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Chem 3400
Environmental Chemistry
Chapter 0:
Introduction to
Environmental Chemistry
Chem 3400 Chapter 00 2
Introduction
“What is environmental chemistry? This question is a
little difficult to answer because Environmental
Chemistry encompasses many different topics. It may
involve a study of Freon reactions in the stratosphere or
an analysis of toxic deposits in ocean sediments. It also
covers the chemistry and biochemistry of volatile and
soluble organometallic compounds biosynthesized by
anaerobic bacteria.
Environmental Chemistry is the
study of the sources, reactions, transport,
effects, and fates of chemical species in water,
soil, and air environments
."
- Stanley E. Manahan. 1991. Environmental Chemistry,
Fifth edition.
Chem 3400 Chapter 00 3
Introduction
definition of “chemical”
chemical (synthetic) vs. chemical substance
(natural)
negative connotation to the public
chemical n(1747): a substance (as an
element or chemical compound) obtained
by a chemical process or used for
producing a chemical effect
Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary
