Dr. Heather Hopgood
The Environmental & Plant Biology Colloquium Series presents Dr. Heather Hopgood on “What is Green Chemistry?” on Friday, Feb. 3, at 11:50 a.m. in Porter Hall 104.
Hopgood is a Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Ohio University.
Abstract: Advancements in chemistry have brought amazing expansions in most aspects of our society, particularly in modern product developments and through the synthesis of new, life-saving drugs. But there can be a downside to all of this progress that often comes hand-in-hand with the simple act of performing chemistry. A side effect of most chemical reactions is the generation of unwanted chemical waste. Although, some of this waste may be benign, much of it is hazardous chemical waste and requires expensive procedures for proper disposal. Even with the current methods for waste treatment, it is impossible to avoid release of some form of chemical waste into the environment. This release can sometimes have negative effects on organisms in the environment as well as directly or indirectly affecting human health. Green Chemistry is a response to these possible outcomes, applying, in a way, the reduce, reuse, and recycle philosophy to the research and development stages.
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