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VOL. 7, ISSUE 2 (2025)
A review on the occurrence, fate and remediation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors
Manmohan Krishna Upadhyay, Tuhar Mukherjee, Debarshi Mondal
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent
organic pollutants characterized by fused aromatic rings and low aqueous
solubility, making them highly resistant to environmental degradation. Informal
electronic waste (e-waste) dismantling has emerged as a significant source of
PAHs, particularly in developing countries where open burning and uncontrolled
thermal recovery are common practices. These activities release a complex
mixture of low- and high-molecular-weight PAHs into soils, sediments, and air,
resulting in contamination hotspots with profound ecological and human health
implications. PAHs are lipophilic, strongly adsorb to organic matter, and
bioaccumulate through trophic levels, increasing their carcinogenic and
mutagenic risks. Their distribution and persistence in various environmental
matrices are influenced by molecular structure, hydrophobicity, and
environmental conditions. This review incorporates current knowledge on the
occurrence, fate, and environmental behaviour of PAHs. It also includes
detection and characterization techniques, including GC-MS, HPLC, and other
methods, essential for risk assessment. Furthermore, the paper examines
remediation strategies—physical, chemical, and biological approaches. The
review mentions limitations, like low bioavailability of high-molecular-weight
PAHs and site-specific variability, and proposes integrated remediation
frameworks combining chemical and biological processes. Addressing these
challenges is crucial for mitigating PAH contamination and sustainable
management of e-waste recycling hotspots worldwide.
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Pages:17-24
How to cite this article:
Manmohan Krishna Upadhyay, Tuhar Mukherjee, Debarshi Mondal "A review on the occurrence, fate and remediation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons". International Journal of Environmental and Ecology Research, Vol 7, Issue 2, 2025, Pages 17-24
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