PAHs with 2–4 aromatic rings were found in a paper-making wastewater. Electrocoagulation removed up to 86% of PAHs in the wastewater. Removal of PAHs resulted from electro-oxidation and adsorption to coagulation flocs. Two-ring PAHs were produced from humic- and fulvic-like organics during EC treatment. Transformation of PAHs and other wastewater organics was confirmed by EEM.