Chemistry for Engineers 2

CHEMISTRY OF THE
ENVIRONMENT
MPS Department | FEU Institute of Technology
 OBJECTIVES

▪ To discuss environmental chemistry;

▪ To understand global warming and other types of pollution;
▪ To understand chemical reactions and processes occurring in soil; and
▪ To understand environmental cycles involving chemistry.
CHEMISTRY OF THE
ATMOSPHERE
 OBJECTIVES

▪ To discuss environmental chemistry;

▪ To understand environmental cycles involving chemistry.
The supportive atmosphere, the energy
received from the sun, and an abundance
of water are all factors why there is a rich
life on earth. And behind all this is the
understanding of Chemistry at the heart
of environmental processes and issues.
https://images.app.goo.gl/CuSZt3r2m3VpBxLm7
Atmosphere refers to
the gases surrounding a star or
planetary body held in place by gravity.

A body is more likely to retain an

atmosphere over time if gravity is high
and the temperature of the atmosphere
is low. https://images.app.goo.gl/PidLTjPvBx6tFoNw8
Approx. wt: 5.3 x 1018 kg

The temperature and composition of the

atmosphere varies with altitude, and the
atmosphere is divided into several
regions.

https://images.app.goo.gl/PidLTjPvBx6tFoNw8
• Thinnest layer (10 km)
• Most active region that contains
almost 80% of the total mass of air
and all the water vapor
• Where all the dramatic events of
weather occurs – rain, hurricanes,
lightning
• Temperature decreases with
increasing altitude (inverse) https://images.app.goo.gl/xqqYVXf3DmLGf2at5
• 10 km – 50 km
• Above the tropopause
• Consists of nitrogen, oxygen, and
ozone
• Temperature increase with altitude
(direct)
Result of the exothermic reactions induced
by UV radiation from the sun
• 275 K at 50 km https://images.app.goo.gl/J7DTPp6VVPgRifk3A
• 50 km – 80 km
• Low concentration of ozone and
other gases
• Temperature decreases with
increasing altitude (inverse)
https://images.app.goo.gl/G2KZfZpW3JFHD5CE8
• 80 km – 500 km
• A.k.a. IONOSPHERE
• Uppermost layer
• Temperature increase with altitude
(direct)
Result of bombardment of molecular
oxygen and nitrogen and atomic species
by energetic particles (electrons, protons)
from the sun https://images.app.goo.gl/QMBSjX6GZeQPNUMN6
All boundaries between adjacent regions are
indicated with the suffix “-pause” (i.e.
Stratopause and Mesopause). These boundaries
are important because gases mix across them
relatively slowly.

Example: pollutant gasses from the troposphere

enter the tropopause at a very slow rate.

https://images.app.goo.gl/uZzEEtyX1DToCpz47
https://images.app.goo.gl/njLrM99A7UAXiMqL6
https://images.app.goo.gl/x4cZc7uUj3RrcwMj8
A natural process in which elements
are continuously cycled in various
forms between different
compartments of the environment
(e.g., air, water, soil, organisms).

https://images.app.goo.gl/JvLiKkQYazWgbxLn6
The carbon cycle is the process in
which carbon travels from the
atmosphere into organisms and the
Earth and then back into the
atmosphere. Plants
take carbon dioxide from the air
and use it to make food. Animals
then eat the food and carbon is
stored in their bodies or released as
CO2 through respiration.
https://images.app.goo.gl/tUzoi8HdssGNWxAf7
The nitrogen cycle is a
repeating cycle of processes during
which nitrogen moves through
both living and non-living things:
the atmosphere, soil, water, plants,
animals and bacteria.

https://images.app.goo.gl/w73hjQy7xpkKEbNT7
In general, the nitrogen cycle has five steps:
1.Nitrogen fixation (N2 → NH3/ NH4+ or NO3-)

2.Nitrification (NH3 → NO3-)

3.Assimilation (Incorporation of NH3 and NO3- into biological tissues)

4.Ammonification (organic nitrogen compounds → NH3)

5.Denitrification (NO3- → N2)

Phosphorus in the environment is mainly
found in rocks, and natural weathering
processes can make it available to
biological systems. After decomposition of
biological waste, it can accumulate in
large amounts in soils and sediments.
Phosphorus is used by humans as a
fertilizer in farmlands and in detergents.
Overuse of phosphorus can lead to
eutrophication.
https://images.app.goo.gl/A1Gzsctkqij5CbRc9
The water cycle describes how
water evaporates from the surface
of the earth, rises into the
atmosphere, cools and condenses
into rain or snow in clouds, and
falls again to the surface as
precipitation.
https://gpm.nasa.gov/education/sites/default/files/article_images/Water-Cycle-Art2A_medium.png
SOIL CHEMISTRY
 OBJECTIVES

▪ To understand chemical reactions and processes occurring in soil

Soil is a mix of varying amounts of
inorganic matter, organic matter, water,
and air.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/courses-images/wp-content/uploads/sites/1842/2017/05/26232337/figure-31-02-01.png
Organic material of soil or humus is
made up of microorganisms (dead and
alive), and dead animals and plants in
varying stages of decay.

The inorganic material of soil is

composed of rock, slowly broken down
into smaller particles that vary in size.
O Horizon - usually two to three inches
deep, has freshly-decomposing organic
matter, humus, at its surface, with
decomposed vegetation at its base.

A Horizon - consists of a mixture of

organic material with inorganic products
of weathering; it is the beginning of true
mineral soil.
https://images.app.goo.gl/eBTAX9iVLBjURvki9
B Horizon - or subsoil, is an
accumulation of mostly fine material
that has moved downward, resulting in
a dense layer in the soil.

