a b s t r a c t
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carcinogenic micropollutants which are resistant to environmental
degradation due to their highly hydrophobic nature. Concerns over their adverse health effects
have resulted in extensive studies on the remediation of soils contaminated with PAHs. This paper aims to
provide a review of the remediation technologies specifically for PAH-contaminated soils. The technologies
discussed here include solvent extraction, bioremediation, phytoremediation, chemical oxidation,
photocatalytic degradation, electrokinetic remediation, thermal treatment and integrated remediation
technologies. For each of these, the theories are discussed in conjunction with comparative evaluation of
studies reported in the specialised literature