m
population has resulted in 1) depletion of various resources of earth 2) pollution.
o
.c
Principles of environmental education:
ot
Examine the major environmental issues
sp
discover the root cause
og
l
develop problem solving skills
.b
ve
Public awareness:
Environmental Pollution or problems cannot be solved by mere laws. Public participation is
an important aspect which serves the environmental Protection.
Public awareness of environmental Is at infant stage
30-40% of public of developing country are aware of environmental. Problems but they
do not bother about it.
Ignorance and incomplete knowledge has lead to misconceptions
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
m
only few developmental activities are made considering the environmental Aspects.
o
Need For Public Awareness:
.c
ot
The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held at Reo de Janeiro
sp
in 1992 (popularly known as „Earth Summit‟) and world summit on sustainable development at
Johannesburg in 2002, have highlighted the key issues of global environmental concern. They
have attracted the attention of people.
log
.b
Any government at its own cannot achieve the goals of clear environment until the public
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participate in action. Public participation is possible only when the public is aware about the
ecological and environmental issues. Eg. Ban- the littering of polythene.
u si
2. Among public through mass media- environmental programmmes through TV, radio etc.
.e
Role of NGOs
w
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Concept Of Ecosystem:
Living organisms cannot be isolated from their non-living environment because the later
provides materials and energy for the survival of the farmer. An ecosystem is therefore defined
as a natural functional ecological unit comprising of living organisms and their non-living
environment that interact to form a stable self supporting system .
Eg. Pond, lake, desert, grassland, forest, etc.
Ecosystems
m
Ecology – earnest Haeckal- 1869 –derived from „oikos‟ – home , logy – study
o
-deals with the study of organisms in their natural home interacting with their surroundings.
.c
ot
Ecosystem – Tansley (1935) – self regulating group of biotic communities of species
sp
interacting with one another and with their non-living environment exchanging energy and
matter
Ecosystem characteristics
og
l
.b
behavior and status in the ecosystem – producers or consumers – how do they get their food.
ex
Structure of Ecosystem
ee
3. Energy components.
w
Abiotic Components:
Abiotic components enter the body of living directly or indirectly take part in
metabolic activities and return to environment.
Abiotic components are as follows
1. Atmosphere –The cover of air that envelopes the earth is known as atmosphere. Compostion
– Nitrogen-78%, oxygen- 2%, other gases- 1%
2. Lithosphere or Interior of Earth – Solid Earth –Radius 6371- density -5.5
3. Hydrosphere – 97% earth‟s water is in oceans – Fresh water – 3%.
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Structure of Atmosphere:
Five Layers
1. Troposphere –lower portion – extends from 0-18 kms, temperature-
2. Stratosphere -18- 50 kms- Temperature (-2ºC to -56ºC )- Ozone layer
3. Mesosphere- extends from 50-85 kms- Temperature drops to (-95ºC)
4. Ionosphere or Thermosphere –extends up to 500 kms. Temperature – raises up to 1200ºC
5. Exosphere – extends up to 1600 km- temperature very high due to solar radiation.
Functions of Atmosphere:
It maintains heat balance on the earth by absorbing IR radiation.
m
Oxygen – support life on living organism.
o
.c
Co2 - essential for photosynthetic activity of plants.
ot
N2 - essential nutrient for plant growth.
sp
Interior of Earth or Lithosphere:
Three major Zones
l og
.b
2. Mantle – average density 3.3 – Thickness – 2860 – density increases with depth.
u
3. Core – (outer core – solid , inner core – liquid). depth – 2900 km from the surface of the
cl
Functions of Lithosphere:
ee
Functions of Ecosystems
w
Ecosystem characteristics
Structural features – composition and organization of biological communities and abiotic
components constitute – Structure of Ecosystem
Biotic structure – Plants , animals , microorganisms – form biotic components – nutritional
behavior and status in the ecosystem – producers or consumers – how do they get their food.
Producers – Photosynthesis – photoautotroph (auto – self, photo- light)
Chemotrops or Chemosynthetic organisms – Chemicals
Consumers – feeding upon other organisms
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Environmental Science and Engineering
m
Physical factors – sunlight , temperature ,annual rainfall, soil type, water availability, water
currents etc. –strong influence on the ecosystem.
o
.c
Chemical factors; major essential nutrients – C, N, P, H, O, S.
ot
sp
Biotic Components – Abiotic components and viceversa – linked through – energy flow, matter
cyling.
Functional Attributes.
og
l
.b
2. Energy flow
si
Food Chains
.e
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Food Web
- Network of food Chains
m
heterotrophs and help in maintaining bio diversity. The main source of energy in the ecosystem
o
is sunlight. About 80% of energy is lost during flow of energy from one trophic level to the next
.c
one.
ot
Sun Producer Herbivores Carnivores Top carnivores Decomposers
sp
ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION l og
FOOD CHAIN
.b
ve
Plants by photosynthesis convert solar energy into protoplasm. Small herbivores consume the
vegetable matter and convert into animal matter which in turn eaten by large carnivores. This
si
sequence of eaten and being eaten , produces transfer of food energy known as food chain.
u
cl
FOOD WEB:
.e
w
The food relationship between various organisms is being depicted by linking all the possible
w
prey and predators of different food level. In an ecosystem linking of feeding habit relations will
w
Mouse snake
Grass Rabbit Hawk
Grasshopper Lizard
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
ECOLOGICAL PYRAMIDS:
The energy biomass and number of organisms gradually decreases from the producer level to the
consumer level. The total mass of herbivores in an ecosystem will generally be less than the
total mass of plants. Similarly the total mass of carnivores will be less than the total mass of
herbivores. The graphical representation of the number, biomass and energy of various energy
levels is called ecological pyramid. In any ecological pyramid the producer forms the base and
the successive levels form the tires which can make the apex.
Types of ecological pyramids:
a) pyramid of numbers
b) pyramid of biomass
c) pyramid of energy
o m
Eg. Grassland ecosystem – pyramid of number – upright pyramid
.c
ot
sp
birds
ogl
.b
insects
ve
si
Worms
u
cl
ex
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grass
.e
w
w
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Bacteria, fungi
Parasites
Birds
Tree
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
m
Biotic : forest trees, shrubs and animals
o
.c
Structure:
ot
Producer : trees and shrubs
sp
Consumer : Primary – elephants, deer etc.
og
Secondary – snakes, birds, lizards etc
l
.b
Functional components:
ex
lions
w
w
lizards
w
deers
trees
Page 8 of 73
©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEM:
dominated by grass – few shrubs and trees are also found – rainfall average but erratic –
overgrazing leads to desertification.
