Environmental fate of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in coal tar

Coal tar, a byproduct of the destructive distillation of coal, contains high concentrations of Polinuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH). Land disposal of coal‐tar residues has led to extensive groundwater contamination at a number of sites in the U.S. Such contamination is of concern to public health since many compounds in coal tar, including several PAHs, are carcinogens. This paper briefly reviews the physical properties, analysis and associated health risks of PAHs, and presents several case studies of coal‐tar‐contaminated sites. The environmental fate of PAH in coal‐tar residues, particularly biodegradation and transport in groundwater is discussed.