Which environmental focus does Physico-Chemical Analysis primarily address?

• A. The living ecosystems and biodiversity in the area.
• B. The social and economic impacts on the community.
• C. The non-living environment, including air quality and hydrology.
• D. The financial viability of the project.

Answer: (C)

Physico-chemical analysis centers on the physical and chemical characteristics of environmental media—the non-living parts of the environment. This means assessing air quality and the chemistry of water and soil, using measurements such as pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, turbidity, and concentrations of pollutants, metals, nutrients, or organic compounds. By focusing on these properties, the analysis describes how contaminants and physical processes shape the environment on a chemical-physical level, rather than studying living organisms or human social/economic impacts. Therefore, the non-living environment, including air quality and hydrology, is the primary focus.