C Horizon - or soil base, includes the

parent material, plus the organic and
inorganic material that is broken down
to form soil.
The ideal pH range for many crops is
between 6.5 – 7

When soils are either on the very high or

very low end of this spectrum, a range of
issues can occur. One common issue on
farms is the inability for soil with a high
pH to take up iron, therefore inhibiting
plant growth.
https://grabngrowsoil.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/02/under-performing-crops-225x300.png
Nitrogen (N)
Nitrogen is a key element in plant growth.
It is found in all plant cells, in plant
proteins and hormones, and in
chlorophyll.

Phosphorus (P)
Phosphorus helps transfer energy from
sunlight to plants, stimulates early root https://images.app.goo.gl/DGy7McRr9MkJJafz9

and plant growth, and hastens maturity.

Calcium (Ca)
Calcium is essential for root health,
growth of new roots and root hairs, and
the development of leaves.

Magnesium (Mg)
Magnesium is a key component of
chlorophyll, the green colouring material
of plants, and is vital for photosynthesis
(the conversion of the sun's energy to food https://images.app.goo.gl/1CZbmgeAUza22MZn9

for the plant).

Sulfur (S)
Sulfur is a constituent of amino acids in
plant proteins and is involved in energy-
producing processes in plants. It is
responsible for many flavour and odour
compounds in plants such as the aroma of
onions and cabbage.
https://images.app.goo.gl/GML1R7CzKmJnumnv8
GLOBAL WARMING AND
POLLUTION
 OBJECTIVES

▪ To understand global warming and other types of pollution

HUMAN ACTIVITIES are affecting the
atmosphere and the environment.

When the atmospheric changes are

caused by humans, we call them
anthropogenic events.

https://images.app.goo.gl/BrPmE31kEV3k8V6t5
In June 1991, Mount Pinatubo erupted and
released approximately 10 km3 of material
into the stratosphere causing a drop in the
amount of sunlight reaching Earth’s surface.

This drop caused a temporary 0.5 ⁰C drop in

Earth’s surface temperature. The volcanic
particles remained in the stratosphere for 3
years.
https://images.app.goo.gl/zn2vGnmAvb5ZqJ3Y8
The ozone layer protects the Earth’s
surface from damaging ultraviolet
radiation.

Therefore, if the concentration of ozone in

the stratosphere decreases substantially,
more UV radiation will reach the Earth’s
surface, causing skin cancer and other
photochemical reactions. https://images.app.goo.gl/4P52tJPYgLeXftvbA
Paul Crutzen (photo shown) showed that
naturally occurring nitrogen oxides catalytically
destroys ozone.

F. Sherwod Rowland and Mario Molina

recognized that chlorine from CFC deplete the
ozone layer.

These three were awarded the 1995 Nobel Prize

in Chemistry for their studies on the ozone. https://images.app.goo.gl/dzySZKumArPJCeck6
• substances that are principally CFCl3
and CF2Cl2
• propellants in spray cans, refrigerant
and air-condition gases, and foaming
agents in plastics
• They are insoluble in water, thus are
not dissolved during rainfall.
https://images.app.goo.gl/8fzxbJkSKYpjDYov8
Trade name: Freon

Includes: CFCl3, CF2Cl2, C2F3Cl3, C2F4Cl2

• propellants in spray cans,
• refrigerant and air-condition gases,
• foaming agents in plastics
• Cleaning solvent for electronic circuits

In 1977, nearly 1.5 x 106 tons of CFCs https://images.app.goo.gl/8fzxbJkSKYpjDYov8

were produced in US
Formally known as the Montreal Protocol on
Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a
statute among nations which agreed to reduce
CFC production. More stringent efforts were
made when the signatory states agreed to ban
the use of CFC with exceptions on “essential
use.”

https://images.app.goo.gl/kVn6tjSkM2bW3qmo9
A primary pollutant is an air pollutant
emitted directly from a source.

Examples: NO, CO and unburned

hydrocarbons

https://images.app.goo.gl/jaBmQSwXwALUG8Wc7
SMOG is a primary pollutant which is primarily due
to Nitrogen Oxides.

This smog is common in urban environments when

weather conditions produce a relatively stagnant air
mass. Eventually, they are called photochemical
smog because of the photochemical process
involved in its formation.

Photo is taken on a skyscraper in manila showing

the presence of heavy smog. https://images.app.goo.gl/DcGAURqY6MMVBfzf9
PHOTOCHEMICAL SMOG is formed by the
reactions of automobile exhaust in the presence
of sunlight.

About 50% of the nitrogen oxide emission

comes from cars, buses, and other forms of
transportation which is the primary cause of
Smog.
https://images.app.goo.gl/DcGAURqY6MMVBfzf9
A secondary pollutant is not directly
emitted as such, but forms when other
pollutants (primary pollutants) react in
the atmosphere.

Examples: NO2 and O3

https://images.app.goo.gl/jaBmQSwXwALUG8Wc7
Lawrence S. Brown and Thomas A. Holme (2018), Chemistry for Engineering Students : Cengage
Learning
Roxy Wilson (2018), Solutions to Red Exercises: Chemistry: The Central Science : United Kingdom:
Pearson
Theodore E. Brown, et. al.(2018), Chemistry: The Central Science (14th Edition) : United Kingdom:
Pearson
Unknown Author (2018), Chemistry in Context: McGraw-Hill Education
Chang, Raymond and Kenneth A. Goldsby (2016). Chemistry. New York: McGraw Hill International
Edition.

Online References:
http://chemed.chem.purdue.edu/genchem/topicreview/index.php
http://www.sparknotes.com/chemistry/
http://m.learning.hccs.edu/faculty/laimutis.bytautas/chem1411