A review of importance and applications of green chemistry

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: A review of importance and applications of green chemistry
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Author:

Mallikarjun Kote


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: A review of importance and applications of green chemistry

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20238-28156

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Green chemistry is a crucial approach that focuses on designing chemical products and processes aimed at minimizing the use and generation of hazardous substances. This innovative field has made significant strides over the last three decades, emphasizing the importance of reducing chemical waste and pollution at the source. Green chemistry encompasses all aspects of the life cycle of chemical products—from design and manufacture to eventual disposal—aiming for a sustainable and healthier environment.

Principles of Green Chemistry

One of the fundamental concepts of green chemistry is its twelve principles, which serve as guidelines for creating safer and environmentally friendly chemical processes. These principles promote prevention of waste, maximization of atom economy, and minimization of hazards associated with chemical syntheses. They advocate for using renewable feedstocks, avoiding non-essential chemical derivatives, and utilizing catalysts instead of stoichiometric reagents. Ultimately, these principles aim to transform how chemicals are produced, focusing on sustainability and reduced environmental impact.

Applications and Impacts on Health

Green chemistry holds significant contributions to human health through its emphasis on cleaner air and water. By reducing the release of hazardous chemicals into the environment, it leads to fewer respiratory issues and cleaner drinking water supplies. Additionally, it enhances safety in the chemical industry by minimizing the use of toxic materials, resulting in reduced workplace accidents and safer consumer products. This shift also promotes the development of safer pesticides that degrade rapidly, thereby lessening the risks associated with chemical exposure in food and the broader ecosystem.

Environmental Benefits

In terms of environmental impact, green chemistry plays an essential role in reducing the harmful effects of chemicals on ecosystems. The approach emphasizes the use of chemicals that either degrade into harmless substances or are efficiently recovered for reuse. This results in minimized disruption to plants and animals and lower emissions associated with global warming, ozone depletion, and smog formation. Furthermore, the reduction in landfill use, particularly hazardous waste landfills, highlights the potential of green chemistry in mitigating environmental degradation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, green chemistry represents a transformative approach in the field of chemistry that prioritizes sustainability and environmental health. Its principles guide the development of safer chemical processes and products, significantly impacting public health and environmental preservation. As the discipline evolves, the training and education of future chemists will be crucial in promoting the adoption of green chemistry practices. Emphasizing this philosophy in academia will help nurture a new generation committed to devising innovative solutions for sustainable chemical practices.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is green chemistry and its main goals?

Green chemistry aims to design chemical products and processes that minimize or eliminate hazardous substances. It focuses on preventing pollution at the molecular level and improving the environmental impact of chemical processes throughout their lifecycle.

What are the key principles of green chemistry?

The key principles include preventing waste, maximizing atom economy, designing less hazardous synthesis, and using renewable feedstocks. These principles promote safety, efficiency, and environmental friendliness in chemical production.

How does green chemistry benefit human health?

Green chemistry contributes to cleaner air and water, reduces exposure to toxic chemicals, and leads to safer consumer products. This results in healthier environments for both workers and the general public.

What is the importance of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990?

The Act emphasizes the need for source reduction of pollution, promoting practices that minimize hazardous substances before they enter the environment, which aligns with the principles of green chemistry.

What potential environmental benefits does green chemistry provide?

Green chemistry reduces chemical disruptions in ecosystems, limits global warming contributions, and minimizes hazardous waste. It promotes safer chemical usage that leads to a healthier planet.

How can green chemistry impact the economy and business?

Green chemistry can result in higher yields, reduced manufacturing costs, less waste, and improved product performance. These benefits enhance competitiveness and sustainability in the chemical industry.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A review of importance and applications of green chemistry”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Substance:
The plural 'substances' encompasses a variety of chemical compounds, both synthetic and natural. Green chemistry aims to reduce or eliminate harmful substances from chemical processes, thereby minimizing risks to human health and the environment. The focus is on designing substances that are safer and more sustainable.

2) Water:
Water is a vital resource for all forms of life and serves as a solvent in many chemical processes. In green chemistry, reducing the contamination of water sources and utilizing less hazardous chemicals during manufacturing can prevent the pollution of water, ensuring safe drinking and recreational water for communities.

3) Pesticide:
The singular 'pesticide' refers to a chemical agent designed to kill or control pests. In green chemistry, research aims to design pesticide formulations that minimize ecotoxicity and reduce harmful residues, ensuring that they degrade quickly and do not accumulate in the environment, protecting biodiversity and public health.

4) Science (Scientific):
The term 'scientific' relates to the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. In green chemistry, scientific methods are employed to innovate sustainable practices and create eco-friendly chemical processes, contributing to a cleaner and safer environment.

5) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can harm living organisms. In green chemistry, reducing the toxicity of chemical products is a primary goal, guiding the design of safer chemicals and processes that minimize potential health risks to humans and ecosystems. This promotes overall safety and environmental sustainability.

6) Training:
Training refers to educating individuals in specific skills or knowledge. In green chemistry, training the next generation of chemists is essential in promoting sustainable practices, instilling the principles of environmental responsibility and safety in chemical design and processes, ensuring a continued commitment to reducing pollution and hazardous waste.

7) India:
India is a country that has shown significant interest in green chemistry, especially due to its agricultural challenges and environmental issues. The adoption of green chemistry practices in India aims to enhance sustainability, promote cleaner production methods, and ensure safer consumer products, positively impacting public health and the environment.

8) Food:
The phrase 'the food' emphasizes the concern for safe and nutritious food options. In green chemistry, there is a commitment to creating food products that are free from toxic chemicals and pesticides, ensuring consumer safety, environmental health, and the sustainability of food production systems.

9) Fire:
Fire can result from chemical reactions, posing risks in various industries. In green chemistry, minimizing the potential for fires involves designing safer chemicals and processes with lower flammability, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents and improving worker safety in chemical manufacturing environments.

10) Fossil fuel:
The singular term 'fossil fuel' signifies a type of energy source, including coal, oil, and natural gas. In green chemistry, the focus shifts toward minimizing the reliance on fossil fuels, promoting sustainable alternatives that reduce negative environmental consequences, enhance energy efficiency, and support the transition towards cleaner energy.

11) Performance:
In chemical processes, 'performance' refers to the efficacy and efficiency of reactions and product yields. Green chemistry emphasizes enhancing performance through improved methodologies that reduce waste and energy consumption while increasing the output of safer chemical products and processes, ultimately driving sustainability.

12) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulate refers to the build-up of substances over time, which can pose environmental risks. In green chemistry, strategies are established to design chemicals that degrade after use and do not accumulate in ecosystems, eliminating long-term hazards and ensuring environmental safety for future generations.

13) Education:
Education in green chemistry is vital to instilling a culture of sustainability among future chemists. Educational programs focus on the principles of reducing waste and toxicity in chemical practices, ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to innovate environmentally friendly solutions in their careers.

14) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses therapeutic substances or treatments for health. Green chemistry plays a crucial role in developing pharmaceuticals with reduced environmental impact, promoting safer drug manufacturing processes that minimize hazardous waste and toxic materials, ultimately leading to safer medications for patients and less burden on ecosystems.

15) Entering:
The term 'entering' may be related to the introduction of substances into various ecosystems, including water and soil. Green chemistry addresses the need to minimize hazardous chemicals from entering these environments, promoting cleaner production processes that protect natural resources and support ecological balance.

16) Animal:
The singular 'animal' indicates a specific living organism. In green chemistry, considerations are made to develop products and processes that minimize toxicity to individual animals and contribute to their welfare, emphasizing ethical practices that protect public health and environmental integrity.

17) Indian:
Indian refers to anything related to India. Within the context of green chemistry, the Indian approach to sustainable practices emphasizes improving agricultural methods, reducing pollution, and enhancing safety in chemical products, reflecting the country's commitment to balancing development needs with environmental protection.

18) Rules:
Rules represent the established guidelines and principles that govern practices. In green chemistry, rules are essential for ensuring safety and environmental protection in chemical processes, guiding chemists toward innovative solutions that align with sustainability and minimize hazardous waste and pollution.

19) Drug:
The term 'drug' refers to a specific chemical substance used for treating diseases. In the scope of green chemistry, efforts are made to innovate in drug development processes that are safer for human health and the environment, ensuring that the production methods are sustainable and efficient.

20) Soil:
Soil serves as a critical ecosystem component that can be affected by chemical pollutants. Green chemistry aims to reduce harmful substances from entering the soil system, promoting agricultural practices that protect soil health and fertility, ultimately ensuring sustainable food production and environmental preservation.

21) Life:
Life encompasses all biological organisms and their ecosystems. In green chemistry, there is a strong focus on advancing human and environmental health, ensuring that chemical processes foster a productive and sustainable life for all organisms by eliminating hazardous materials and encouraging safe practices throughout the lifecycle of products.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘A review of importance and applications of green chemistry’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Public health, Toxic substance, Green Revolution, Sustainable development, Hazardous chemicals, Consumer products, Environmental Impact, Chemical processes, Chemical hazards, Environmental problem, Chemical product.

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