Anna S. Makarova

Green chemistry and Russian industry

Green chemistry is a new area of science and technology aimed at improving chemical processes and thereby avoiding negative impacts on human health and the environment. It is based on careful selection of raw materials for the production of various products, excluding the use of hazardous substances. The results of a socio-logical survey to assess the readiness of domestic enterprises to follow the principles of green chemistry are given in this article.

Systemic approach to the development of green chemistry

Abstract The development of chemistry is closely related to the sustainable development of human civilization. The problems of exposure to chemicals on the human body are complex. Humans are potentially more susceptible to the damaging effects of chemical pollution if they are in a weakened physical or mental state (already in a state of physical or mental stress). One of the approaches, that simultaneously addresses both of the above mentioned issues, is the green chemistry concept. Governmental regulation should be seen as a framework mechanism. We see great potential in using the principles of green chemistry in the framework of the Responsible Care program. Green chemistry is a tool for the sustainable development of chemistry and the chemical industry.

Green chemistry and sustainable development: approaches to chemical footprint analysis

Abstract The methods to monitor the distribution of chemicals in the biosphere and to estimate the impact of chemicals on the biosphere are necessary to reach Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper presents the examples of methods to measure the concentration of heavy metals (including rare earth elements) and to rank them by the level of hazard to human health on different scales. The megacity scale presents the investigation of the impact of heavy metals on the small water bodies using water contamination index (WCI); and the investigation of snow contamination to estimate the level of short-term seasonal emission of heavy metals and rare earth elements. The 2nd part of the paper presents approaches to mitigate the exposure to mercury on the regional scale: the estimation of the current concentrations of mercury in atmospheric air, natural soils, and fresh waters using UNEP/SETAC USEtox model, as well as the estimations of the variations in the concentrations of mercury for the year 2045 in the federal districts of the Russian Federation, based on representative concentration pathways (RCPs) scenario and Minamata Convention scenario.

Global anthropogenic chemicals loads on the environment and the associated chemical footprint and planetary boundaries: a high-resolution regional study

Abstract Chemical pollution is a problem of global importance. Substances of main concern of chemists worldwide are heavy metals. Heavy metals, such as copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), vanadium (V), etc., can pose a serious hazard to the environment and human health. Heavy metals are toxic even at very low concentrations. The methodology, described in this paper, considers a migration of chemical pollutants in the environment, in conjunction with the approach used in the Russian regulatory system. Estimations of Maximum Available Concentration overrun show that calculated and experimental data agree to a good extent, particularly for mercury contamination in freshwater bodies. In this study, due to the necessity to obtain data on heavy metals content in water, soil and air, based on available data on emissions, it was decided to use the USEtox model for the simulation of the redistribution of chemicals among such environmental compartments as urban air and air of settlements, fresh waters and coastal sea waters, ocean, agricultural soils and other soils. The USEtox model was chosen because it is available in the free access and its structure can be modified if needed (the model is executed in MS Excel), in addition there is a positive experience in using this model in the combination with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The algorithm of the calculation of the mass transfer coefficients of chemicals in the hydrosphere and atmosphere, with the use of GIS, is described. This algorithm will provide large amounts of data on the intermedia transfer and transportation of chemical substances with water and air flows and their accumulation in various environmental compartments on a global (the planet Earth) and regional scale for the high-resolution of 0.5°×0.5° grid. In this paper, the case study for the Leningrad Region (the Russian Federation) is presented.

Estimating chemical footprint: contamination with mercury and its compounds

Abstract Chemical pollution is a problem of global importance. However, there are currently no agreed approaches for integrated environmental impact assessment (EIA) of chemical effects at global scale. We present a new systems-based approach to EIA of chemicals. Our methodology considers propagation of chemical pollutants in the environment, in conjunction with the approach followed in the Russian regulatory system. To estimate chemical footprints related to environmental contamination by potentially toxic substances, measured environmental concentrations were combined with results from the UNEP-SETAC scientific consensus model USEtox, which is recommended for and widely applied in life cycle impact assessment. Our approach was tested using the example of mercury, which has been shown to be a hazardous pollutant at regional and global scales. Results show that the main contribution to the overall chemical footprint of mercury and its compounds is related to releases into aqueous bodies from human activities. Estimations of Maximum Available Concentration overrun show that calculated and experimental data agree to a good extent, particularly for mercury contamination in freshwater bodies. Discrepancies between calculated and actual data are mainly due to extrapolated data used for model validation, averaged data applied to entire Russian Federation districts, the omission of industrial soil as a separate model compartment, and not accounting for cumulative damage from emissions in previous years. These aspects will inform future efforts to refine the methodology. The results of this study were presented to the Ministry of the Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation. It is planned to use these results as one basis for prioritizing action on sources of environmental mercury contamination and as a benchmark for minimizing such impacts.

Estimation of the phosphorus loading with consideration for the planetary boundaries (for the Russian Federation as an example)

Abstract Some scientists believe today that problems related to phosphorus entry into fresh-water bodies may be more important for setting the planetary boundary. Excessive entry of biogenic elements (especially phosphorus) into water bodies and water streams causes their eutrophication. This process may cause a decrease in the light transmittance of surface water layers and other consequences for ecosystem and humans. In this paper the results of model application for the estimation of the phosphorus content in fresh waters of the Russian Federation regions are presented. The method for the estimation of the phosphorus amount in fresh water was developed on the basis of the dynamic model. Phosphorus loading is most characteristic of regions that have developed types of agriculture which cause increases the rate of mineral phosphorus entry into erodible soil.

Phosphorus within planetary boundaries

ABSTRACT In this paper the screening calculations of the removal time of phosphorus from water bodies of federal districts of Russia are presented. Calculations are made using the matrix algebra based approach and are applied as a tool for the estimation of the fate of phosphates in different environmental media (water, air, soil, biota, etc.). The results show that the use of phosphate fertilizers is sometimes quite high in the most vulnerable federal districts. It means that the application of fertilizers in order to increase the yield of agriproducts should be accompanied by detailed assessment of the risks of eutrophication. Calculations have shown high vulnerability in the district of the Lake Baika. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT