Environmental chemistry education: Beyond the horizon of present knowledge

Abstract

Paper describes approach for consideration by chemistry departments to promote environment chemistry beyond chemistry, particularly when interest in science education is gradually declining among the students. Other than development of a vision of education in environmental chemistry the challenge lies in taking chemistry out of the laboratory and showing the students its importance in the world around us. This is true as environmental chemistry is nothing but interface between chemical behavior of the atmospheric, hydrological and terrestrial systems and human activity. It should not be confused with green chemistry which seeks to reduce potential pollution at its source. Popularization by way of rich examples in course contents on how pollutants behave in environment and have an impact on humans can be a way forward. This approach will help students understand, how they can apply their chemistry education to the principles and practices of environmental and industrial control thus enhancing their carrier-prospective.