Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were produced by many pyrolitic or combustion processes. They were found in soils, often in high concentrations. Remediation of indu striai sites contaminated by P AHs requires an initial diagnosis of the pollution. In this perspective, an analytical procedure based on UV spectrophotometry was developped and validated with about 80 soil samples. Different exploitation methods of the samples UV spectra enable to develop simple and rapid characterisation tools. A P AH UV index is proposed for the estimation of global P AH concentration. A more accu rate exploitation of the spectra gives an indication on the presence or the absence of sorne individual PAH like benzo[a]pyrene. A maturity index based on a two wavelength approach constitutes an indicator of the potential evolution of soi! contamination in natural conditions. Laboratory methodology was adapted to field analysis and a test kit was designed for this purpose. The test duration is 20 minutes.
