Removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by different physicochemical methods: A mini-review

Abstract

PAHs are persistent organic pollutants spread worldwide in our environment, including air, soil, and water. They are a large class of organic pollutants released mainly from anthropogenic sources, including automobiles and incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, power plants, and natural sources like forest fires and volcanic eruptions. In recent years, a variety of treatment methods have been used to degrade PAHs in the environment. This paper reviewed the most frequent physicochemical methods for PAHs removal, including solvent extraction/soil washing, oxidation, ozone, solidification, and supercritical fluid extraction. The findings showed that combining physicochemical methods can be an effective option for better cleanup of PAH from contaminated areas.