The 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, included in US EPA Priority Pollutant List, in surface sediments from Huangpu River were qualified and quantified using high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) coupled with photodiode array detector (PDA). On the basis of qualification by retention times, the ultraviolet spectra of 16 PAHs obtained from PDA were used to improve the qualification. Furthermore, benzo [b] fluoranthene, benzo [k] fluoranthene, benzo [a] pyrene and benzo [e] pyrene in sediment samples were identified with the differences of ultraviolet spectra of isomers. The quantitative method for 16 trace PAHs in the sediments was developed. In order to intensify ultraviolet response of target components and reduce those of the interferents, detection wavelengths of 16 PAHs were optimized. The limits of detection were improved further and were from 1.1 to 18.3 ng/g on dry basis, and spiked recoveries from environmental samples were 87% - 113%. Therefore, the quantitative method in this study was sensitive and accurate and was satisfied for the determination of trace PAHs in environmental samples. Finally, the quantitative method was successfully used for the analysis of the surface sediments of Huangpu River. All the PAHs, except acenaphthylene, were detected. The concentrations of the PAHs were 10.1 - 253.0 ng/g and their relative standard deviations (RSD) were less than 10%.