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2007 | Buch

Environmental Chemistry

Fundamentals

verfasst von: Jorge G. Ibanez, Margarita Hernandez-Esparza, Carmen Doria-Serrano, Arturo Fregoso-Infante, Mono Mohan Singh

Verlag: Springer New York

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik"

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Über dieses Buch

Environmental issues are growing in importance to the most important political, social, legal, and economic decisions. The book presents chemical analyses of our most pressing waste, pollution, and resource problems for the undergraduate or graduate student. The distinctive holistic approach provides both a solid ground in theory, as well as a laboratory manual detailing introductory and advanced experimental applications. The laboratory procedures are presented at microscale conditions, for minimum waste and maximum economy.

This work fulfills an urgent need for an introductory text in environmental chemistry combining theory and practice, and is a valuable tool for preparing the next generation of environmental scientists.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Introductory Concepts

Frontmatter

1. Introduction to Environmental Chemistry

Abstract

When we see the words “Environmental Chemistry,” several questions come to mind.

What do we understand as Environmental Chemistry?
Why is it important that we understand and know Environmental Chemistry?
What areas of knowledge are related to Environmental Chemistry, and how can we use this concept?

2. Chemistry Fundamentals, Part A

Abstract

From the overview given in Chapter 1 it is clear that many chemical principles are involved in the discussion of environmental phenomena. The next two chapters are devoted to several of these principles, namely: chemical equilibria, acid-base reactions, redox reactions, complexes and complex formation, chemical kinetics, photochemical processes, and radioactivity. The first three are dealt with in this chapter and the rest in the next chapter.

3. Chemistry Fundamentals, Part B

Abstract

In this chapter we deal with complexes and complex formation, chemical kinetics, photochemical processes, and radioactivity. Understanding of these subjects is important in many areas of Environmental Chemistry.

The Chemistry of Natural Environmental Processes

Frontmatter

4. The Chemistry of Processes in the Atmosphere

Abstract

Beautiful blue skies and pink-color sunsets are direct consequences of the existence of an atmosphere. Sunlight scattered by gaseous molecules around our planet is responsible for the blue color of the sky. When we look at sunless sky, the light we observe is mainly scattered light. On the other hand, particulate matter also scatters light but toward the red side of the visible spectrum, and therefore small airborne dust particles produce a spectacular pink-reddish color. In this chapter we discuss the location, composition, and some properties of our atmosphere.

5. The Chemistry of Processes in the Lithosphere

Abstract

In this chapter we give a brief overview of the structure and composition of the Earth, discuss some properties of rocks and minerals, explain the origin of minerals and the consequences of weathering, analyze the dissolution and precipitation of solids, and present key soil phenomena and components.

6. The Chemistry of Processes in the Hydrosphere

Abstract

Water is by far the most abundant liquid on Earth. It comprises between 70% and 90% of the weight of living organisms and covers nearly 71% of the Earth’s surface. It is obvious that without liquid water, life as we know it would not be possible.

7. Natural Biochemical Processes and Organisms in the Biosphere

Abstract

Up to now, we have presented key chemical processes in our environment. Biochemical processes fashioned by different organisms, and the biogeochemical cycles of key elements and water, are also of paramount importance. We proceed now to discuss them.

Effects, Treatment and Prevention of Pollution

Frontmatter

8. Effects of Pollutants on the Chemistry of the Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, and Lithosphere

Abstract

In this chapter we present the main types of useful chemical substances, contaminants, pollutants, and wastes, and give an overview of their key undesirable effects upon the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. In the following chapter, we will deal with their effects on live organisms. The unavoidable overlap with other chapters is addressed in the form of references to the sections where a specific theme is further discussed.

9. Effects of Pollutants on the Biosphere: Biodegradability, Toxicity, and Risks

Abstract

As shown in the previous chapter, numerous pollutants may be classified in terms of the environmental sector on which they make an impact (e.g., air pollutants). They can also be classified according to the transformations that they undergo in the environment (e.g., chemical substances may be biodegradable or recalcitrant, as discussed below). More importantly, they can be classified by the hazards they pose to human health and the ecosystems. The latter aspects are closely related to the chemical structure and characteristics of the discharged substances and their interactions with the environment and its organisms.

10. Physicochemical and Physical Treatment of Pollutants and Wastes

Abstract

Interest in the treatment of pollutants and wastes is not new. For example, the summary report of the papers presented at the Division of Water, Sewage and Sanitation Chemistry at the American Chemical Society National Meeting nearly a century ago (in 1925), stated:

“Probably the greatest interest was shown in connection with the papers concerned with the treatment and disposal of industrial wastes. The proper disposal of such wastes is becoming of increasing importance, and there is no doubt but that many developments may be expected along this line in the near future.”

11. Biological Treatment of Pollutants and Wastes

Abstract

Sewage is composed not only of the waste matter flushed from toilets, but also of the waste collected from all other drains in homes and other buildings. A sewer system brings all the tub, sink, and toilet drains together into larger pipelines and sewers. The final mixture from the collection system is called raw sewage or raw wastewater. Raw sewage contains about 1 part of waste in 1000 parts of water (i.e., 0.1% waste to 99.9% water). The raw sewage output in developed countries is on the order of 600–800 liters per person per day. This means that a community of 100,000 persons will produce 60–80 million liters of wastewater everyday. With storm water, raw sewage is diluted but the pollutants are nevertheless enough to darken the water and give it a foul smell.

12. The Minimization and Prevention of Pollution; Green Chemistry

Abstract

The exact nature of the environmental hazards generated by the release of various synthetic chemicals into the environment is under constant debate. There is little doubt that this debate will continue until science unequivocally resolves the uncertainties in toxicological data (exposure, fate, and transport) and risk analyses.

Backmatter

Titel: Environmental Chemistry
verfasst von: Jorge G. Ibanez
Margarita Hernandez-Esparza
Carmen Doria-Serrano
Arturo Fregoso-Infante
Mono Mohan Singh
Verlag: Springer New York
Electronic ISBN: 978-0-387-31435-8
Print ISBN: 978-0-387-26061-7
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-31435-8