Styrene evaporates when exposed to air. It dissolves only slightly when mixed with water. Most releases of styrene to the environment are to air. It can also evaporate from water and soil exposed to air. Once in air, styrene breaks down to other chemicals. Microorganisms that live in water and in soil can also break down styrene. Because it is a liquid that does not bind well to soil, styrene that makes its way into the ground can move through the ground and enter groundwater. Plants and animals are not likely to store styrene.