To answer the question, let's explore the role and scope of environmental chemistry in our daily life and its contribution to managing contamination risks in the environment.
1. Understanding the Concepts:
- Environmental Chemistry: Environmental chemistry is the study of the chemical processes that occur in the environment. It includes understanding the behavior of chemicals in the atmosphere, water, soil, and living organisms. This field helps assess and manage the impact of chemicals on the environment and human health.
- Scope in Daily Life: Environmental chemistry plays a critical role in assessing the risks associated with contaminants in soil, water, and air. It helps in identifying, managing, and remediating contamination to protect both the environment and public health.
2. Breakdown of the Given Options:
- Option 1: "Do not help in classifying contaminated soils as hazardous waste, manage their disposal, and supervise on-site remediation": This statement is incorrect. Environmental chemistry is crucial for classifying contaminated soils as hazardous waste, managing their disposal, and supervising on-site remediation efforts to reduce risks to health and the environment.
- Option 2: "Do not help to assess the risks of contaminants in soil and groundwater": This is also incorrect. Environmental chemistry plays a significant role in assessing the risks of contaminants in soil and groundwater. Through chemical analysis and risk assessment, it helps determine how pollutants impact these resources and how to mitigate them.
- Option 3: "Do help to assess the long-term risks of contaminants in soil and groundwater": This statement is correct. Environmental chemistry is instrumental in assessing the long-term risks posed by contaminants in soil and groundwater, including their persistence, mobility, and potential effects on ecosystems and human health.
- Option 4: "Do not help to undertake corrective strategies": This is incorrect. Environmental chemistry is essential in developing corrective strategies to address contamination, including methods for remediation, pollution control, and sustainable management of environmental resources.
3. Conclusion:
The scope of environmental chemistry in daily life includes assessing the long-term risks of contaminants in soil and groundwater. It helps in managing and remediating environmental contamination through scientific analysis and corrective strategies.
Final Answer:
The correct statement is: "Environmental chemistry does help to assess the long-term risks of contaminants in soil and groundwater."