This review focuses on the sedimentary records of polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in China and the worldwide. We
provide a global image of sedimentary record of PAHs in different
regions, including their contents, vertical profiles, and possible
sources. Generally, historical PAHs recorded in China, dominated by biomass burning and domestic coal combustion, are moderate on
the global scale with an upward trend while elevated levels of
historical PAHs are usually found in developed countries with a
downward trend. This review ends with some concerns about
historical PAHs in sediments and some directions deserved further
efforts.