Persistent Organic Contaminants in the Environment: PAHs as a Case Study

The paper provides a review of contemporary information on the concentrations, burdens and fate of polycycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) — representing a group of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) — in the atmosphere, sea and inland waters, sediments, soils, wastes, vegetation and food products. The main anthropogenic sources of PAH emission are discussed and the partitioning of PAHs in the natural environment is evaluated. Special attention is paid to terrestrial environment and the data on soil contamination with PAHs are presented. The aspect of biodegradation and bioavalibility of these compounds in soils is discussed widely.