Green Chemistry principles vis-�-vis Healthy Practices for College Chemistry Laboratories

Dr. K. Devendravijaya; Dr. G. Durga; Dr. P. Mangaveni; Dr. P. Bhushanavathi; Dr. P. Sarada

Volume : IV, Issue : XII, December - 2015

Green Chemistry principles vis-�-vis Healthy Practices for College Chemistry Laboratories

Dr. K. Devendravijaya, Dr. G. Durga, Dr. P. Mangaveni, Dr. P. Bhushanavathi, Dr. P. Sarada

Abstract :

Social and economic behaviour of the ever increasing human population has become a major hurdle in accomplishing the goals of UNEP. Government of India has framed key policies for adoption in the management of environment and natural resources. Supreme court of India, on its part, has made environmental education mandatory from KG to PG fostering sensitisation on environmental issues and motivation towards cleaner environmental goals in Gen.nxt. Green chemistry forms an integral part of UGC model curriculum for undergraduate colleges offering chemistry. Chemistry education involves theoretical as well as experiential learning. Students pursuing chemistry at UG level are expected to understand theoretical concepts in the class room and apply the same in the laboratory experimentation. Experimentation sometimes involves use and generation of hazardous chemicals. The 12 green chemistry principles propounded by Anastas & Warmer in 1998 are taught with suitable illustrations in the theory classes but seldom practised in college laboratories. Whereas Green Chemistry principles are of recent origin, laboratory procedures adopted for experimentation are age old. The Greener experimental procedures developed by the DST task force committee are still in oblivion. We preach but we do not practice. This paper aims to indentify and highlight adoptable economic, ergonomic and ecofriendly laboratory practices which are in compliance with the 12 green chemistry principles, fostering heightened efficacy in teaching and practicing green chemistry for accomplishing greener environmental goals.