Recently, the scientific fields "Ecological Chemistry" and "Environmental Chemistry" have received a wide development. Many principles are similar, and some are even confusing. At the last international conference (Chisinau 2022) devoted to the impact of chemistry on ecology, we showed the similarity of these fields of science and decided to unite these branches into one - "Ecological and environmental chemistry" (E&E Chemistry). That's how the conference was called: the "Ecological and Environmental Chemistry" International Conference.
Certainly, the unification of these two fields, "Ecological Chemistry" and "Environmental Chemistry", represents an important move to improve the protection of the environment and human health. As these two fields are interdependent and influence each other, their integration can help provide a better and more comprehensive understanding of how chemicals affect the environment and life on Earth.
Environmental chemistry has as its object of study actions and substances from the environment; its origin in the registration of their substances, their distribution in air , water and soil or ecosystems, the circuit and the degradation of their substances (Roșcovan, D., et al., 1993).
On the other hand, "Environmental Chemistry" focuses on the study of chemicals present in the environment, including water, soil, and air. It also includes the study of the sources of chemical pollution, the processes of dispersion and transport of these substances and how they can be effectively managed.
And E&E Chemistry involves the use and development of non-toxic, sustainable, economical and environmentally friendly materials and processes. E&E chemistry is concerned with the study of chemicals in the environment and their effects on human health and ecosystems, involving research into chemical processes that occur in air, water, soil, and other natural environments.
A new vision for this field could be to develop more accurate and sensitive methods of detecting and measuring chemicals in the environment and how they affect ecosystems and human health. This could include, for example, the development of sensors and advanced chemical analysis technologies to detect chemicals in very low concentrations, as well as the development of mathematical models and simulations to predict the impact of chemicals in the environment and over time.
E&E chemistry studies the chemical, physico-chemical and biochemical processes that lead to the formation of the chemical composition of the environment suitable for the biological value of habitation.
One of the biggest concerns of E&E chemistry is pollution, which can be caused by a variety of substances of natural and anthropogenic origin, including heavy metals, radioactive substances, pesticides, etc. These substances can have negative effects on humans and the environment, disrupting the ecological balance.
Another aspect of E&E chemistry is pollutant analysis and monitoring. They can be present in the environment because of industrial, agricultural, domestic activities, the burning of fossil fuels and other anthropogenic or natural sources. The most common contaminants include carbon dioxide, methane, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, free radicals, fine and particulate matter, and toxic chemicals such as nitrites, nitrosamines, mercury, lead, and chromium.
Air pollution can cause respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis and can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. Water pollution can affect the quality of drinking water and cause poisoning and gastrointestinal diseases. Soil pollution can affect the quality of crops and lead to the accumulation of toxic substances in food chains.
To prevent these negative impacts, it is important to develop solutions to reduce pollutant emissions and protect the environment. This may include the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy, the development of more efficient and clean technologies, the promotion of the use of green transport, etc.
In addition, E&E chemistry also focuses on the development of green materials, such as bioplastics and green batteries, created based on renewable sources, which are less harmful to the environment than traditional materials.
A new vision for E&E chemistry should include a global and interdisciplinary approach that addresses environmental issues in an integrated and holistic way. This could be achieved through collaboration between researchers, engineers, companies, and governments.
By developing E&E chemistry, using chemical principles and technologies, innovative solutions can be developed to solve environmental problems, thus contributing to a cleaner and healthier future for all.
In conclusion, the development and integration of ecological and environmental chemistry represents an important step towards protecting the environment and human health, and a new vision of this field can help develop more effective and sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
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