Title: Source Apportionment And Biodegradation Of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: A Review
Authors: Ampaire Wycliffe
Twinomuhwezi Hannington
Kerebba Nasifu
Alum Esther
Wanasolo William
Volume: 10
Issue: 3
Pages: 76-99
Publication Date: 2026/03/28
Abstract:
Persistent environmental contaminants known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are produced when organic compounds burn incompletely. Natural sources, such as industrial activities and forest fires, can release them into the environment. For pollution prevention and mitigation to be effective, source apportionment is essential. Pollution can be reduced by PAH biodegradation. Advanced analytical methods like GC- MS and emulsion-specific stable isotope analysis can identify PAHs in environmental samples. PAHs are a major environmental concern, forming from both natural and human activities. Assaying water, soil, and deposition samples helps identify implicit sources, such as petrogenic, pyrogenic, or biogenic sources. These sources are resistant to riding, pyrolysis, and bioavailability independently. PAHs are polyhydroxy composites with physical, chemical, and environmental properties. They can suffer chemical responses, adsorb to organic matter, and be degraded by microorganisms. Strategies to alleviate dangerous PAHs and soot formation in combustion systems are pivotal. PAHs are carcinogens that can cause cancer, reproductive issues, and neurological diseases. Regulatory compliance, civic runoff, stormwater operation, and environmental conditions can alleviate their impact. Biodegradation rates are determined by microbial community composition and co-contaminant relations. Pseudomonas turukhanskesis is a microorganism able to degrade polycyclic sweet hydrocarbons like phenanthrene, anthracene, pyrene, fluoranthene, and benzo(b) pyrene, using them as energy and reducing dangerous composites for organism growth. The USEPA, EU Directive, OSHA, and WHO have established guidelines for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to protect human health and the environment. However, research gaps exist due to high pollution levels in African species, water, and sediment quality. The U.S. government and other organizations set standards for controlling polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentration in the workplace and environment. The World Health Organization sets a lifetime lung cancer risk of 87×10-6 ng m-3, while the European Commission sets a PM10 concentration of 1 ng m-3. Strategies for PAH contamination include strengthening regulatory frameworks, monitoring, public awareness, and research.