Three types – depending on the climate
1. Tropical grass lands – found near the boarders of tropical rain forests. Eg. Savannas in
Africa. Animals – Zebra, giraffes etc. – fires are common in dry seasons – termite
mounds produce methane – leads to fire – high in photosynthesis – deliberate burning
leads to release of high CO2 – global warming.
2. Temperate grasslands – flat and gentle slopes of hills. Very cold winter and very hot
summer - dry summer fires do not allow shrubs and trees to grow – soil is quite fertile –
cleaned for agriculture.
3. Polar grasslands – found in arctic polar region – organism – arctic wolf, fox, etc. – A
m
thick layer of ice remains frozen under the soil surface throughout the year – known as
o
permafrost – summer insects and birds appear.
.c
ot
sp
Components:
Structural Components: log
.b
Abiotic: soil pH, nutrients, soil moisture, temp, climatic conditions, etc.
ve
Functional components:
u
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Ecological pyramid
ex
ee
birds
.e
insects
w
w
w
Worms
grass
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Energy flow:
Decomposition
m
sediments
o
.c
c. DESERT ECOSYSTEM
ot
Types:
sp
1. tropical desert-found in Africa-Sahara and Rajasthan –Thar
og
2. temperate desert-south California-Majave
l
.b
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Characteristics:
u
cl
1. Air is dry
ex
2. Climate is hot
ee
4. Vegetation is poor
w
w
d.AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM
w
Definition:
Deals with water bodies and biotic communities present in them-Classified as fresh water
and marine ecosystems. Fresh water systems are classified as lentic and lotic ecosystems.
Types:
1. Pond ecosystem: Small fresh water ecosystem – seasonal in nature – organisms: algae,
aquatic plants, insects, fishes etc. Ponds are very often exposed to anthropogenic
pressure like cloth washing, bathing, cattle bathing, swimming etc.
2. Lake ecosystem: Big fresh water ecosystem – Zonation or stratification, especially
during summer is a common one.
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
o m
.c
Types of lakes : Many types- oligotrophic lakes – with less nutrient content – eutrophic
ot
lakes – with very high nutrient content due to fertilizer contamination – desert salt lakes –
that contains high saline water due to over evaporation – volcanic lakes – formed by
sp
water emitted from magma due to volcanic eruptions – dystrophic lakes – that contains
– etc.
log
highly acidic water (low pH) – endemic lakes – lakes that contain many endemic species
.b
3. Streams: fresh water ecosystem where water current plays a major role. Oxygen and
ve
nutrient content are uniform. Stream organisms have to face extreme difference in
si
climatic conditions but they do not suffer from oxygen deficiency as pond and lake
u
organisms. This is because large surface area of running water provides more oxygen
cl
supply. The animals have very narrow range of tolerance towards oxygen deficiency.
ex
Three phases: 1. mountain highlands – rushing down water fall of water – large quantity
.e
of dissolved oxygen – plants attached to rocks and fishes that require more oxygen are
w
found. 2. Second phase – gentle slopes of hills – warmer – supports the growth of plants
w
and fishes that require less oxygen are seen. 3. Third phase: river shapes the land – lots
w
of silts, nutrients are brought – deposited in plains and delta – very rich in biodiversity.
4. Oceans: Gigantic reservoirs of water covering >70% of earth surface – 2,50,000 species
– huge variety of sea products, drugs etc. – provide Fe, Mg, oils, natural gas, sand etc. –
major sinks of carbon di oxide – regulate biochemical cycles.
Two zones: coastal zone – warm, nutrient rich, shallow – high sunlight – high primary
productivity. Open sea – away from continental shelf – vertically divided in to 3
zones. 1. euphotic zone – abundant sunlight 2. bathyal zone – dim sunlight 3.
abyssal zone – dark zone – world‟s largest ecological unit.
Estuary: coastal area where river meet ocean – strongly affected by tidal actions – very
rich in nutrients – very rich in biodiversity also – organisms are highly tolerant – many
species are endemic – high food productivity – however to be protected from pollution.
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Characteristics:
Structural Components:
Abiotic: pH, nutrients, D.O, temp, climatic conditions, etc.
Biotic: Phytoplankton, fishes, snails insects, birds, etc.
Functional components:
Ecological pyramid
birds
fishes
o m
.c
Worms,
ot
insects
sp
phytoplankton l og
.b
ve
si
Energy flow:
u
cl
ex
Decomposition
w
sediments
INTRODUCTION TO BIODIVERSITY
Biodiversity is the abbreviated word for “biological diversity” (bio-life or living organisms,
diversity-variety). Thus biodiversity is the total variety of life on our planet, the total number
of races, varieties and species. The sum of total of various types of microbes, plants and
animals (producers, consumers and decomposers) in a system.
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Biomes can be considered life zones, environment with similar climatic, topographic and soil
conditions and roughly comparable biological communities (Eg. Grassland, forest). The
biomes shelter an astounding variety of living organisms (from driest desert to dripping rain
forest, from highest mountain to deepest ocean trenches, life occurs in a marvelous spectrum
of size, shape, colour and inter relationship). The variety of living organisms, the
biodiversity, makes the world beautiful.
There are 1.4 million species known presently. But based on new discoveries, by research
expeditions, mainly in tropics, taxonomists estimate there are between 3-50 million different
species may be alive today. Insects make up more than one half of all known species and
may comprise more than 90% of all species on earth.
The concept of biodiversity may be analyzed in 3 different levels. They are
1 ecosystem diversity
m
2 species diversity
o
3 genetic diversity
.c
Ecosystem or ecological diversity means the richness and complexity of a biological
ot
community, including tropic levels, ecological processes (which capture energy), food webs
and material recycling.
sp
or ecosystems.
og
Species diversity describes the number of kinds of organisms within individual communities
l
.b
Genetic diversity is a measure of the variety of versions of same gene within individual
ve
species.
si
Biodiversity Hotspots:
u
cl
Most of the world‟s biodiversity are near the equator especially tropical rain forest and coral
ex
reefs. Of all the world‟s species, only 10-15% live in North America and Europe.
ee
The Malaysian Peninsula, for instance, has at least 8000 species of flowing plants, while
.e
Britain, with an area twice as large, has only 1400 species. South America has 200 000
species of plants.
w
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Areas isolated by water, desert or mountain can also have high conc. of unique species and
w
biodiversity. New Zealand, South Africa and California are all mid-latitude area isolated by
barriers that prevent mixing up of biological communities from other region and produce
rich, unusual collection of species.
Significance of Biodiversity:
Biosphere is a life supporting system to the human race. Each species in the biosphere has its
own significance.
It is the combination of different organisms that enables the biosphere to sustain human race.
Biodiversity is vital for a healthy biosphere.
Biodiversity is must for the stability and proper functioning of the biosphere.
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Besides these biodiversity is so important due to having consumptive use values, productive
use values, social values, ethical values and aesthetic values.
