The strategy of environmental and geochemical inorganic research

Some recent Canadian work in the field of environmental and geochemical inorganic chemical research is briefly reviewed. The difficulty of geochemical research is emphasized. The basic concept of chemeostasis is explained. More information will be required on stability constants of heavy metals, including Hg and VO22+, with carbonate, chloride and hydrosulphide ligands as a function of temperature. Studies of metal binding by clays, hydrous oxides and humic materials are planned. It is suggested that the teaching of inorganic chemistry in Canada could have a geochemical orientation. (N.D.H.)