Pyrene

PYR; Benzo[def]phenanthrene; formula: C16H10; CAS Registry Number: 129-00-0
Structure of pyrene
Source: PubChem
Identifier: 31423
URL: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/31423#section=2D-Structure

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with four connected six-membered rings

Pyrene occurs in fossil fuels and coal tar and is a ubiquitous product of incomplete combustion. It is found e.g. in tobacco smoke, emissions from wood-, oil- and coal-burning ovens, exhausts from engines, and smoked foods.
Furthermore, it is used as starting material in the production of dyes and optical brighteners.

In the atmosphere, it is found in the gaseous phase as well as in the particle-phase. Gaseous pyrene is degraded photochemically, whereas particle-bound pyrene may enter soils and surface waters through wet and dry deposition.
Pyrene is relatively persistent in the environment and is accumulated by organisms.

It is toxic. Due to lack of data, carcinogenicity and other health effects can not be evaluated.

Pyrene is one of 16 PAHs which were included in the EPA-list of Priority Pollutants.

Specimen

  • Common mussel species as invasive animal in rivers and lakes with high information level for water pollution
  • Fine insoluble mineral or organic particles in the water phase
  • One of the most important edible mussel species common in the North and Baltic Sea
  • A major primary producer in semi-natural and anthropogenic affected ecosystems.
  • A major primary producer in semi-natural and anthropogenic affected ecosystems.
  • A deciduous tree typical of ecosystems close to dense conurbations and an indicator for the characterisation of the immission situation during the vegetation period.
  • As the most dominant deciduous tree species in Central Europe, it plays a significant role in most nearly natural and also anthropogenically influenced forest ecosystems up to an altitude of 1100 m.
  • As an organism living at ground level, it is a major driver of the decomposition of organic material (e.g. plant litter).
  • As an organism living at ground level, it is a major driver of the decomposition of organic material (e.g. plant litter).
  • Soil is livelihood and biosphere for humans, animals, plants and soil organisms. All the substances brought in are transported, transformed and/or accumulated in the soil.

Sampling area

Sampling period

1985 - 2023