Quantitative analysis plays a crucial role in environmental science by measuring the amounts of pollutants, nutrients, and other chemical substances in air, water, and soil. Here are some real-world applications:
1. Water Quality Monitoring
- Measuring heavy metals (like lead, mercury, cadmium) in drinking water using ICP-MS or AAS.
- Determining nitrate, phosphate, or fluoride levels to prevent contamination or eutrophication.
- Monitoring pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity for ecosystem health.
2. Air Pollution Analysis
- Quantifying particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) in the air.
- Measuring gases such as CO, CO₂, NOx, SO₂ using gas chromatography or spectrophotometric methods.
- Tracking volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in industrial or urban areas.
3. Soil Analysis
- Measuring nutrient content like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for agriculture.
- Detecting toxic metals and pesticides that may affect crops or groundwater.
4. Wastewater Treatment
- Monitoring chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) to evaluate water treatment efficiency.
- Measuring residual pollutants and heavy metals before discharge into the environment.
5. Environmental Forensics
- Quantifying contaminants to identify sources of pollution (industrial spills, agricultural runoff, etc.).
- Tracking chemical markers in soil, water, or sediments to study pollution patterns.
6. Climate and Atmospheric Studies
- Measuring greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O) to study climate change.
- Quantifying aerosol particles to assess their effect on sunlight absorption and weather patterns.
In short:
Quantitative analysis in environmental science helps monitor pollution, assess ecosystem health, ensure safety of water and air, and guide regulatory decisions by providing accurate measurements of chemicals and contaminants in the environment.