Benzofluoranthene [sum b+j+k]
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with four six-membered rings and one five-membered ring
In the samples of the German Environmental Specimen Bank, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[j]fluoranthene and benzo[k]fluoranthene are determined together.
The substances are present in fossil fuels and are formed during the incomplete combustion of organic materials. They are detected in automobile and industrial emissions, in tobacco smoke, and in food. In the atmosphere, they are predominantly particle-bound and can enter soils and waters through wet and dry deposition.
Benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[j]fluoranthene and benzo[k]fluoranthene are persistent in the environment and accumulate strongly in environmental compartments. Benzo[k]fluoranthene is classified as a substance of very high concern under REACH. It is carcinogenic, persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) and very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB). Benzo[b]fluoranthene and benzo[j]fluoranthene are also mutagenic and carcinogenic in animal studies and are classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
The three substances are on the EU list of PAHs, which are recommended for monitoring. Benzo[b]fluoranthene and Benzo[k]fluoranthene are also among the 16 PAHs included by the U.S. EPA in the list of priority pollutants (EPA list).
Specimen
-
Common mussel species as invasive animal in rivers and lakes with high information level for water pollution
-
Bioindicator in rivers and lakes
-
Fine insoluble mineral or organic particles in the water phase
-
Common brown alga of the coastal areas of the North and Baltic Sea
-
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
-
The only high mountains national park in Germany and an area of the Limestone Alps with international relevance
-
Important, old-industrialised conurbation in Germany.
-
Main water divide between the North- and Baltic Sea
-
Longest river in Germany
-
Germany's first national park
-
National Park in the largest brackish water (Bodden) habitat of the world.
-
National park in the world largest connected sand and mud flats.
-
Fourth largest river basin in Central Europe
-
Region in the chemical triangle of Central Germany
-
Germany's largest forest national park
-
Second highest and largest low mountain range in Northern Germany
-
Germany's largest connected forest area in a range of low mountains
-
The Upper Bavarian Tertiary Uplands are a part of the Southern German Molasse Basin
-
Second largest river in Europe
Sampling period
1985 - 2023