Handling of used lubricating oil in Tabasco, Mexico

Abstract

The improper handling of used lubricating oil (ULO) in Tabasco, Mexico, and worldwide is a serious problem posing a high risk of soil and water pollution. Therefore, this study evaluated the handling of ULO in 10 municipalities in the state of Tabasco. Collection sites were chosen by simple random sampling. The ULO collected was assessed for solids, water, oil and density. The results show that small generators have the greatest potential to generate ULO in Tabasco. Huimanguillo, Comalcalco and Cardenas were the municipalities with the highest ULO generation. The ULO with the highest quality for its low water and solids content was collected in Jalpa de Mendez, Comalcalco and Car Dealerships. 1,287 automotive repair shops were tested in the 10 municipalities that were included.