Photodegradation and biodegradation study of benzo(a)pyrene in different liquid media

The rate of degradation of benzo(a)pyrene in different media has been investigated. Different parameters such as light intensity responsible for photodegradation, temperature, exposure time and the presence of naturally occurring bacterial flora blamed for biodegradation processes, influencing stability of benzo(a)pyrene in various solvents and water have been monitored. Degradation in organic solvents decreased in the following order: dichloromethane>acetonitrile>hexane≥cyclohexane>methanol. In the case of natural waters, the degradation rate course in the following order: pond water>river water>seawater. Benzo(a)pyrene-4,5-dihydrodiol and one of isomers of hydroxy-BaP-dione as products of photodegradation have been detected. BaP-dione-like compound formed during biodegradation was identified.