Biodegradation and toxicological evaluation of lubricant oils

Abstract

The aim of this work was to compare different toxicity levels of lubricant oils. The tests were performed using the earthworm (Eisenia andrei), arugula seeds (Eruca sativa) and lettuce seeds (Lactuca sativa), with three types of contaminants (mineral lubricant oil, synthetic lubricant oil and used lubricant oil) for various biodegradation periods in the soil. The toxicity tests indirectly measured the biodegradation of the contaminants. The samples were analyzed at t0, t60, t120 and t180 days of biodegradation. The used lubricant oil was proved very toxic in all the tests and even after biodegradation its toxicity was high.The mineral and synthetic oils were biodegraded efficiently in the soil although their toxicity did not disappear completely after 180 days.

Evaluation of physicochemical and tribological properties of chaulmoogra (Hydnocarpus wightianus) oil as green lubricant base stock

“…2–5 Spilling and leakage of used oil and lubricants can harm the fishes, wildlife and vegetation. 6 Considerable reduction in toxic contamination due to the lubricants is possible if mineral oils are replaced by vegetable oils. However, cold flow properties, oxidative stability and hydrolytic stability are inferior and need improvement for the application of vegetable oil as green lubricants.…”

Influence of grease formulation parameters on the tribological property of rice bran oil based lubricating grease

“…The international agencies for research on cancer, a subsidiary of the World Health Organization, have identified mildly treated or untreated mineral oils as carcinogenic in nature. This is harmful to humans, aquatic life, and nature in general (Tamada et al, 2012). In the case of large spills, the biodegradability of mineral oil is another concern that points toward some environmental problems.…”

Evaluation of physiochemical and tribological properties of rice bran oil – biodegradable and potential base stoke for industrial lubricants

“…At the end of 20th century, people realize the toxicity and non biodegradability of mineral oils. The spilling and throwing of used mineral oil are real threats for fishes, plants and wild life (Tamada et al, 2012;Aluyor and Ori-jesuee, 2009). The physiochemical properties of sand are changing due to the presence of mineral oils (Kayode et al, 2009).…”