Reduction of benzo[a]pyrene with acid-activated magnesium metal in ethanol: A possible application for environmental remediation

► In this study we examine the use of Mg-ethanol for the partial reduction of PAHs at room temperature. ► The reduction of B[a]P occurred after the activation of Mg with acetic acid. ► This reducing system transformed 94% of B[a]P and produce six hydrogenated derivatives in 24 h. ► This technique can be a cheap alternative to current PAH remediation and hydrogenation methods.