The Environmental Chemistry Division of the American Chemical Society was created in recognition of the growing importance of water treatment and sanitation to societal well-being.  Environmental chemists played important roles in the second and third revolutions in urban water systems through their research on disinfection byproducts and cultural eutrophication.  As population growth, climate change and a growing recognition of the adverse impacts of urban water systems on aquatic ecosystems create a need for a fourth urban water revolution, environmental chemists must turn their attention to sustainable solutions.  In particular, efforts to obtain drinking water from new sources, such as wastewater effluent and urban runoff, will require us to apply our knowledge to the control of contaminants in engineered treatment processes and managed natural waters.   Other challenges associated with urban water systems will require us to develop closer partnerships with other disciplines, including other divisions of ACS.

Ten decades of fostering revolution: Safe urban water courtesy of ACS

248th National Meeting (2014)

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