Which aspect of chemistry addresses the impact of pollutants on the environment?

Environmental chemistry specifically focuses on the study of the chemical and biochemical phenomena that occur in the environment. This discipline examines various pollutants, their sources, reactions, transport, effects, and fate in the air, water, and soil. By understanding the chemical processes that pollutants undergo and their interactions with the environment, environmental chemists can assess the impact on ecosystems and human health. This field is critical for developing strategies to mitigate pollution and promote sustainability.

Other branches of chemistry, such as organic chemistry, primarily deal with the structure, properties, and reactions of carbon-containing compounds, but do not specifically emphasize environmental impacts. Physical chemistry is more focused on the principles of thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum chemistry, applying them to understand physical properties and behaviors rather than addressing environmental concerns directly. Analytical chemistry involves the techniques and methods used to determine the composition of substances and can be applied in environmental studies, but it does not inherently address the environmental implications of pollutants.