Benefits of biodiversity:
We benefit from other organism in many ways. Even insignificant organisms can play
irreplaceable roles in ecological systems or the source of genes or drugs that someday
become indispensable.
Food: Many wild plant species could make important contributions to human food suppliers
either as they are or as a source of material to improve domestic crops. About 80,000 edible
plants could be used by human.
Drugs and medicine: Living organisms provides many useful drugs and medicines. The
United Nations Development Programme derived from developing world plants, animals and
m
microbes to be more than $30 billion per year.
o
.c
Eg. For natural medicinal products
ot
Penicillin – fungus is the source – Antibiotic
sp
Quinine – chincona bark - Malaria treatment
og
Morphine – poppy bark – Analgesic
l
.b
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Twenty years before, once the drugs were not introduced, childhood leukemia was fatal.
Now the remission rate for childhood leukemia is 99%.
u si
Ecological benefits:
cl
ex
cycling and food production all depend on biodiversity. In many environments, high
diversity may help biological communities to withstand environmental stress better and to
.e
Threats to biodiversity:
w
Due to
Habitat loss
Deforestation activities (cutting trees for timber, removal of medicinal plants)
Production of hybrid seeds requires wild plants as raw material, farmers prefer hybrid
reeds, many plant species become extinct
Increase in the production of pharmaceutical companies made several number of
medicinal plants and species on the verge of extinction.
Removal of forest-cover for road laying and also due to soil erosion
Illegal trade of wild life
Population explosion, construction of dam, discharge of industrial effluents use of
pesticides.
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
m
Hunting: Over harvesting is responsible for depletion or extinction of many species.
o
.c
Eg. The American passenger pigeon was the world‟s most abundant bird. In spite of this
ot
vast population, market hunting and habitat destruction caused the entire population to crash
sp
with in 20 years.
Fragmentation; og
Habitat fragmentation reduces the biodiversity because many animals like bears and
l
.b
large cats require large territories to subsist. Some forest birds reproduce only in deep forest
ve
or habitat far from human settlement. A large island for example, can support more
individuals of given species and therefore less likely to suffer extinction due to genetic
si
Commercial products:
ex
Smuggling of fuels, hides, horns and folk medicines also affect the biodiversity in an
ee
abrupt manner.
.e
Conservation of biodiversity:
In general biodiversity is generally disturbed by human activities. To solve the problems,
w
Page 15 of 73
©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Methods:
1. Nature or biosphere reserves (Eg) Nilgiri Bio reserve
2. national parks and sanctuaries (Eg) Mudumalai, vedanthangal
3. on farm and home garden conservation for plants, vegetables and fruits to
maintain traditional crop varieties.
Ex- situ conservation:
It involves maintenance and breeding of endangered plant and animal species under
partially or wholly controlled conditions in zoos, gardens and laboratories
The crucial issue for conservation is to identify those species which are more at risk of
extinction.
Methods:
m
1. long term captive breeding
2. shortage term propagation and release
o
3. animal translocation and re introductions
.c
4. seed bank
ot
5. reproductive technology
sp
(i) embryo transfer technology
(ii) cloning ogl
.b
Review questions:
ve
Environmental science is the study of the environment, its biotic and abiotic components and
u
cl
their interrelationships.
ex
Energy component
w
o m
.c
ot
sp
l og
.b
ve
u si
cl
ex
ee
.e
w
w
w
Page 17 of 73
©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION-DEFINITION:-
Any undesirable change in the physical, chemical or biological characteristics of any
component of the environment (air, water, soil) which can cause harmful effects on various
forms of life or property.
Types of environmental pollution:-
a) Air pollution
b) Water pollution
m
c) Soil pollution
o
d) Marine pollution
.c
ot
e) Noise pollution
sp
f) Thermal pollution
g) Nuclear hazards
log
.b
a)AIR POLLUTION:
ve
It is an atmospheric. condition where certain substances are present in conc. which can
si
Gaseous pollutants – sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, volatile organic compounds
ee
Particulate pollutants – smoke, dust, soot, fumes, aerosol, liquid droplets, pollen grains
.e
w
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
m
(Heavy duty diesel vehicles- more NOX and
SPM
o
.c
Petrol vehicles – CO & HC)
ot
sp
4. Sea salt spray fossil fuel burning
5. Pollen grains of flowers Agricultural activities
log
Metallurgical plants (SO2, CO2)
.b
Fertilizer plants
ve
Textile mills
u si
Refineries
cl
Air pollutants
w
w
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pollutants pollutants
(CO2, NOX) (dust, mist)
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
m
nose.
o
.c
ot
S. No. Pollutant Sources Effects on human
sp
1 Aldehydes Thermal
decomposition of fats
og
Irritates nasal and respiratory tracts
l
.b
and oils
ve
dye making,
explosives and
u
cl
fertilizers
ex
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
m
3. Planting more trees
o
4. Reducing vehicle exhausts
.c
5. Using less polluting fuels
ot
6. Using mass transport
sp
7. Removal of particulate matter using electrostatic precipitator, cyclone filter etc.
8. Setting of industries of EIA
9. Removal of NOX from vehicle exhaust
l og
.b
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b)WATER POLLUTION:
si
constitute a health hazard by lowering the water quality and making it unfit for use.
cl
ex
Causes:
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Point source Ex: flow of water pollutants from sewerage system, industrial effluent etc.
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Non-point source Ex: agricultural land (pesticides, fertilizers, mining, construction sites)
w
1. suspended matter
2. thermal discharge
3. pathogens (bacteria, fungi, protozoa fungi)
4. natural organic pollutants
5. synthetic organic pollutants
6. inorganic chemicals
7. radioactive waste, oil, sediments
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
m
8. thermal discharge in stream depletes D O
o
9. phosphate, nitrate, promote the growth of algae and encourage eutrophication
.c
10. Industrial effluents result in addition of poisonous chemicals such as arsenic, mercury,
ot
lead may reach human body through contaminated food.
sp
Control measures of water pollution l og
.b
1. lay down standard for
a. drinking water
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2. monitoring
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3. treatment
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a. domestic treatment
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screening
sedimentation
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filtration, pH adjustment
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disinfection
w
primary treatment
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secondary treatment
advanced treatment
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
C) SOIL POLLUTION:-
The contamination of soil by human and natural activities which may cause harmful
effects on living beings.
Causes:-
Industrial waste
Urban waste
Agricultural practices
Radioactive pollutants
Biological agent
Effects:-
m
Affect soil fertility
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Reduce soil productivity
.c
Cause abnormalities
ot
Control measures:-
sp
Properly collect solid waste
Microbial degradation og
Recovery of products from waste
l
.b
For methane generation, use cattle dung
ve
d) MARINE POLLUTION:-
cl
ex
The discharge of waste substances into the sea resulting in harm to living resources,
hazards to human health, hindrance to fishery and impairment of quality for use of sea water.
ee
Causes:-
.e
w
Rivers
w
Catchment area
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Page 23 of 73
©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
o m
Ban to dump the toxic, hazards waste and sewage sludge.
