Adulteration of the Fuel Sold at Gas Stations in Two Towns in the Eastern Amazon Region of Northern Brazil

Abstract

Purpose:  The aimed witch of this study was to verify the quality of the fuel sold by gas stations in the Amazonian towns of Bragança and Tracuateua (Brazil).   Method:  It were applied physicochemical analyses to verify the anhydrous ethyl alcohol content of samples of gasoline, as well as the specific mass of samples of diesel and gasoline.   Result and conclusion: Just over a quarter (26.47%) of the samples of gasoline collected in Bragança contained more ethanol than permitted by Brazilian law and were thus classified as in non-conformity. Three (75%) of the four gasoline samples from Tracuateua were non-conformity. In addition, 11.76% of the gasoline samples collected in Bragança were less dense at 20 °C than specified by the Brazilian legislation, and were thus considered as in non-conformity. Based on this same criterion, half (50%) of the gasoline samples collected in Tracuateua were also non-conformity. Diesel was the only fuel that presented no alteration in specific mass in either town.   Research implications: There is a lack of academic studies related to this serious problem in the surveyed sites. This pioneering study is of great importance because it will alert local authorities about the problem of marketing fuels that do not meet the current specifications of the Brazilian legislation and whose emission of gases causes atmospheric pollution besides being harmful to life and to the environment.   Originality/value: This study indicated that both types of gasoline (regular and premium) may be subject to adulteration in both Amazonian towns (Pará, Brazil).