A review of occurrences and treatment of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in water

The scope of PAH contamination of raw, finished, and distributed waters is reviewed. The concentrations of PAHs in drinking water sources range from nanogram to microgram-per-liter quantities. Conventional treatment (flocculation, sedimentation, chlorination, and filtration) appears to substantially reduce total PAH concentrations present at higher concentrations in source waters. A major factor in this reduction is the removal of PAHs adsorbed onto particulate matter. The role of chlorination is not clear and reactions of PAHs with chlorine may in fact produce products which themselves are deleterious. Activated carbon can further assist in PAH removal. However, it may be inappropriate for treatment of PAHs present at low concentrations. Water entering the distribution system can become recontaminated via contact with reservoirs and pipes coated with coal-tar or asphalt based products.