) to obtain a lubricant base again with which to manufacture new oils. Thanks to this treatment, about 80,000 tons of lubricant could be returned to the market. While to obtain that same amount in a first refining process, 28 million oil barrels would be needed.
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