Environmental Chemistry

The book considers some basic chemical concepts, including the structure of the atom, the elements, isotopes, radioactive decay, electronic configurations, chemical reactivity and bonding, the mole as a unit and chemical solution concentration and pH. It then examines such topics as planet Earth and the origin of our environment - the formation of elements and Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere; the Earth as a finite resources - renewable and non-renewable resources; risk and hazards - risk assessment and management and hazard identification; energy, entropy and rates of reaction - an introduction to chemical reactions occurring in the environment; an introduction to the lithosphere and its erosion and pollution; the chemistry of the atmosphere and its pollution; the properties of natural waters and their pollution; organic chemicals and their environmental effects; energy production.