CBSE Class 11th Chemistry Notes for Chapter 14 Environmental Chemistry

              UNIT 14 ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY
 
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Environmental pollution is the effect of undesirable changes in our surroundings that have harmful effects on plants, animals and human beings.
A substance which causes pollution is known as a pollutant.
 
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
Tropospheric pollution occurs due to:

• Gaseous air pollutants
  • Oxides of sulphur
  • Oxides of nitrogen
  • Oxides of carbons, etc.
• Particulate air pollutants
  • Dust
  • Mist
  • Fumes
  • Smoke
  • Smog, etc.

Stratospheric pollution occurs due to chemicals like CFCs breaking down the ozone causing ozone hole.
 
WATER POLLUTION
Causes of water pollution:

• Pathogens: These are the disease causing agents like bacteria and other organisms.
• Organic wastes: Organic matter such as leaves, grass, etc. also lead to water pollution.
• Chemical pollutants:  These include heavy metals, acids, industrial wastes ,etc.

 
 
SOIL POLLUTION
Causes:

• Pesticides
• Soil erosion

 
GREEN CHEMISTRY
Green chemistry is a way of thinking and is about utilising the existing knowledge and principles of chemistry and other sciences to reduce the adverse impact on environment. Green chemistry is a production process that would bring about minimum pollution or deterioration to the environment.
Green chemistry in day-to-day lives

• Dry cleaning of clothes
• Bleaching paper
• Synthesis of chemicals