Environmental chemistry is the
scientific study of the chemical and biochemical phenomena that occur in natural places. It should not be confused with
green chemistry, which seeks to reduce potential pollution at its source. It can be defined as the study of the sources, reactions, transport, effects, and fates of chemical species in the
air,
soil, and
water environments; and the effect of human activity and biological activity on these. Environmental chemistry is an
interdisciplinary science that includes
atmospheric,
aquatic and
soil chemistry, as well as heavily relying on
analytical chemistry and being related to
environmental and other areas of science.