A PAH is a chemical compound that contains more than one fused benzene ring and is generally found in petroleum fuels, coal products, and tar. As a group, PAHs have the same properties and behavior as VOCs. Contaminant flow occurs through the same mechanisms as described for VOCs.
PAHs are generally biodegradable in soil systems. Lower molecular weight PAHs are generally transformed much more quickly and are more water soluble than higher molecular weight PAHs. The less degradable, higher molecular weight compounds have been classified as carcinogenic. Other factors affect PAH persistence such as insufficient bacterial membrane permeability, lack of enzyme specificity, and insufficient aerobic conditions. PAHs may also undergo significant interactions with soil organic matter.
The following is a list of common PAHs:
Acenaphthene Acenaphthylene Anthracene Benzo(a)anthracene Benzo(a)pyrene Benzo(b)fluoranthene Benzo(k)fluoranthene Chrysene Fluoranthene Fluorene Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene 2-Methylnaphthalene Naphthalene Phenanthrene Pyrene
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