Χημεία Περιβάλλοντος - Σκοποί και Μελέτες

Environmental Chemistry - Overview

• Environmental chemistry studies the origin, reactions, transport, and ultimate fate of chemical substances in the air, water, and soil; as well as their impact on human health and the environment.

Recommended Bibliography

• Environmental Chemistry by Colin Baird (2nd edition, ISBN: 0716731533)
• Basic Concepts of Environmental Chemistry by Des W. Connell (2005 edition, ISBN: 1566706769)
• Environmental Chemistry by Meredith E. Newman (January 2005 edition, ISBN: 1566705274)
• Environmental Chemistry by Stanley E. Manahan (8th edition, ISBN: 1566706335)
• Principles of Environmental Chemistry by Roy M. Harrison (2007 edition, ISBN: 0854043713)
• Bio-inorganic Chemistry by R. W. Hay (1987 edition, ISBN: 085312200)
• Περιβαλλοντική Χημεία; (2016 edition, ISBN: 9789605244484)
• Οικολογία – Οικοσυστήματα και Προστασία του Περιβάλλοντος (2014 edition, ISBN: 9789602661215)

Environmental Chemistry Subdivisions

• Organic chemistry
• Inorganic chemistry
• Analytical chemistry
• Physical chemistry
• Biology
• Toxicology
• Biochemistry
• Public health
• Epidemiology

Components of Environmental Pollution

• Water
• Air
• Solid Waste

Atmospheric Structure

• The troposphere is the lowermost layer where temperature decreases with altitude; its composition is more dynamic due to mixing and interaction with the Earth's surface.
• The stratosphere features a warm layer, which is a major consequence of ozone formation, characterized by a gradual increase in temperature with altitude.
• The mesosphere and thermosphere experience decreasing temperature with altitude.

Atmospheric Structure - Detail

• The troposphere is the most important region for air quality and weather variations, since most air pollutants and meteorological events occur here.
• Temperature within the troposphere decreases with increasing altitude.
• The stratosphere is characterized by the presence of the ozone layer, which filters harmful ultraviolet radiation.
• The mesosphere and thermosphere are further layers of the atmosphere with varying temperature and density gradients, not as significant for studying air quality compared to the troposphere and stratosphere.

Ozone

• Ozone (O3) is a triatomic molecule composed of three oxygen molecules, which can exist as both a primary and secondary pollutant.
• Ozone is formed in the stratosphere by the action of ultraviolet radiation on oxygen (O2) molecules.
• In the troposphere, ozone is a pollutant with negative effects on human health and ecosystems.
• Ozone can be destroyed by certain chemicals, like halogens, and this is a major cause of concern regarding environmental pollution.

Ozone Depletion

• Ozone depletion is a major environmental issue, primarily driven by human activities that release ozone-depleting substances (ODS) into the atmosphere.
• Ozone depletion has serious consequences, as it allows more harmful UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface, potentially increasing risks to human health and the environment..
• The Montreal Protocol is an international agreement aimed at phasing out the production and consumption of ODS to protect the ozone layer.
• There is evidence that ozone depletion is recovering as a result of the Montreal Protocol.

Atmospheric Pollutants - Primary

• CO
• CO2
• SO2
• NOX
• CH y

Atmospheric Pollutants - Secondary

• Ozone (O3)
• PAN
• PM10
• PM2.5
• UFPs

Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health

• Respiratory system issues.
• Cardiovascular system issues.
• Neurological system effects.
• Reproductive system effects.
• Cancer.

Environmental Impact of Air Pollution

• Acid rain
• Ozone depletion
• Climate change