Definition of Environmental Chemistry

Environmental Chemistry studies the chemical processes that take place in nature, whether natural or caused by man and that compromise not only human health, but that of the entire planet.

Environmental Chemistry had its origins in Classical Chemistry and became an interdisciplinary science because it involves other subjects such as: Biology, Ecology, Geology.

This part of chemistry studies the changes that occur in the environment, more precisely, the chemical processes that involve these changes and that cause serious harm to humanity.

In Brazil, the last few decades have been marked by an increase in citizens' awareness of the damage caused by inappropriate human activities. Whether in industries or in their own homes, these activities have generated effluents and residues: solids, liquids and gases, which end up having their final destination in the atmosphere, soil and water.

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As these transformations threaten the environment, there is a great concern to understand the processes that involve it. Environmental chemistry exists just for that, to encompass the mechanisms that define and control the concentration of chemical species that need to be monitored. Therefore, they expand the horizons of conventional chemistry, creating partnerships with other areas such as

Toxicology and Sanitary Engineering.

This study is important to understand the chemical aspects of the problems that we human beings create in the environment where we live. This same environment a few years ago before the pollution processes started, it was a natural environment, that is, without pollutants.

By Líria Alves
Graduated in Chemistry

Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:

SOUZA, Líria Alves de. "Definition of Environmental Chemistry"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/quimica/definicao-quimica-ambiental.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.