.c
Prevent sewer overflows
ot
Minimize coastal developmental activities
Oil ballast should not be dumped into sea.
sp
e) NOISE POLLUTION:-
ogl
.b
Sound is mechanical energy from a vibrating source
ve
si
Sound is pressure perturbation in the medium through which it travels. Sound pressure creates
ee
alternate compression and rarefaction. The number of c and r per unit time is called frequency.
.e
Sound pressure does not produce linear impact on human. A logarithmic scale has been devised.
Noise is measure in terms of SPL which is a log ratio of sound P to a std. P. It has a
w
dimensionless unit decibel (dB). The international reference P is 2X10 power -5 Pa. Sound can
w
affect ears either by loudness or by pitch (frequency). The CPCB has recommended the
w
Page 24 of 73
©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Area Permissible
noise level(dB)
Day Night
Industrial 75 70
Commercial 65 55
Residential 55 45
Silent Zone 50 40
m
Sounds and their decibel scale:
o
1. Rocket engine – 180 dB
.c
2. Jet plane take off – 150 dB
ot
3. Threshold of pain – 140 dB
sp
4. Recorded music (max) – 130 dB
5. Construction works, news paper press – 100 dB
6. Motor cycle – 90 dB
l og
7. Ordinary conservation – 70/80 dB
.b
8. Air conditioning unit/ Light traffic – 60 dB
ve
1. Industrial units
ee
2. Transportation modes
3. Construction activities
.e
4. Celebrations
w
Nanjing – 105 dB
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Rome – 90 dB
Calcutta – 85 dB
Mumbai – 82 dB
Delhi – 80 dB
Effects of noise pollution:
Interferes communication
Hearing damage (90 dB)
Physiological and Psychological disorders
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
m
1. The manufacture, sale or use of fire crackers generating noise level exceeding125dB shall
o
.c
be prohibited.
ot
2. For joined fire crackers the limit is taken as 5log 10 (N) dB; where N= no. of crackers
joined together
sp
3. The use of fire crackers shall not be permitted except between 6.00a.m and 10p.m.
ex
Planting trees
w
Legislation can prevent excess sound production, unnecessary horn blowing etc.
w
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f) THERMAL POLLUTION:-
Addition of excess undesirable heat to water
Causes:-
Nuclear power plant
Domestic sewage
Hydro electric power
Effects:-
Direct mortality
Control measures:-
m
I) Natural causes:
o
.c
Solar rays
ot
Radio nuclides in earth‟s crust
sp
Environmental radiation
II)Anthrogeneic causes:-
og
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Medical X-rays
.b
Radio isotopes
ve
Nuclear test
Nuclear installations
si
Nuclear reactor
u
cl
Effects:-
ex
Brain damage
.e
Control measures:-
w
Controlled area
Disposal of radioactive waste
Types:-
Garbage or food waste
Rubbish
Agricultural waste
Page 27 of 73
©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Industrial waste
Hazardous waste
Cause:-
Over population
Affluence
Technology
Effects:-
Health hazard
Environmental impact
Control measures:-
Solid waste management include the waste generation
m
Solid waste generation
o
.c
ot
Collection of waste
sp
log
Transportation
.b
ve
si
Storage
u
cl
Segregation of waste
ex
ee
Disposal methods
.e
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Land fill- Disposal of municipal waste in the upper layers of the earth‟s mantle.
Page 28 of 73
©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Waste utilization
o Reuse
o Recycling
o Reclamation
m
Pay immediate attention to leaks in pipes.
Install waste saving equipments.
o
Recycle glass metal and paper.
.c
Compost garden waste
ot
Segregate waste and recycle
sp
Buy locally made long losing material
Buy environmentally degradable products. og
Take some bag from home to market to purchase.
l
.b
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gas chamber-within a week 10,000 people died – 1000 people turned blind-lakhs
ee
Gulf war was fought between Iraq and US-Period of 6 weeks in 1991-American
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fighters dropped a lakh of bombs-force the Iraq army to withdraw from Kuwait-
retreat of Iraq-burning of 700 oil wells-near sea shore –oil from well spills out
w
into the sea-the floating oil oversea water nearly 80 km long-burning of oil wells
nearly 10 months-released huge amounts of pollutants likeCO2 and SO2 into the
atmosphere-1 million birds killed.
3. Chernobyl Disaster : ( Nuclear pollution)
Occur at Chernobyl in USSR 28 th April,1986-the reactor exploded- result of
uncontrolled nuclear reactions-radioactive fuel spread out in to the surrounding
areas –killed at least 20,000 people-damage to soil, water and vegetation around
60 km.
4. Minamata Disease :( Marine Pollution)
Minamata- Small hostel village in Japan –Chicago-chemical company produces
Venyl polymer plastics-industry release its effluent into Minamata sea-Effluents
Page 29 of 73
©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
DISASTER MANAGEMENT;
FLOOD:
Submergence of waste areas of land under water for many days in continuation
Causes: 1.Heavy rainfall
2. Sudden Snow melt
m
3. Clearing of forest for agriculture
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4, Industries increase the value and rate of water discharge after a storm
.c
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Effects:
sp
1. Damage to building and property
og
2. Soil erosion is the major loss of agriculture
3. Any product submerged by flood water cannot be rescued
l
.b
Control measures:
ve
1. Building wall prevent spilling out the flood water over flood pains
si
EARTHQUAKE:
.e
Earthquake is the motion of the ground surface caused by wave motion starting
w
Causes:
1. Underground nuclear testing
2. Volcanic eruption
3. Pressure of manmade dams, reservoir and lakes
4. movements of plates of earth
Effects:
1. Cause Tsunami
2. Deformation of ground surface
3. In hilly and mountain areas may cause land slides which damage the settlement
and transport system
4. Depending on the severity of the quake collapses house and people died in 1000
eg. Earthquake in Bhuj town
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Control measures:
1. Government can inform the earthquake prone zone and caution residence
2. building should be designed to withstand tremors
CYCLONE:
Cyclone is meteorological phenomena intense depressions forming over the open
oceans and moving towards the land
Effects:
1. Depends on the intensity of the cyclone
2. Damage to human life crops roads, transport, communication could be very heavy
Control measures:
m
1. planting more trees on hostel areas
o
2. construction of dams
.c
3. Radar system is used to detect cyclone eg.Cyclone in AP
ot
LANDSLIDES;
sp
The movement of eart materials like coherent rock, mud, soil and debris from
og
higher region to lower due to gravitational pull is called landslide
l
.b
Causes:
ve
Effects:
ex
Control measures:
w
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Review questions
m
4. When a sound causes noise pollution?
o
.c
Noise beyond 120 dB
ot
sp
5. What are the types of solid waste?
Municipal waste
Industrial waste og
Hazardous waste
l
.b
What is waste minimization?
