Variations in concentrations and compositions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in coals related to the coal rank and origin

► The concentration of extractable PAHs depends on both, coal rank and origin. ► Alkylated 2-3 ring PAHs dominate in all coals independently of their rank and origin. ► In coals of higher rank and different origin monomethylated PAHs predominate. ► PCA performed using PAHs separates coals in 7 groups according to the rank and origin.