Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Aquatic Environment: A Rudimentary Approach

Contaminants of emerging concerns (CECs) can be broadly defined as chemicals recently detected in the environment and may pose public health or ecological risks. Most of these comprise synthetic organic compounds (emerging organic contaminants (EOCs)) such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, flame retardants, plasticizers, etc. Over the past two decades, EOCs have become an area of increasing interest in environmental research because of the concern about their potential impact on environmental and human health. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a diverse group of hydrophobic organic compounds composed of fused aromatic rings. They are a class of endocrine-disrupting chemicals/carcinogens that occur in oil, coal, and tar deposits and are produced as by-products of fuel burning (whether fossil fuel or biomass). PAHs show very high hazardous potential, and long-term exposure to them could lead to endocrine and reproductive system disruption and, eventually, even to cancers. More than hundred PAHs are found in the environment and they have many structural isomers. Out of this, 16 PAHs are listed as priority pollutants by the USEPA. Due to its acute hazardous potential, it is very important to study. This chapter discusses the classification, sources, transport, and hazardous effects of PAHs in the aquatic system.