Abstract: A method for efficient, economical and rapid remediation of aromatic hydrocarbons, and especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), in contaminated materials, such as soils, sludges, tars, sands and liquids using catalysts in conjunction with ozone, oxidants and surfactants. The method uses multistage catalytic oxidation to convert aromatic hydrocarbons into innocuous, biodegradable, or easily decomposed compounds such as carbon dioxide and carbonyl compounds, including but not limited to aldehydes, ketones, quinones and carboxylic acids. The method may be employed to treat dry and wet contaminated samples of large tonnage and offers an excellent alternative to incineration.