Water content

There is no limit for the water content in gasoline/gasohol in Peru. This parameter averaged 705 mg/kg during the study period. The maximum value of 2,867 mg/kg (critical level) was found in Lima in July 2020; however, ten samples of gasoline were above 1,000 mg/kg between 2012 and 2020. These high values of water could be related to the ethanol content samples. Due to the presence of the hydroxyl group, ethanol exhibits strong hydrogen bonding interactions, very similar to those found in water. This effect means that ethanol is hygroscopic in nature and tends to absorb water that may be present in distribution, storage and in vehicle fuel systems. Bioethanol requires special handling to prevent high water content and the consequent risk of corrosion and microbial growth.