Environmental chemistry

Abstract

This chapter is intended to be a transfer station between the first part of this book, the fundamental of instrumental analysis and the second part, which will deal with the environmental applications. Environmental chemistry is the study of the sources, reactions, transport, effects, and fates of chemical species in water, soil, and air environments, and the effects of technology thereon. Environmental chemists may in more than one group. The first group works on the monitoring, and study the ways of prevention of environmental deterioration. They work together with industrial or production authorities to help in complying with environmental regulations (WHO, EPA, UNEP, etc.). They work with industrial processes to insure that targets for environmental emissions and discharge are achieved. Agricultural participation in environmental pollution must also be considered. Infiltration of residual pesticides and fertilizers need to be monitored as a potential source of soil and water contamination. Even green and traditional practices of manure application are accompanied with the release of nutrients like phosphate into surface waters and cause eutrophication.