ve
Industrial manufacturing system the primary concern should be reducing the quantities of
si
waste materials produced. This avoids the necessity to threat and disposal off such
u
materials.
cl
ex
6. Name the chemical constituent of gas that caused death in Bhopal gas tragedy in
India.
ee
It is a large wave that are generated in a water body where the sea floor deformed by
w
seismic activity. This activity displaces the overlying water in the ocean
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Resources
m
Considered to be Available only in Considered to be
finite quantity – available always.
o
renewable with
.c
considerable life their rate of renewal
ot
span-as long as they is so slow that they
have the capacity to are considered as
sp
renew – unless they non-renewable
are affected by
catastrophes or
log
.b
anthrophogenic
ve
activity.
u si
cl
FOREST RESOURCES:
ex
Forests are one of the most important resources of the world. Apart from having high
ee
commercial importance they provide high environmental services also. They act as a blanket on
the surface of the earth.
.e
Around 1/3rd of world land area was found to be forests. 1/5 th of world forests were
w
w
found in Brazil and 6-7% was in Canada and USA. But the matter under high concern is the
w
Ecological uses:
1. Production of Oxygen: Photosynthesis – earth‟s lungs
2. Reducing global warming – sink for carbon di oxide
3. Wild life habitat – 7 million species in tropical forests alone
4. Regulation of hydrological cycle – prevent surface run off – giant sponges – 50-80%
moisture
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
5. Soil conservation – hold solid particles tightly and prevent soil erosion – wind breaks
6. Pollution moderators: absorb toxic gases and purify air reduce noise pollution
DEFORESTATION:
m
The total forest area of the world in 1900 was 7000 million hectares -1975 – 2900 mha –
o
2000 – 2300 mha.
.c
ot
Deforestation rate intemperate countries are relatively moderate. But it is alarming in
tropical countries. It is estimated that in next 60 years we would lose more than 90% of our
sp
tropical forest.
INDIAN STATUS:
l og
.b
Stabilized since 1982, with about 0.04% declaration per year between 1982 - 90. During
ve
this period it is estimated that about 1.44 mha land was brought under afforestation. As per
our NFP, we have a target of achieving 33% forest area. But we still have only 19.27% of
si
1. Shifting of Cultivation – 300 million people – 5 lakh hectares of forest for slash and burn
ee
culture
.e
2. fuel requirement
w
6. overgrazing
CONSEQUENCES OF DEFORESTATION
1. threatens many wild life species due to destruction of natural habitat
2. biodiversity is lost along with that genetic diversity
3. hilly regions are made prone to landslides
4. soil erosion and loss of soil fertility
5. hydrological cycle is affected
(loss of rainfall, flood, drought etc)
Page 34 of 73
©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
m
minerals are especially found in thick forests.
o
.c
Mining can be carried out in two ways
ot
1. Surface mining
sp
2. underground mining or sub-surface mining
mining
log
The effects of under ground mining on forest reserves is comparatively less than that of surface
.b
Relation between forest and climate change:
ve
Forests both influence and influenced by climate change. They play an important role in the
si
carbon cycle and the way we manage forests could significantly affect global warming.
u
cl
Forests hold more than 50 per cent of the carbon that is stored in terrestrial vegetation and soil
ex
organic matter. Hence, deforestation contributes significantly to net emissions of carbon dioxide
ee
If the predicted global warming occurs, the impact on forests is likely to be regionally varied,
w
dramatic, and long-lasting. Even now, we can see how any extreme weather has great impact on
forests. For example, the 1999 storms in Europe caused heavy damage to forests and also to
w
The Kyoto Protocol on climate change may have a great impact on forest management. Under
the Protocol, a country with forests earns emission credits, since its forests absorb carbon
dioxide. These credits are tradable, that is, a developing country can sell its credits to an
industrialized country that has exceeded its quota of emissions. The latter would invest in
afforestation and reforestation projects in the developing country.
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
m
9. promote navigation and fishery.
o
.c
Environmental problems:
ot
sp
The environmental problems can be at upstream as well as downstream
Level l og
.b
Upstream problems
ve
Downstream problems
w
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
WATER RESOURCES
Water is an indispensible resource. Around 97% of world surface is covered with water. Most
of the animals and plants have 60-65% of water in their body.
Unique features of water
1. High specific heat
2. High latent heat of vapourisation
3. Good solvent for oxygen, nutrients and pollutants
4. Anomalous expansion on freezing
5. High surface tension
Global distribution of water is very much random depending on the geographical conditions.
The availability of water decreases in the following order.
m
1. Tropical rain forest
o
2. Temperate regions
.c
3. Deserts
ot
Water is used for domestic, irrigation and also industrial purposes
sp
Out of the total available water 75% is used for agriculture, 20% for industrial usage. In our
og
country ~93% of water is used for agricultural purposes.
l
.b
Ground water:
ve
9.86% of fresh water is ground water and it is 35-50% greater than surface water.
si
Aquifer: The layer of soil which is permeable has the ability to store water is called an aquifer. It
u
cl
Unconfined aquifer: it is covered by permeable layer. The recharge of this layer is by rainfall or
ee
snowmelt.
.e
Confined aquifer: sandwiched between impermeable layers. The recharge is through unconfined
w
aquifer layers.
w
Over utilization of water leads to rapid depletion of water resources, ground subsidence,
lowering of water table and water logging.
m
When evaporation and transpiration rates are lower than the rainfall, surface water body like
o
lake, river, pond, streams etc. are formed.
.c
ot
Flood: over flow of water, whenever the water in flow is greater than the carrying capacity
sp
of the channels flood occurs.
Causes: og
l
.b
1. heavy rainfall, snow melt, sudden release of water from dams.
ve
Effects:
ex
Flood management:
w
Page 38 of 73
©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Drought :
Unpredictable delay in climatic condition occurring due to monsoon rain failure.
Types:
Meterological : in order of month or year, actual moisture supply at a given place consistently
falls below critical level.
