Sources and Fates of Atmospheric Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are produced by the combustion, under fuel rich conditions, of almost any fuel. Although a few PAH with vinylic bridges (such as acenaphthylene) are lost, most PAH are quite stable in the atmosphere and eventually accumulate in environmental sinks such as marine sediments. Spatial and historical measurements of PAH in sediments indicate that these compounds are stable, conservative markers of man's energy producing activities.