Phosphorus

Phosphorus is considered a contaminant which is sometimes used as a valve recession additive. It can foul spark plugs and will deactivate catalytic converters. Phosphorus, even at levels as low as 0.1 mg/kg, can contribute to the formation of deposits in fuel injector internal surfaces and nozzles. Injector deposits reduce combustion efficiency and increase emissions. Concern about injector deposits is increasing as the latest nozzle technology with tighter clearances and higher pressures become more widely used in the marketplace, according to the Worldwide Fuel Charter (WWFC). On average the phosphorus content was 0.5 mg/l in 2020, in the samples where it was quantified. The highest value of 0.6 mg/l (0.9 mg/kg) was found in a sample in La Paz province in June 2020.