Hydrological: deficiency in surface and subsurface water supplies
Agricultural: inadequate soil moisture to meet the need of a particular crop at particular time or
susceptibility of crops during different stages in its development
om
Causes:
.c
ot
Deforestation and lesser rainfalls coupled with cutting of trees for timber leads to
desertifictation.
sp
og
Over drafting of ground water, subsidence of soil, drying of wetlands
l
Pollution of soil with solid waste, industrial effluents etc makes land useless and dry
.b
ve
Population explosion in man and livestock leads to enhanced requirement of timber, fuel
wood, grazing
u si
Shifting cultivation
cl
ex
Effects:
ee
w
Loss of biodiversity
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
m
Development disputes
o
.c
Causes:
ot
Conflicts through use 1. Shipping traffic in international water .2 dam construction
sp
Construction of power stations on
og
Conflicts through pollution-rhine river,Europe
l
.b
ve
Euphrates, Nile, Ganges - plataneous in upper basin, reduced in lower basin due to
u
extensive use.
cl
ex
Conflicts management:
w
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
MINERAL RESOURCES
Environmental impacts of over extraction of mineral resources:
Depending on the conditions of terrain and depth of ore deposits 2 types of mining
operations are carried out. 1. open cast mining and 2. underground mining. In both
types each steps in mining processing produce several environmental effects such as,
Deforestation takes place due to removal of vegetal covers.
Great volume of debris has been generated which disrupt the surface and ground water
circulation. It also reduces the water carrying capacity of streams very close to mining
area
The stacking of over burden and building of soil banks creates problems of landslides
Under ground fire in coalmines is a hazard that is difficult to control
Mining and ore processing normally causes air pollution and water pollution
The acid water generated in coalmines can pose a serious problem of water pollution,
m
which adversely affects the flora and fauna.
o
Deeper excavation of ground causes lowering of water table, which leads to drying of
.c
wells or sea water intrusion
ot
In stone quarries, blasting of rocks not only annoying the people nearby, but also cause
sp
hazard from fly rocks and dusts and damage to buildings due to vibrations
The disposal of waste material produced after concentrations of ore create increase concentration
og
of heavy metals and toxic elements in the environment.
l
.b
FOOD RESOURCES:
ve
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
o m
.c
CHANGES CAUSED BY OVERGRAZING AND AGRICULTURE:
ot
Overgrazing:
sp
Process of eating away the vegetation along with its roots without giving a chance to regenerate
og
Land degradation-leads to organically poor, dry, compacted soil cannot be used for
l
.b
further cultivation
ve
grazed lose even the root stocks which carry the reserve food for regeneration get
u
destroyed which gives raise to secondary species like parthenium, Lantane, Xanthium etc
cl
Modern agriculture:
ee
The practice through which specific plant species are cared and managed so as to obtain
.e
Makes use of hybrid seeds and selected and single crop variety, high tech equipment and
w
lots of energy subsides in the form of fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation water e.g. green
w
revolution
Damage to soil
Water contamination
Water scarcity
Global climate change
Water logging-results when soil is over irrigated
Soil salinity-increase plant productivity, interferes with water uptake by plants
Fossil fuels and pesticides produce air pollution
Impacts related to high yielding varieties:
Monoculture ie the same genotype is grown over vast areas. Disease spread easily
Micronutrient imbalance e.g Zinc deficiency-affect soil productivity
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Environmental Science and Engineering
m
Salinity
o
Water logging
.c
ot
Water logging / salinisation:
sp
to surface.
l og
Saturation of soil with irrigation water or excessive precipitation. So that water table rises close
.b
Water logging results when soils are over irrigated without drainage. Occurs in clayey soil, soil
ve
root zone becomes saturated with so much water blocking oxygen supply for growth and soil
si
becomes unsuitable. Carbondioxide and ethylene accumulate around roots and affects plants
u
ENERGY RESOURCES
cl
ex
cooling, heating, building all need energy. Fossil fuels like coal, oil, natural gas produce 95% of
energy
w
w
Sources of energy
w
Primary-
Renewable energy-resources which can be generated continuously in nature and
are in exhaustible and can be used again endlessly.wood, Tidal, Solar, wind,
hydropower, biomass, biofuel, geothermal, hydrogen
Non – renewable energy- Resources which have accumulated in nature over a
long span of time and cannot be quickly replenished when exhausted.coal,
petroleum, natural gas
Secondary-petrol, electrical energy, coal burning
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
m
4. Lower cost day get exhausted
o
.c
ot
Use of alternate energy sources:
sp
Refers to energy sources which are not based on the burning of fossil fuels or the splitting of
atoms.
log
.b
Solar energy:
ve
Total energy from sun per year-35,000 times the energy used by man
u si
Solar cells „
w
Solar cooker
w
w
Wind energy:
Average wind velocity of earth -9 m/sec and power produced when a windmill is facing the
wind od 10 miles/hr-50 watts.eg.largest wind farm-Kanyakumari in tamilnadu is generating 380
MW electricity
Page 44 of 73
©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Hydro power:
Comes from damming of rivers and utilization of high pressure, its kinetic energy is
transformed into turbine blades and used to generate electricity
Minimum water falls height-10 m
Hydro power potential of India-4x1011KW/Hr
Tidal Energy
Uses the natural motion of tides to fill reservoirs which are then slowly discharged through
electricity producing turbines
m
Energy available due to the difference in water temperature. The surface of the tropical ocean
o
and at deeper level is called OTE. A difference of 20 0c or more is required for operating OTE
.c
power plants.
ot
sp
Geothermal energy
og
Energy harassed from the hot rocks inside earth. eg. natural geysers in Manikaran,kully,sohana
l
.b
Biomass energy
ve
Types:
u
cl
1.Energy plantations:
ex
Solar energy is trapped by green plants through photosynthesis and converted to biomass e.g
ee
weeds,potato,cereal-energy plantations
w
Produce energy by burning directly or by getting converted into burnable gas or converted to
w
fuels by fermentation.
w
Petro crops
Latex containing plants Euphorbias, oil palms rich in hydrocarbons and yield oil like substance
under high temperature and pressure-refined to form gasoline
LAND RESOURCE
Land is critically important national resource which supports all living organisms including
plants and animals. The soil profile of land determines its ability to serve socio-economic needs.
It has been estimated that more than 5000 million tonnees of top soil is eroded annually
along with 5 million tones of nutrients. „About 1/3 of this is lost in sea while the rest in
reservoirs and rivers leading to flood.
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
About 38% of the area in India suffers from moderate to high degree of water based
erosion. The per capita availability of land in the country has declined from 1.37 hectare in 1901
to 0.33 hectare in 2000. All these lands cannot be utilized for agricultural purpose. Some land
would be required for other activities (to maintain urban area).
Effective steps have to be taken for preventing diversion of land suitable for sustainable
farming to non-farm uses. Simultaneously, degraded lands and waste lands have to be improved
by ecological restoration. The Department of Land Resources was setup in April 1999 by
ministry of Rural Development to act as nodal agency for land resource management.
