Revisiting the analytical determination of PAHs in environmental samples: An update on recent advances

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives are legislated contaminants ubiquitous in the environment with well-established determination analytical schemes. However, the determination of PAHs is not exempt from being improved by the application of newly developed methods and therefore needs to be reviewed periodically to establish the state of the art. Thus, in this article, we critically review the sample preparation and instrumental methods for determining PAHs in air, water, sediment, soil, biota and microplastics developed in the last 10 years. The advantages and challenges of different analytical techniques, including classical and innovative approaches used to quantify and characterize PAHs are discussed. To conclude, future trends and challenges to be overcome are examined.