Environmental Chemistry Basics

Study Notes

Atmospheric Chemistry: Study of chemical reactions in the atmosphere, including air pollution and climate change
Hydrochemistry: Study of chemical processes in water, including water pollution and treatment
Geochemistry: Study of chemical processes in the Earth's crust, including soil and groundwater contamination
Biogeochemistry: Study of chemical cycles in ecosystems, including the carbon and nitrogen cycles

Inorganic Pollutants: Heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury), acids (e.g. sulfuric acid), and salts
Organic Pollutants: Pesticides, herbicides, industrial chemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): Chemicals that persist in the environment for long periods, including PCBs and DDT

Chromatography: Separation and identification of chemicals in a mixture
Spectroscopy: Measurement of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation
Mass Spectrometry: Identification of chemicals based on their mass-to-charge ratio

Environmental chemistry is crucial for understanding and mitigating the impact of human activities on the environment
It helps develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems, ensuring a healthy environment for future generations

Studies chemical reactions in the atmosphere, including air pollution and climate change
Investigates the effects of human activities on atmospheric chemistry, such as the increase in greenhouse gases

Explores chemical processes in the Earth's crust, including soil and groundwater contamination
Analyzes the movement of chemicals through the Earth's crust and their impact on the environment

Investigates chemical cycles in ecosystems, including the carbon and nitrogen cycles
Studies the interactions between living organisms and the environment, and how they affect chemical cycles

Inorganic Pollutants
- Heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury) can accumulate in the environment and living organisms
- Acids (e.g. sulfuric acid) can alter the pH of water and soil, affecting ecosystems
Organic Pollutants
- Pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals can contaminate water and soil, harming living organisms
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can contribute to air pollution and negative health effects
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
- Chemicals like PCBs and DDT persist in the environment for long periods, causing long-term damage
- POPs can bioaccumulate in living organisms, leading to negative health effects

Photodegradation
- Breaks down chemicals by sunlight, often leading to the formation of reactive oxygen species
- Can be an important natural process for removing pollutants from the environment
Biodegradation
- Breaks down chemicals by microorganisms, often used in wastewater treatment and bioremediation
- Can be an effective way to remove pollutants from the environment
Chemical Weathering
- Breaks down rocks and minerals by chemical reactions, shaping the Earth's surface
- Can release nutrients and metals into the environment, affecting ecosystems

Chromatography
- Separates and identifies chemicals in a mixture based on their properties
- Used in environmental monitoring, pollution detection, and research
Spectroscopy
- Measures the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation
- Used to identify and quantify chemicals in environmental samples
Mass Spectrometry
- Identifies chemicals based on their mass-to-charge ratio
- Used in environmental monitoring, pollution detection, and research to identify and quantify chemicals