Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Source, Fate, Anthropogenic Influence, and Health Risks

Dear Colleagues,

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a large group of carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic organic pollutants that can increase the risk of mutations, DNA adducts, and reproductive defects. The worldwide occurrence of PAHs can be attributed to both natural processes and anthropogenic activities. The natural budget of the PAH inventory is mainly contributed by forest fires and volcanic eruptions. However, PAHs and their derivatives predominantly originate from diverse anthropogenic sources. Due to their stable chemical structures and long-range transportation capabilities, PAHs are pervasive environmental pollutants that have been found in different environmental media, including air, soil, water, and sediment. PAHs accumulation in the ecosystem has adverse effects on fish, marine invertebrates, and amphibians. Health risks can be caused by long-term human exposure to PAHs through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. Since anthropogenic activities are the main PAH source, changes in anthropogenic activities can greatly affect the PAH pollution level, multimedia distribution, and related risks. Therefore, to assist PAH mitigation strategies, this Special Issue aims to solicit research related to the influence of anthropogenic activities on the sources, fate, environmental impacts, and health risks of PAHs. We also invite the submission of original research and reviews related to PAH monitoring and analysis.

Dr. Ruifei Li
Guest Editor

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