Land Degradation:
Land degradation is defined as the reduction in soil capacity to produce in terms of quality,
quantity goods and services. The definition is also based on
m
1. sustainability or ability to produce continuously and indefinitely.
o
2. quality of land resource that makes it sustainable or resistant to degradation
.c
3. carrying capacity or the number of people and animals the land can normally support
ot
without significant stress.
sp
Landscapes generally undergo degradation but are usually compensated by nature‟s inherent
recovering ability. Whenever degradation occur exceeding nature‟s restorative capacity, the
result will be a disaster.
log
.b
Man induced landslides:
ve
The hill slopes are prone to land slides, landslips, rockslides etc. These hazardous features have
si
reduced the overall progress of the region as they obstruct the roads, communication media and
u
massive deforestation
w
road building
w
Soil erosion:
1. Terracing: Terracing reduces soil erosion on steep slopes by concerting the land into a
series of broad, level terraces. This retains water for crops at each level and reduces soil
erosion by water run off.
2. Contour Farming: This method is adopted for gently sloped land. This involves planting
crops in rows across the contour of gently sloped land.
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
3. Alley Cropping or Agro forestry: In this method crops are planted together in strips or
alleys between trees and shrubs that can provide fruits and fuel wood. The trees and
shrubs provide shade which reduce water loss by evaporation and preserve soil moisture.
Wind Breaks or Shelter Belts: Wind breaks and shelter belts or trees are established to reduce
wind erosion and also for retaining soil moisture.
Conserve water:
Don‟t keep water taps running
m
Install water saving toilets
o
Check forwater leaks
.c
Reuse soapy water
ot
Use drip and sprinkling irrigation
Conserveenergy
sp
Turn off lights,fan when not in use
Use solarcooker for cooking og
Try riding bicycle
l
.b
Protect soil:
ve
Make compost
cl
Most developed countries like USA, Canada, Japan, Australia have 22% of natural
w
resources, use 88%.73%of its energy and command 85%of its income
w
Less developed countries has 78% of population, 12% Usage of natural resources, 27%
w
Review questions
Page 47 of 73
©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
m
During over irrigation, all the water is not absorbed in the soil. such water evaporates
o
leaving behind a thin crust of dissolved salts in the top soil.
.c
ot
5. Give two examples of primary and secondary sources of energy?
sp
Primary source-fossil fuels, hydro energy
Secondary source-petrol, electrical energy
log
.b
6. What is ocean thermal energy conversation?
ve
In oceans, a thermal gradient (i.e., the temperature difference) of about 200C exists
si
between surface water heated by sun and colder deep water. This difference can be harnessed to
u
w
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
A symbiotic relationship between consumer human race and producer natural system
Compatibility between ecology and economics
m
Inter generational equity
o
.c
Intra generational technology
ot
sp
Significance of sustainable development:
Developing appropriate technology og
Reduce , reuse, recycle of natural resources
l
.b
Providing environmental education and awareness
ve
Population control
u
cl
Urbanization:
ee
Movement of human population from rural areas top urban areas for betterment of education,
.e
Causes;
w
w
Cities are main centers of economic growth, trade, transportation, education, medical facilities
and employment
Urban sprawl:
Urban growth is fast , so difficult to accommodate with their limited area .So cities spread into
rural areas
Urban energy requirement:
Residential and commercial lighting
Public and private transportation
Electrical and electronic appliances
Page 49 of 73
©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Solution:
Use public transport instead of motor cycles
Energy consumption must be minimized
Use solar and wind energy
Water conservation:
Process of saving water for future utilization
Water source:
m
Fresh water
o
River
.c
Stream
ot
Pond
sp
Ocean
Need for water conservation:
og
Population increases water requirement also increases
l
.b
Due to deforestation annual rainfall decreases
ve
Reuse water
Avoid sewage discharge
ee
Watershed management
w
Objective:
To meet increasing demands of water
Raise water table by recharging ground water
Reduce ground water contamination from salt water intrusion
Page 50 of 73
©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
1. Micro
2. Mini
3. Macro
m
Watershed Management;
o
.c
The management of rainfall & resultant runoff.
ot
Forestry
sp
Halt deforestation, provide vegetative cover, degraded land and supplement folder and fuel
wood resources available to rural communities
log
.b
Agriculture
ve
production
u
- Major objective shall be achieved through organizing farmers, training camps and
cl
exposure visits.
ex
- Construct check dams, water harvesting tanks, storage tanks and channels , repair of old
ee
Animal husbandry
Energy conservation
Community participation
Training and awareness programme
Advantages of Watershed projects
- Improved access to drinking water in project areas during drought
- Increase in cultivation area leading to increase in employment
- Increase in crop yield, resulting better income to rural population
- Improved availability of fodder for animals and increase in milk yield
- Increase in employment & involvement of women
- Increase in net returns from all crops.
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Effects:
Loss of land
m
Loss of recourse
o
Unsatisfactory comp[enasation
.c
Social and cultura problems
ot
Changes in tradition of indigenous people
sp
Spread of disease
Submergence of valuable forest
Waterlogging og
Extinction of wild life
l
.b
ve
Environmental ethics:-
u si
biosphere and failure to tackle the problem of pollution and environmental degradation are
ex
It emphasis that real development cannot occur unless the strategies which are formulated
are implemented are environmentally sustainable. Even though our government is
.e
formulating several rules, regulations, policies, laws, it is the duty of each and every one to
w
Therefore human beings are ethically responsible for the preservation of the world‟s
w
ecological integrity. The environment ethics literally means conscious efforts to protect
environment and to maintain its stability from the pollutants. Following are some of the
ways to safeguard environment.
1. To sacrifice the consumption of some of the good which reduces environment quality
2. Minimize the resource utilization and conservation
3. Adopt sustainable and eco friendly development. (e.g) reduction of waste, recycling,
waste management and harvesting non conventional energy
If we change as individuals then the society will also change by itself. The society is
nothing but an extension of the individual.
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Effects:
1. Increase evaporation of surface water – influence climate change
m
2. Leads to declining biodiversity
o
3. Melting of mountain glaciers and polar ice, which cause rise in sea level
.c
4. Change the climate and rainfall – reduction in food production
ot
5. The biological productivity of ocean also decreased due to warming of earth‟s surface
sp
6. With more carbon dioxide in the air, the plants will grow bigger with increase in yield
and resulting in the soils getting poor quality
og
7. If proper precautions are not taken, the conc. Of green house gases may double in the
atom. with in next 50 years, and will makes the average global temp. to 45 0 C.
l
.b
ve
Ozone is an important chemical species present in the stratosphere. Its conc. is about 10
cl
ppm. It acts as a protective shield for the life on the earth. Ozone is produced and also broken
ex
1. Chlorine released from CFC and Bromine released from halogens are the most important
w
2. The halogens are used in fore extinguishers and CFC are extensively used in air
w
Effects:
1. Marked rise in cause skin cancer
2. Damage immune system
3. Eye ailment such as cataract
4. Shorter life of paints and plastics
5. Restricted growth and crop damage
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
o m
Wastelands can be reclaimed by the following way
.c
ot
Conserving the soil – land is brought under vegetal cover. This can be done
sp
by growing grasses and shrubs
To reclaim the land/soil, effective participation of the people, voluntary
og
agencies and government is very important
l
.b
ve
Consumerism refers to the consumption of resources by the people. Early human societies
u
used to consume much less resources. But the consumerism has increased to a very large extent.
cl
Consumerism is related to both population size and increase in demands due to change in life
ex
style.
ee
Population has increased tremendously. World Bank estimates our population to reach 11
billion by 2045. Two types of conditions of population and consumerism exists.
