Lead emissions from the use of leaded avgas in Turkey

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to present the impact of using leaded avgas in piston-prop aircraft, in Turkey. Design/methodology/approach Increasing air traffic directly increases the total amount of consumed aviation fuels (kerosene or avgas). The number of aircraft and traffic that will increase soon will further increase fuel consumption. For this reason, aircraft power generation methods (long term) must be changed or the fuel must be improved (short term). The avgas used in piston-prop aircraft is known to contain lead and as a result, the production or consumption of avgas has adverse effects on human health, the ecosystem quality and resources. Findings The overall human health impact, ecosystem quality impact and resource impact in Turkey were determined to be 2.83 disability-adjusted life years, 1.21 × 10−04 species.yr and $138, respectively. According to the results, although the normalized total effect of Turkey was calculated as 208.18 nkg, 43.89% of the total was observed in the Marmara region. Originality/value The originality is the use of real-time values for all calculations. For the purpose of showing the most impacted or damaged regions in Turkey via a life cycle analysis, a new definition, the normalized total effect in nkg, is defined in this study.