Research Progress on the Influence of Low-molecular-weight Organic Acids on the Environmental Behavior of PAHs in Soil

As a group of hydrophobic organic pollutants with ″three genicity″ effects, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil can exist steadily for a long time and are difficult to be degraded. The environmental behavior of PAHs depends on their interaction with different soil components. Low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs), as the main components of root exudate in soil, can affect the environmental behavior of PAHs by influencing the soil environment. The effects of low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) on the environmental behaviors of PAHs in soil such as adsorption-desorption, and aging were reviewed. LMWOAs affecting the environmental behaviors of PAHs through their effects on soil organic matter, soil structure and soil microorganisms were discussed. By summarizing the research achievements in this field in recent years, the deficiencies of the existing research were pointed out and the research trend in the future was forecasted, which would be helpful to promote the effective treatment of PAHs contaminated soil.