Fast and efficient processes for oxidation and monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental matrices

This study proposes a new approach for the efficient photodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and derivatives. PAH removal was achieved in just a few minutes using a microwave photochemical reactor capable of producing a high concentration of ^•OH (2.3 mmol L⁻¹ h⁻¹). Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy coupled to parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) was used for quantifying two PAH and one alkylated PAH at low concentrations (μg L⁻¹). These results highlight the high potential of the photochemical degradation system coupled to EEM-PARAFAC as an alternative fast, inexpensive, and efficient approach for environmental remediation studies of PAH.