Environmental Forensics Aspects of PAHs from Wood Treatment with Creosote Compounds

Abstract

Abstract This article presents a review of forensic methods used for characterizing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and distinguishing whether their source is from the creosote treatment of wood at commercial wood-treating facilities. PAHs constitute about 85% of creosote from the distillation of coal tar and are mainly two- to four-ring compounds, although additives may alter this description. Creosote PAHs vary greatly in mobility and biodegradability depending on the number of rings and the degree of alkylation. Wood treatment with creosote generally involves the use of wastewater lagoons, disposal ditches, or drip collection areas. Creosote PAHs may be distinguished from PAHs of other origin both by chemical fingerprinting and by isotopic analysis. Age-dating sediments may also date creosote releases to surface waters.