POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC-HYDROCARBONS IN THE E NVIRONMENT - PROPERTIES, ORIGINS, FATE

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are environmental contaminants produced in particular in combustion processes. As a consequence of th eir genotoxicity and ubiquity, they are the subject of an important re search activity. After a presentation of the chemical structures and o f the main physico-chemical and biological properties of these compoun ds, the current knowledge regarding their presence in the environment is summarized. The geochemical criteria of the different origins, pyro lytic, diagenetic and petroleum of PAH are presented. The respective c ontributions of their various emission sources are discussed, as well as the transfer and diffusion in the environ ment, the modifications u ndergone and the ultimate fate of these compounds. The qualitative and quantitative distribution of combustion PAH in soils in different env ironmental situations is presented.