Concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil, moss and reindeer dung collected at Ny-Alesund of the Arctic were measured to investigate their accumulation trends and distribution in the three compartments. Compared with the other regions, the proportions of 2 + 3 ring PAHs to the total PAHs were higher, whereas the proportions of 5 + 6 ring PAHs were lower in the three compartments at Ny-Alesund. Significant log/log-linear relationship was observed between the sub-cooled liquid vapor pressure (p(L)( degrees )) and the soil/moss quotient (Q(SM)). The relation was similar to the relationship between the gas/particle partition coefficient (K(P)) and p(L)( degrees ) of PAHs, implying Q(SM) would be a "mirror image" of K(P). Excellent log/log-linear relationships were observed between Q(SM) and K(OA) as well as between the moss/dung quotient (Q(MD)) and K(OW). The results presented here indicate the physicochemical properties are suitable for characterizing the distribution of PAHs in soil, moss and reindeer dung.