Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in terrestrial and aquatic environments following wildfire: a review

Wildfires are a natural landscape disturbance in many climates and forest types, but the cumulative impact of human-caused climate change, historical fire management and suppression, and changing species diversity in forests has led to an increase in the size and (or) severity of wildfires in certain regions across the globe. There are a significant number of research studies on the effects of wildfire on human health, forest ecology, hydrology, and the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. However, research on the impact of wildfire on watersheds including toxicity in aquatic organisms, water chemistry, and fluvial sediment quality is less extensive, focusing primarily on water quality indicators such as nutrients and sediment flux. Recent research has shown that wildfires contribute to the environment significant amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are compounds produced during the incomplete combustion of organic material, and are known to be toxic and mutagenic compounds. The primary objective of this paper is to review the recent literature that pertains to the contamination of surface waters and sediments and source apportionment of wildfire-derived PAHs to determine where research gaps remain. Additional objectives are to assess the use of molecular ratios to apportion PAH sources and, finally, to create a roadmap for future studies in designing and conducting research that seeks to determine sources of wildfire-derived PAHs in water and sediment.

Automated summary

Wildfires are increasing in size and severity in certain regions due to human-caused climate change, historical fire management, and changing species diversity. While research on the effects of wildfires on human health, forest ecology, and soil properties is extensive, there is less focus on the impact of wildfires on watersheds and the contamination of surface waters and sediments. Recent studies have shown that wildfires release significant amounts of toxic and mutagenic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This paper aims to review the literature on the contamination of water and sediment by wildfire-derived PAHs and identify research gaps.