IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute

Fuel spills pose significant environmental risks, particularly to drinking water sources and aquatic ecosystems. Thecomposition of fuels has changed over the decades to reduce fossil greenhouse gas emissions. In Sweden, althoughthe number of spill incidents has declined, with around 600 cases reported annually, there remains limitedknowledge on the environmental and health impacts of modern fuels.

This study aimed to address this gap throughcomprehensive chemical analysis and ecotoxicological assessments of 31 fuel samples, including petrol, diesel, fueloil, and marine gas oil. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), we determined 53 substances,including aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, ethers, esters, and 17 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Akey focus was on forming a stable water-accommodated fraction (WAF) to isolate non-dissolved fuel elementsfrom water, which is crucial for assessing subsurface aquatic life and drinking water production impacts. Resultsindicated significant differences in fuel odor profiles, with ethers enhancing odor intensity. Petrol componentsshowed higher water solubility than diesel, partly due to ethanol. Ecotoxicological tests revealed varying toxicityacross fuels, with petrol showing the highest toxicity to aquatic organisms, although activated sludge exhibitedresilience.

Fuels containing water-soluble ethers posed the highest risks to drinking water, while modern diesel wasof lower concern due to its low solubility and toxicity. In freshwater ecosystems, petrol and hydrophobic toxins infuel oil had severe effects during spills. Overall, this study offers critical insights into the environmental impact of common fuels, supporting improved risk assessment and management strategies for spill mitigation and water resource protection.