**1.3. Release of nitroaromatics in the environment**

The estimated annual production of nitroaromatic compounds is 108 tons (http:www.ucl/agro/ abi/gebi). Chemical industries release these compounds into the environment through various sources, like the use of pesticides and the improper handling or storage of chemicals. The leakage into industrial effluents by improper disposal or through accidental spills by explosive ammunitions are commonly responsible for these compounds to find their way into the environment [27]. A recent example of an industrial accident is from China, where about 100 tons of benzene and nitrobenzene were released to Songhua River because of an accidental explosion in the factory of China National Petroleum, Jilin City, on November 13, 2005 [28].
