Technical Committee Analytics

Water polution potential of mineral oils with high content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Heavy fuel oil and neutral oil extracts)

A data base on highly aromatic mineral oils has been compiled to classify mineral oil products according to their water-pollution potential (water hazard class or Wassergefährdungsklasse, WGK). This activity has been undertaken through the commission for water hazardous materials (Kommission Bewertung Wassergefährdender Stoffe, KBwS).

In this special case, highly aromatic mineral oils containing a high concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Polyaromatische Kohlenwasserstoffe, PAK) were evaluated.

A test method for measuring the elution potential of PAK into water was developed on petroleum products with high viscosity and high freeze point.

This method was applied to determine the solubility of 23 PAK (including 16 PAK according to EPA 610 and 6 PAK according to the German drinking water regulation (Trinkwasserverordnung, TVO)) from heavy fuel oil and neutral oil extract in the aqueous phase.

For the 6 PAK, according to WO, a sum limit of 0,2 μg/I in drinking water is permitted by German legislation. This limit was not exceeded in any of water phases examined.