Environmental Chemistry

This module is part of a collection of nine green chemistry teaching modules developed in the early 2000s by a team of faculty (Donna Narsavage-Heald, Trudy Dickneider, David Marx, Timothy Foley, Joan Wasilewski) led by Michael Cann at the University of Scranton and has been migrated to the GCTLC. The subjects of the modules are based on winners of the Green Chemistry Challenge Awards. The modules were used to infuse green chemistry across the curriculum (courses: general chemistry, organic, advanced organic, biochemistry, environmental, industrial, polymer, inorganic, toxicology). Infusion of green chemistry across the curriculum provides students the understanding that green chemistry is not a field unto itself but impacts all areas of chemistry. Having been exposed to many green chemistry examples students are likely to think green in their ensuing careers. The resources are provided as is in their original form, for reference and archival purposes. Therefore some of the material may no longer be current and some links may no longer be active. An interesting project would be to update the material in this module.

This module is primarily adapted for use in an Environmental Chemistry course. This module may also be of interest in Freshman Chemistry (half-life, solubility and concentration units), Biochemistry (biodegradation) and Toxicology (acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, biodegradation). In Environmental Chemistry this module can be inserted into a discussion of pesticides.

The module discusses the use of antifoulants (marine pesticides) to control the growth of fouling organisms on ship hulls. It highlights the environmental and economic consequences of fouling, particularly the use of organotin compounds like TBTO and the subsequent development of less harmful alternatives like SEA-NINE® 211 (DCOI). The green chemistry principles discussed include designing safer chemicals, reducing derivatives, and considering environmental risks in chemical design. Through the development of environmentally preferable antifoulants, the analysis underscores the importance of mitigating the impact of chemical use on marine ecosystems while achieving effective fouling control.

Major funding for this project came from The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation Special Grant Program in the Chemical Sciences. The ACS/EPA Green Chemistry Educational Materials Development Project and the University of Scranton provided additional funding.

This module is also available in Spanish and Portuguese.