Problems of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons studying in the waters of North-Eastern Caspian Sea

The problems of studying the negative factors of oil and gas activity in the waters of the North-Eastern Caspian Sea are presented. Despite the active anthropogenic activity, the specificity of hydrocarbon pollution in this part of the water area is poorly understood. The approaches to the analysis of the qualitative composition and identification of sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution based on the indicator ratios of kinetic and thermodynamic isomers are presented. These approaches make it possible to identify the source of pollution, but a full assessment requires taking into account the seasonal dynamics of the sta- tus of aquatic systems. Estimates of the migration features of PAHs and their definitions in the aqueous phase are given. The problems of transition and the study of polyarenes to bottom sediments are assessed. The issues of the degradation of PAH and oil products in the aquatic systems of the region are considered, recommendations are given to improve the development of the research base of the reviewed topics.