Comparative Analysis of the Quality of Petroleum Products from different Sources in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

The adulteration of petroleum fractions has its attendant effect in combustion
engines of vehicles, machines and for domestic purposes. Detection of
adulterated petroleum fractions are experimentally determined by the
analysis of physiochemical properties which is done in compliance with known
regulatory standard. Three different petroleum fractions (Gasoline, Diesel,
Kerosene) s amples were collected from a major petrol station,
individual/independent petroleum station, black market and local artisanal
product within new market road, Onitsha, Anambra state. The physiochemical
properties carried out were; Specific gravity, API gravity, viscosity, flashpoint,
fire point, pour point, and cloud point. The tests were carried out according to
American society's standard process for testing and materials (ASTM). The
results obtained indicates that most of the Gasoline and Diesel sampl e obtained
from the individual petroleum station, black market and local artisanal
product from the area under study were generally of good quality except for the
gasoline obtained from the individual petroleum station, which varied slightly
from the ASTM standard. The physiochemical parameters for the kerosene
samples obtained from the black market and artisanal product also show slight
variation from the ASTM standard, suggestive of adulteration.