Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous contaminants formed through the incomplete combustion of organic matter. Their hydrophobic nature and persistence can ultimately lead to their accumulation in soils, particularly at industrial sites where direct contamination occurs. Many PAHs are known or suspected human carcinogens and, as a result, 16 parent (unsubstituted) PAHs have been classified as ‘priority’ pollutants by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). In 1980, the USEPA initiated the Superfund Program to manage the clean-up of contaminated, hazardous waste sites that pose risks to human health and the environment. The clean-up process is complex, from preliminary assessment and site investigation to site reuse and redevelopment, and can use any number of remediation strategies (or combinations of strategies), depending on the level of contamination, the compounds involved, and site characteristics. Our laboratory has focused on predicting the formation, measuring the presence, and determining the toxicity of PAH transformation products during bioremediation and thermal treatment of PAH contaminated Superfund site soils. The goal of our research is to provide guidance for Superfund managers regarding the use of appropriate remediation strategies to minimize the formation of these hazardous breakdown products.

Everything I ever needed to know about PAHs I learned from Ron Hites

2019 Spring National Meeting

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