Biomarker PAHs in the Environment

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) of environmental concern have been described with regards to their origins. The anthropogenic PAHs from primarily combustion are the major sources, however, PAHs from biomass combustion and other natural processes are also important and consist of aromatic biomarkers (i.e., biomarker PAHs). The sources and fate of these PAHs derived from natural products are discussed in this overview. It covers the terpenoid and steroid sources of biomarker PAHs, their occurrence in ancient and contemporary sediments, various modes of formation, and their dissemination in the geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere.