Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. A review

Abstract

The recent literature describing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air, water, soil and sediment, waste sludge, biomonitoring, toxicity, are reviewed. Aspects of sampling, sample preparations such as extraction of PAHs are discussed and analytical methods used are also reviewed. Developments on direct measurement techniques, such as ultraviolet absorption spectrometry and synchronous luminescence, are noted. This review also discusses the microbial PAH-remediation and PAH-degradation with emphasis on biological and physico-chemical factors influencing the biodegradation.