Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) occurrences in water bodies, extraction techniques, detection methods, and standardized guidelines for PAHs in aqueous solutions

Muhsin RMM 1 , Abd Manan TSB 2 , Bidai J 3 , Mangat MSA 1 , Mohd Hanafiah Z 4 , Gohari A 5 Show all authors , Ahmad N 6 , Ahmad F 6 , Beddu S 7 , Mohd Kamal NL 7 , Mohamad D 7 , Aldala'in SAH 8 , Mustafa MRU 9 , Mohtar WHMW 10 , Hasnain Isa M 11 , Yusoff MS 12 , Abdul Aziz H 12

Affiliations 

  • 1 Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Darul Iman, Malaysia
  • 2 Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Darul Iman, Malaysia; School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300, Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia. Electronic address: tehsabariah@umt.edu.my
  • 3 Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Darul Iman, Malaysia
  • 4 Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; Environmental Management Centre, Institute of Climate Change, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
  • 5 Faculty of Maritime Studies, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
  • 6 Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
  • 7 Department of Civil Engineering, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Jalan Ikram-Uniten, 43000 Kajang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
  • 8 Department of Civil Engineering, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, P.O. Box 20, Ma'an, Jordan
  • 9 Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
  • 10 Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Darul Iman, Malaysia; Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
  • 11 Civil Engineering Programme, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Tungku Highway, Gadong, BE1410, Brunei Darussalam
  • 12 School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300, Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia
Sci Total Environ, 2025 Apr 01;972:179123.
PMID: 40088795 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179123

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a carcinogenic compound comprised of benzene ring(s). They occur naturally. However, the occurrence of anthropogenic PAHs (originates from human activities and man-made structures) may contribute to water pollution, risking the public health and aquatic life. This review describes occurrences of PAHs in water bodies, extraction techniques, detection methods, and standardized guidelines for PAHs in aqueous solutions. Previous research identifies PAH contamination across freshwater bodies due to proximity to pollution sources and hydrological factors. Despite analytical advancements, accurately quantifying and characterizing PAHs in complex environmental matrices remains challenging. Overall, this review supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) no. 6 (clean water and sanitation public) and no. 14 life below water.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Similar publications