Nephrons for the City: Solving the Problem of Used Oils in Colombia

Abstract

Written by a biologist and Director of Biochemical Group, this article analyzes the pollution caused by improper handling of used lubricating oils in Colombia, internationally classified as hazardous toxic waste. The author describes the polluting components of these oils and their proven effects on human health, and documents the scale of the problem in Colombia, where, of an estimated annual consumption of 39.6 million gallons of lubricants, only 38% is collected for reuse. The text highlights inconsistencies in Colombian environmental oversight and presents re-refining technology, already implemented in European countries, as a solution.