The Determination and Levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Source and Treated Waters

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) form a class of organic compounds which has been shown to be ubiquitous in the environment. They are detectable in air, foodstuffs, soil, sediments, water and in many products and wastes from industrial activities. The concern over PAHs is that many have been shown to be carcinogenic to animals and substantial data exists which incriminates them as being carcinogenic to man (International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1973; Jones and Matthews, 1974). It has been estimated that at least 80% of cancers in man originate from environmental substances (Higginson, 1968). Thus, if contact with such substances can be reduced by reduction of their presence in the environment then a significant decrease in the incidence of cancer could follow.