ABSTRACT
Decahydronaphthalene is a natural component of crude oil. Decahydronaphthalene is also a product of combustion and can be released to the environment via natural fires associated with lightening, volcanic activity, and spontaneous combustion. Decahydronaphthalene is emitted to the environment by effluents from petroleum refining and coal tar distillation. The combustion of gasoline and diesel fuels releases decahydronaphthalene to the atmosphere. Limited data suggest that decahydronaphthalene will biodegrade in acclimated aquatic systems under the proper conditions. Decahydronaphthalene is not expected to undergo hydrolysis or photolysis in environmental waters. Decahydronaphthalene has the potential to bioconcentrate in aquatic systems. Based upon the vapor pressure, decahydronaphthalene is expected to exist entirely in the vapor phase in ambient air. In the atmosphere, direct photolysis or hydrolysis of decahydronaphthalene is unlikely to occur. Both marine water and sediment grab samples from oiled and pristine beach areas and mud from an intertidal zone were unable to degrade decahydronaphthalene.
