The key difference between green and environmental chemistry associated with green chemistry is a chemical technique, whereas environmental chemistry is a discipline. Green chemistry is waste management. But it includes the management of waste which is produced during a certain chemical process. A discipline means a branch of knowledge. Therefortherefore, environmental chemistry is a branch of knowledge in which we can study chemical aspects of chemistry. This branch of chemistry includes analysis of contaminants in nature and analysis of soil with many other fields.
Green Chemistry
Green chemistry is a chemical technique in which we manage the waste produced from chemical processes. Therefore it entirely includes cleaning up the environment by eliminating chemical waste. Green chemistry is also called sustainable chemistry. In green chemistry, we mainly study using a minimum amount of chemicals during a chemical process and minimizing the generation of hazardous waste.
Importance
Green chemistry has become increasingly important in recent years as we have become more aware of the impact of human activities on the environment.
Goal
Green chemistry aims to reduce the use and generation of hazardous substances and develop safer processes for people and the environment.
There are a set of principles that we use in green chemistry. Paul Anastas and John C. Warner were the people who created these rules.
Prevention
Prevention of waste is better than managing waste.
Atom economy
Try to minimize the materials involved in the chemical synthesis process.
Less hazardous chemical synthesis
The chemical should use less toxic chemicals.
Designing safer chemicals
The final products of the process should be non-toxic.
Safer solvent and auxiliaries
We should avoid auxiliary chemicals wherever it is possible.
Design for energy efficiency
Use minimum energy for the chemical process.
Use of renewable feedstock
Renewable feedback allows it to form less amount of waste.
Reduced derivatives
Minimize the production of unnecessary compounds.
Catalysis
We can catalyze reactions to speed up the process.
Design for degradation
We can design the byproducts of the process to be more degradable.
Real-time analysis for pollution prevention
We should develop analytical methods to further pollution prevention.
Inherently safer chemistry for accident prevention
Choose materials for the process that are non-explosive or non-flammable wherever possible.
Environmental Chemistry
Environmental chemistry is a branch of chemistry in which we study and analyze the chemical processes in nature. It is a discipline of the main branch of knowledge which is important in determining the degree of chemical pollution.
This field mainly focuses on the effects of chemicals on environmental pollution and the reduction of it by using non-renewable feedstock for chemical synthesis processes. It has no rules or principles, but it has parameters to measure the quality of water, air and soil.
Sources of environmental contamination
Environmental contamination can arise from various sources, including industrial activities, transportation, agriculture and household products.
Transport and fate of the chemicals
Environmental chemists study how chemicals are transported through the environment and how chemical reactions, biological processes, and other factors transport them.
Impact on ecosystem
Environmental chemists assess the impact of chemicals on ecosystems and human health by studying their effects on plants, animals and humans.
Management and remediation of contaminated sites
In environmental chemistry, environmental chemists develop strategies for managing and remediating contaminated sites to prevent future contamination and promote ecosystem restoration.
New technologies
Environmental chemists also work to develop new technologies and processes that can be used to minimize the environmental impact on human life. Read about How can Biotechnology help the Environment now.
Strategies
In environmental chemistry, environmental chemists work to develop strategies for the management and change in ecosystems.
Key focus areas
Air and water pollution, soil contamination and hazardous waste management are key areas of focus in environmental chemistry.
- In this branch of chemistry, we study the fate of a chemical species in nature, air, water and soil.
- It also determines the effects of human and biological activities on this chemical.
- This field includes several sub-categories, such as aquatic chemistry, soil chemistry and atmospheric chemistry.
- Also include the study about contaminations. A contaminant is a chemical substance we can find at a higher level than required.
- Contaminants may generate due to either human activities or biological activities. Most of the time, contaminants are pollutants.
- Environmental chemistry focuses on the effects of chemistry on environmental pollution. It is the main difference between green chemistry and environmental chemistry.
- Accesses the effects of chemicals on ecosystems and human health.
- Develop strategies for the management and remediation of the contaminated sites.
