Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons as Environmental Pollutants: A review

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent a group of persisting and prevalent environmental pollutants that are harmful to the environment and humans due to their toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic potential. The emission of PAHs into the environment has increased with the increase in demand for petroleum products. The incomplete combustion of organic products such as coal, fuel oil, fire wood etc. remains an important contributor to emission of PAHs; the other sources being forest fires, motor vehicles, volcanoes, refineries and many more. Degradation of PAHs with chemical, photooxidative and biodegradative methods helps to reduce their harmful effects on the environment. Relevant literature has reported biodegradation to be the most cost-effective and environment-friendly method. This review presents the current information regarding the sources, bioaccumulation, health hazards and degradation techniques of PAHs.