Degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by the copper(II)-hydrogenperoxide system

A non-enzymic system containing CuSO4 (10 mmol/L) and hydrogen peroxide (10 0 mmol/L) was used for the degradation of three polycyclic aromatic hydroca rbons: phenanthrene, fluoranthene, and pyrene (all at 10 mmol/L). The syste m degraded the compounds rapidly and efficiently. After 1 d at room tempera ture, more than 80 % of pyrene, phenanthrene, and fluoranthene disappeared. Several products are formed during the reaction including a black precipit ate.