ABSTRACT
Furfural is a naturally occurring compound which is also produced commercially. It may be released to the environment as a fugitive emission during its manufacture, formulation, or use in commercial products. Furfural may also be released to the environment in the smoke from burning wood. If released to soil, furfural is expected to display high mobility and it has the potential to leach into ground water. Limited data suggests that in may undergo biodegradation in soil. Volatilization from the soil surface to the atmosphere may occur; however it is not expected to be a rapid process. If released to water, furfural is expected to undergo microbial degradation, under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Acclimation has been found to increase the rate of biodegradation, and high concentrations of furfural inhibit biodegradation. Furfural is not expected to adsorb to sediment or suspended organic matter, nor is it expected to bioconcentrate in fish and aquatic organisms.
