Ympäristögeokemian

Environmental geochemistry is the branch of geoscience that studies the distribution, cycling, and transformations of chemical elements in the Earth’s environment. It integrates principles of chemistry, geology, biology, and physics to understand how natural processes, human activities, and climate change alter the chemical composition of soils, waters, rocks, and the atmosphere. The discipline emerged in the early twentieth century, driven in part by the need to assess the impact of mining, industrial pollution, and agricultural practices on ecosystems. Key concepts include redox reactions, acid-base equilibria, adsorption–desorption phenomena, and isotopic fractionation. Researchers employ a range of analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry, X‑ray fluorescence, inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, and remote sensing to quantify elemental concentrations and trace the movement of contaminants or nutrients. Environmental geochemists investigate processes like weathering, soil formation, groundwater contamination, and the mobilization of heavy metals and radionuclides. Their work informs risk assessments, remediation strategies, and policy decisions related to water quality, air pollution, and land management. Global initiatives, such as the World Geochemical Exploration Programme, collaborate to map element distributions and trace the fate of pollutants across biogeochemical cycles, thereby advancing sustainable environmental stewardship.