The Environment Challenges for the Chemical Sciences in the 21st Century (2003) / Chapter Skim
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2 Successes and Discoveries in Environmental Chemical Science
2 Successes and Discoveries in Environmental Chemical Science
Pages 10-21
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From page 10... ...
In the areas of fundamental science and engineering, the contributions fall into the categories of new or enhanced analytical capabilities, advances in fundamental science, and the development of new models and databases. Chemical contributions in the areas of environmental protection and remediation can be classified into technologies for pollution control and remediation and for pollution prevention via synthesis, manufacturing, and process advances.
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From page 11... ...
Similarly, progress in environmental chemistry has driven fundamental science, as illustrated by the vastly improved understanding of the nature of complex bimolecular reactions brought about by investigations of important atmospheric chemical processes. Key contributions include the following: · advances in fundamental understanding of the chemistry of free radicals, which play key roles in a variety of atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial chemical processes; · advances in surface chemistry that have provided a better understanding of reactions on surfaces and in microporous regions; · better understanding of homogeneous gas-phase chemistry; · establishing structure-activity relationships for the activity and fate of chemical species in the environment; · advances in genetics at the molecular level that have made it possible to use bioremediation to clean up environmentally contaminated sites and to understand generic gene-environment relationships in the environment; · fundamental understanding of the internal combustion process, which has led to improved engine efficiency; and · advances in chemically based technologies (e.g., fuel cells, batteries, and photovoltaics)
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From page 12... ...
One of the most important contributions to human health has been the chemical purification of drinking water, which has nearly eliminated water-borne diseases in developed countries.2 Disinfection with chlorine and ozonation have been used to eliminate pathogens, and advances in membrane science have enabled removal of various substances from water. Many of the technical solutions have been developed in response to unexpected problems created by other technical advances.
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From page 15... ...
Some of the contributions include · using life-cycle analysis to identify more clearly where and when environmental impacts occur in the cycle of raw material production and product manufacture, packaging, storage, use, and disposal; · improving existing processes, such as the development of cleaner-burning fuels, for which less exhaust-stream treatment is needed;
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From page 16... ...
Chowdhry) ; · Manufacture of new high-solids enamel for automotive coatings reduces volatile organic compound emissions, reduces odor emissions by 86%, and reduces total raw materials use by 20% (U.
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From page 17... ...
. The Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards Program4 has recognized a wide range of accomplishments that include the following: · Cost-effective production of 1,3-propanediol, a new feedstock for polyesters, using a genetically engineered fermentation pathway (DuPont, 2003~; · Polylactic acid, a polymer for fibers and packaging that is derived from renewable resources (Cargill Dow LLC, 2002~; Waste-free manufacture of an environmentally friendly chelating agent (Bayer Corporation and Bayer AG, 2001~; .
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From page 20... ...
Such interracial processes can be of particular importance for the radioactively contaminated sites that were created over many years in the nation's nuclear weapons program. INTERDISCIPLINARY DISCOVERIES Chemists and chemical engineers do not work in isolation, and much of the work described here has involved collaboration with scientists and engineers in other disciplines.
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From page 21... ...
· Bioinformatics (handling huge databases) ; analysis of high-throughput · Development and implementation of efficient molecular modeling software on advanced computers Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, and Geology · Biogeochemical cycles (carbon, nitrogen, etc.)
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