Abstract:Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), being extensively used as brominated flame retardant (BFRs) in a huge variety of commercial products, such as computers, televisions, furniture, etc., have now become a novel class of organic pollutants. Since they are physically added into, rather than chemically bound with products, PBDEs in products will inevitably be released into the environment through production, transport, usage, handling and disposal. Excessive PBDEs released into the atmosphere may accumulate in the soil through deposition. The disposal of PBDEs-containing wastewater and sewage sludge will also lead to PBDEs contamination of the soil. At present, PBDEs have been detected in soil in many places of China. It is, therefore, highly important to conduct research of spatial and temporal distribution of PBDEs in soil. Some PBDEs congeners are banned by the Stockholm Convention and prohibited from being produced and used. The concerns about PBDEs will continue due to their possible adverse effects on wildlife and human beings, persistence in the environment and potentiality for bioaccumulation. Currently the techniques available for remediation of PBDEs-contaminated soils are mostly based on bioremediation and photolysis degradation. A review is presented here of recent researches of PBDEs in soil and their sources, levels, migration and degradation. Furthermore, prospects of and proposals for researches of PBDEs in soil in future are brought forth,with a view to providing some theoretical reference for further in-depth study in this aspect.