The photodegradation of the 1-nitropyrene (NPy) has been studied using conventional (Xe and medium pressure Fig lamps) and laser sources (XeCl excimer and Nd-YAG UV). Low energy monochromatic light sources were used to study the early stages of degradation (up to 50% conversion). The medium pressure Hg lamp was used for longer periods of irradiation (up to 6 h) and for greater degradation of NPy. The results of our work confirm that degradation occurs by radical mechanism. Aromatic hydroxymethyl, methoxy, hydroxy and nitroso, derivatives of pyrene (Py) are created by low energy UV irradiation. After a massive UV irradiation, the Py aromatic system is destroyed and more polar low-molecular compounds are generated. The photochemical method described in this paper, based on irradiation by UV lamp, is therefore, suitable for degradation of fused benzene ring(s) and thus should also be effective for degradation of other nitrated polycyclic aromatic compounds. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.