Chemistry is a vast subject that includes several fields in it, and people study chemicals, industries, factors affecting pollution, alternative ways that are environment friendly, etc.
Two such fields of Chemistry are Green Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry. These two fields have their similarities, differences, and interconnection with each other.
Key Takeaways
- Green chemistry is a field of chemistry that focuses on developing chemical processes and products that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.
- Environmental chemistry is a broader field that encompasses the study of environmental chemical interactions, including pollutants and their effects.
- Green chemistry aims to prevent pollution and reduce waste by designing chemical processes that are inherently safe and efficient. In contrast, environmental chemistry focuses on understanding and mitigating the impact of pollutants on the environment.
Green Chemistry vs Environmental Chemistry
The difference between Green Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry is that green chemistry is a chemical technique used for better environmental health, whereas environmental chemistry is a discipline in which the chemical processes of nature are analyzed. Both green and environmental chemistry are the main branches of chemistry that deal with nature.
Green Chemistry is the area of chemistry in which various organizations and bodies focus on finding alternative use of resources to eliminate or minimize the use of hazardous substances that have been proven to severely harm the environment.
Green Chemistry is also known as Sustainable Chemistry.
Environmental Chemistry is the area of chemistry in which we deeply study the biochemical processes in the environment and the impacts of industries and pollution of it.
The study includes all possible sources of environmental contaminants. This field is divided into several sub-categories to find the interconnection of chemistry between aquatic life, soil, and air.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Green Chemistry | Environmental Chemistry |
|---|---|---|
| Refers to | A chemical technique. | A discipline. |
| Aim | To prevent hazardous effects on the environment. | To study and analyze chemical and biochemical phenomena. |
| Principles | It includes 12 principles. | It doesn’t include principles but various other parameters. |
| Vastness | It is limited to only specific studies. | It is a vast field focusing on all environmental aspects. |
| Pollution | It contributes to reducing pollution at its source. | It doesn’t contribute to reducing the pollution at its source. |
What is Green Chemistry?
Green chemistry emerged in the 1990s from various research efforts to control the various hazardous factors causing harm to the environment.
It is the area of chemistry that focuses on finding alternative methods for use of resources to eliminate or minimize the use of hazardous resources that are severely harmful to the environment. Green chemistry is also known as Sustainable chemistry.
In 1998, to practice green chemistry, a set of principles were published on which the whole foundation is based.
There were a total of 12 principles covering aspects such as renewable resources, energy efficiency, waste management, design for degradation, and methods for pollution prevention, etc.
Several international attempts have also been made to signify the greenness of the environment, and green chemistry is now considered a valuable tool for a sustainable environment.
Furthermore, green chemistry has developed impactful alternatives that have also proven to be economically viable in the long term.
Green chemistry is practically applied with the help of green chemistry tools such as green solvents, dry media synthesis, and catalyst-free reactions in organic synthesis, energy synthesis, etc.
The conceptual idea of green chemistry can also be linked with related concepts, including environmental chemistry and its following works it.
What is Environmental Chemistry?
Environmental Chemistry is an interdisciplinary scientific study that includes air, water, and soil quality. This study includes various chemical and biochemical processes that take place in nature.
Quantitative chemical analysis is a common procedure of environmental chemistry, and various analytical techniques include atomic spectroscopy, AAS, Tandem Mass spectrometry, and various electrochemical methods.
Environmental Chemistry first works on all the contaminations that occur in the surroundings. It then identifies the source of contamination, the nature of the problem, how it affects the environment, etc.
After the study presents satisfactory conclusions, other studies, including green chemistry, work on finding a solution for the problem. Thus, environmental chemistry is one of the most important studies, giving birth to many other studies.
Unlike green chemistry, environmental chemistry doesn’t work on published principles but rather on measuring various parameters, including pollutants, contaminants, radiochemicals, etc., that affect the quality of air, water, and soil quality.
The real-world applications of environmental chemistry include working on heavy metal contamination by industries, PAHs in large water bodies, pollutants including hydrocarbon compounds and metals, etc.
The detailed study of environmental chemistry is used by various environmental protection agencies, public analysts, and various other research bodies, etc.
Main Differences Between Green Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry
- Green chemistry is a chemical technique, whereas environmental chemistry is a discipline.
- While green chemistry is limited to only specific goals, environmental chemistry covers all aspects of the environment.
- Green chemistry directly results in pollution reduction at its source, whereas environmental chemistry doesn’t.
- Green chemistry is based on principles, whereas environmental chemistry is based on various parameters that decide the quality of air, soil, and water.
- Green chemistry is applied in green solvents, synthetic techniques, etc., whereas environmental chemistry is applied in organometallic compounds, urban runoff of pollutants, and PAHs.
- https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.1201/9781315160474/environmental-chemistry-stanley-manahan
- http://ccc.chem.pitt.edu/wipf/Frontiers/Zhiyong.pdf
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
The distinction between green chemistry and environmental chemistry is well-delineated in this article, emphasizing the specific domains and contributions of each field. The applications of these studies are crucial in addressing environmental issues at both local and global scales.
The detailed description of green chemistry and environmental chemistry, along with their applications and main differences, offers a comprehensive understanding of their significance in addressing environmental challenges.
The incorporation of references at the end of the article not only adds credibility to the content but also provides readers with an opportunity to delve deeper into the subject matter of green and environmental chemistry. The interdisciplinary approach of environmental chemistry is particularly noteworthy.
This article provides an insightful comparison between green and environmental chemistry, shedding light on the application, principles, and goals of each field. It’s an important read for anyone interested in chemistry and its impact on the environment.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding green and environmental chemistry, offering an in-depth review of their principles, aims, and impacts on the environment. The connections between the disciplines and practical applications are clearly articulated, making it a valuable educational resource.
Green and environmental chemistry play an integral role in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development. The principles of green chemistry are a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of industrial processes.
Indeed, green and environmental chemistry are two critical fields of study that are essential to the preservation of our planet and the conservation of our natural resources.
The summarized comparison table and references make this article a valuable resource for those interested in the study of green and environmental chemistry. The real-world application of these fields extends beyond research, affecting environmental policy and public health.