oa A Molecular and Statistical Approach to the Wood-Degrading Fungal Origin of Perylene in Peatlands of Southern Poland

The origin of perylene has been a subject of scientific debate for several decades, with research indicating both anthropogenic and natural sources. While some studies attribute its presence to petroleum and combustion-derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), others propose a terrestrial and diagenetic origin. Perylene has been identified in various depositional environments, including marine sediments, peat, lignite, and soils, where it is frequently associated with low organic maturity. Recent research supports the hypothesis that perylene is derived from wood-decomposing fungi, specifically through the precursor compound 4,9-dihydroxyperylene-3,10-quinone.

A comprehensive study conducted in the upper Odra River basin, Poland, analyzed peat samples to investigate the origin of perylene, with a focus on aliphatic and aromatic biomarkers. Statistical analyses demonstrated a significant correlation between perylene concentrations and wood-type peat, particularly in samples containing alder, spruce, pine, willow, and birch. Ratios of %Pe/SPAI and %Pe/SPAH exceeding 10% suggest a diagenetic origin, whereas a Py/Pe ratio below 9 indicates a biological source. Strong correlations between perylene, periderm, and wood, along with weak correlations with mosses and amorphous organic matter, further support its association with wood decomposition. These findings confirm that perylene in peatlands primarily originates from the metabolic activity of wood-decomposing fungi.