Heteroaromatic compounds and their biodegradation products in creosote-contaminated groundwater

Creosote contamination of groundwater in the vicinity of old gasworks and woodtreatment facilities is a well‐known problem. Risk assessments typically include measurements of mono‐ and poly‐aromatic compounds and phenols. The content of nitrogen‐, sulphur‐ and oxygen‐containing heteroaromatic compounds (NSO) and their degradation products is seldom determined, although they often are strong smelling, toxic, and have high solubilities and hence constitute a potential for ground‐water contamination. This paper reviews state of the knowledge regarding the analysis of NSO and their degradation products, and their occurrence and fate in groundwater under various redox conditions to assess their potential as groundwater contaminants at creosote‐contaminated sites.