A brief review is completed on the chemical oxidation of PAHs contaminated soils. Previously, the adsorption and extraction processes are also documented and discussed. The tree main technologies reported in the specialised. literature include the use of ozone, hydrogen peroxide (with or without ferrous iron addition) and high temperature pressurized water (both in sub- and super-critical conditions) in the presence of an added oxidant like hydrogen peroxide, oxygen, persulfate, etc. Each process is detailed by the influence of the main operating variables reported in the literature (i.e. presence of organic matter, soil type, reagents dosage, etc.), the kinetics and the description of integrated treatments (i.e. chemical oxidation + biodegradation). (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.