Advancements in Composting Technologies for Efficient Soil Remediation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): A Mini Review

The release of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into the environment has become a serious concern with rapidly increasing human activities. PAHs are one of the hazardous pollutants generated primarily from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, industrial emissions, and the expenditure of vehicles. These toxic compounds are very dangerous to ecosystems and human health due to being persistent, bioaccumulative, and carcinogenic. Composting is considered a form of bioremediation for eliminating PAHs in contaminated soils. The method utilizes microbial communities to break down organic pollutants and is low-cost and environmentally friendly. The efficiency factor depends on many aspects, including soil pH, oxygen, temperature provision, and the diversity of microbes, among others. Thermophilic conditions help in the decomposition of both low- and high-molecular-weight PAHs. This paper focuses on the effectiveness of composting as a bioremediation technology for remediating PAH-contaminated soils and its impact on the environment and human health. Due to its safety and high efficiency, composting should be improved and prioritized for its widespread application as a principal remediation technology for PAH pollution at the earliest opportunity.