Abiotic transformation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons via interaction with soil components: A systematic review

Natural attenuation is a major ecosystem function allowing to abate soil organic contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Biodegradation of PAHs classically considered the driver natural attenuation, yet role abiotic transformation, including photodegradation, chemical oxidation, formation non-extractable residues, and polymerization, has been overlooked due lack investigations until recently. This paper reviews dissipation in soils by processes photodegradation oxidation catalyzed inorganic minerals matters. The components on degradation rates, pathways, mechanisms are discussed. products transformation their potential risks also described. Abiotic transformations mainly controlled interactions between clay minerals, metal oxides/hydroxides, matter. PAH proceeds both direct indirect photolysis processes, which enhanced presence photosensitizers, for example, matter, photocatalysts, oxides/hydroxides. can be chemically/catalytically oxidized MnO2, FexOy, without light irradiation. Overall, depends electron-donating properties, mineral electron-accepting pH, temperature, moisture, oxygen content. Following elucidation transformative mechanism, knowledge understand impact biodegradation delineated. Future needed advance correlation laboratory generated rates field applications, applications based proposed.