Environmental engineering focuses on protecting the environment by reducing waste and pollution. It relates to chemical engineering through the development of processes and technologies that minimize environmental impact and ensure sustainable practices.
Common methods include physical treatment (filtration, sedimentation), chemical treatment (coagulation, flocculation), biological treatment (activated sludge, biofilters), and advanced treatments (membrane filtration, adsorption).
Air pollution control involves removing or reducing pollutants emitted from industrial processes. Techniques include scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators, filters, and catalytic converters to reduce emissions of particulates, gases, and volatile organic compounds.
Chemical engineers design and optimize processes for recycling, treating, and disposing of industrial waste. They work on developing sustainable methods for reducing waste generation and improving resource recovery.
LCA evaluates the environmental impacts of a product or process from cradle to grave. It helps identify areas for improvement, reduce environmental footprints, and promote sustainable development in chemical engineering.
Common pollutants include heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury), organic compounds (e.g., solvents, pesticides), nutrients (e.g., nitrates, phosphates), and suspended solids.
Chemical engineers develop processes that reduce resource consumption, minimize waste, use renewable resources, and design energy-efficient systems, contributing to sustainable industrial practices.
Environmental regulations set standards for emissions, effluents, and waste management. Chemical engineers ensure compliance, design processes to meet these standards, and work on improving environmental performance.
Green chemistry focuses on designing chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. It promotes safer, more sustainable industrial practices.
Techniques include bioremediation (using microorganisms), phytoremediation (using plants), soil washing (removing contaminants with water or solvents), and thermal treatment (heating to degrade contaminants).