Chemical Dynamics of Water Pollution

Chemistry has a long history – is it now time to turn our attention to repairing the damage chemical pollution has inflicted on the environment?

The origins of today’s scientific chemistry date to the turn of the 18th century from experimentation on water, combustion, medicine, and the study of heat.

With the experiments of Joseph Priestly, Antoine Lavoisier, Joseph Black, and Robert Boyle, modern-day chemists learned to understand the differences between alchemy and physical science.

Early Chemists

Although modern chemistry is a relatively new undertaking, the basis of chemistry lies within the origins of civilization. Although some recall the alchemists as early chemists, Alchemy originated from shamanic practices–inspiring their art with mysticism.

The first chemists were pragmatists–their discoveries came from necessity. The original science came from the hunter-gatherers who foraged for grubs, berries and discovered properties of the bark of the Willow tree (a source of primitive aspirin).

Other propitious discoveries included utilizing the foxglove plant for angina and the carrot for pigmentation. Moreover, several thousands of years later, primitive metallurgists utilized iron and bronze for plowing the earth and for weapons. Thus, between then and now, the science of chemistry grew to be appreciated and respected.

From soaps and diabetes medications to paints and gasoline, chemistry made our lives better and simpler.

The Dual-Edged Sword of Chemistry

Many lives have been saved, and riches have been amassed from the modern science of chemistry. However, many lives have also been ruined, and our world’s ecosystem is imperiled from a reckless use of chemistry.

Sadly, we have been poor stewards of the bigger picture. Every day, large volumes of chemicals pollute the  water. The sheer volume appears unimaginable, but it has initiated changes in the biosphere.

Organic chemicals include oil spills, agricultural runoff, and litter ranging from plastic bags to automobile tires.

Inorganic chemicals include litter, smoke and ash from coal-powered plants, and toxic metals (Cobalt, Arsenic, Antimony, Tin and Nickel).

This is the dual-edged sword of chemistry–it is a human aspect. Continue reading..