.e
w
1. People over – population: When there are more people than available food, water and other
w
resources in an area – causes degradation of limited resources – poverty and under nourishments.
w
Low Developed Countries (LDC) are more prone to these conditions. There is less per capita
consumption although the overall consumption is high.
2. Consumption over – population: These conditions occur in more developed countries
(MDC). Population size is smaller but the resource consumption is high due to luxurious life
style (i.e.) per capita consumption is high. More consumption of resources lead to high waste
generation – greater is the degradation of the environment.
According to Paul Ehrlich and John Hodlren model
Overall environmental impact = no. of people x per capita use of resources x waste generated per
unit of resources
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Over all environmental impact of these two types of consumerism may be same or even
greater in case of MDC.
m
Comparison of consumption and waste generation
o
.c
Parameter Global value %
ot
sp
USA India
Population 4.7 16 l og
.b
Production of goods 21 1
ve
Energy use 25 3
si
set up
w
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©Einstein College of Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
1. Advises industries for treating the waste water and gases – use of technology – achieve
prescribed std.
2. Encourage recycling and reusing the wastes
3. Encourage recovery of biogas, energy and reusable matter
4. Discharge of effluents and emissions into environment is permitted by SPCB after taking
into account capacity of the receiving water body
5. To emphasize clean technology to increase fuel efficiency and decrease environmental
pollutants
The act provides for environmental Audit for checking complying with the environmental
laws and regulations.
m
1. Prevention, control and abatement of air pollution
o
2. Air pollution has been defined as the presence of any solid, liquid or gaseous substance
.c
(including noise) in the atmosphere in such a concentration that may be or tend to be
ot
harmful to human being or any other living creature or plants or property or environment.
sp
3. Noise pollution – inserted in 1987
4. CPCB & SPCB similar to water pollution board og
5. Section 20 provides for emission std to auto mobile
l
6. Section 19 provides for SG to declare „air pollution control area‟ in consultation with
.b
SPCB
ve
Maintaining and restoring the wholesomeness of water by preventing and controlling its
ee
pollution. The salient features and provisions of Act are summed as follows.
.e
4. The act provides for funds, budgets, accounts and audits of the CPCB & SPCB
5. The act provides penalties for the defaulters and duties and powers
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Environmental Science and Engineering
m
8 Provides legal proves to officers to punish the offenders.
o
.c
9 Provide captive breeding programme for endangered species.
ot
Many conservation projects for endangered species were started under this act.
sp
Lion 1972;
og
Tigers 1973
l
.b
ve
Crocodile [1974];
si
Deer 1981.
u
cl
It deals with conservation of forest and includes reserve forest, protected forest and any forest
ee
Salient features
w
2. Provision for conservation of all types of forests. Advisory committee appointed for
w
funding conservation
3. Illegal non-forest activity within a forest area can be immediately stopped under this act.
Non forest activity means clearing land for cash-crop agriculture, mining etc.
However construction in forest for wild life or forest management is exempted from non
forestry activity.
1992 Amendment:
1. This amendment allows transmission lines, seismic surveys, exploration drilling and
hydro electric project in forest area without cutting trees or with limited cutting of trees –
prior approval CG to be sought.
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Environmental Science and Engineering
2. Wild life sanctuaries, National parks etc. are prohibited from exploration except with CG
prior approval.
3. Cultivation of coffee, rubber, tea (cash crop), fruit bearing trees, oil yielding trees, trees of
medicinal values are also prohibited in reserved forest area with out prior approval from CG.
Has this may create imbalance to ecology of the forest.
4. Tusser (a type of silk yielding insect) cultivation in forest area is allowed since it
discourages monoculture practices in forests and improves biodiversity.
5. Plantation of mulberry for rearing silk worm is prohibited.
6. Proposal sent to CG for non-forestry activity must have a cost benefit analysis and
environmental impact statement (EIS).
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Environmental Legislation
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1972 June 5th – Environment was first discussed as an agenda in UN conference on Human
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Environment. There after every year 5th June is celebrated as Environment Day.
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Constitutional Provisions:
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Added in 1976 – Article 48A – “The state shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment
and to safeguard forests and wildlife of the country”
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Article 51A (g): “It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural
environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living
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creatures”.
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By these two articles one constitution makes environment protection and conservation as one of
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1.
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1. SPCB advises state government w.r.t. location of any industry that might pollute
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2. Lays std for effluents to take samples from streams, wells or trade effluents or sewage
passing through an industry. Samples taken are analysed at recognized labs. If the
sample is not confirming to the water quality std, then the unit is neglected
3. Every industry to obtain consent from PCB before commencing an effluent unit by
applying in prescribed form with fee.
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closure of units. Government should provide subsidy for small units.
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6. Pollution control laws not backed up by policy pronouncements or guidelines
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7. Chairman of PCB – political nominee. Hence political interference.
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8. Involving public in decision making envisaged by policy statement of the ministry of
environment and forest (1992) is only in paper.
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Draw backs of wild life (protection) act
Fall out of Stockholm conference not localized
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Ownership certificate of animals article – illegal trading
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Trade through J & K. This act not applicable to J&K
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Review Questions
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7. What are the state enactments of environmental legislations of India
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Smoke control
Landuse
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Pest control
Water pollution l og
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1. Exponential growth: 1,3,5…… If a quantity varies by a fixed % 10^1, 10^2 etc.
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2. Doubling Time Td = 70/r 2%
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3. Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is 1.9 developing countries. 4.7 developing countries and 6.1
in 1950
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4. Infant mortality: % of infants died out of those born in a year last 50 years.
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5. Replacement level: Under low life expectancy and high infant mortality 2.7 in
developing countries and 2 in developed countries.
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6. Life expectancy: The average no. of years a new born baby is expected to live.
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The life expectancy of global males and females has risen from 40 to 55.5 years. In India
22.6 and 23.3 in 1900 & 60.3 and 60.5 in 2000.
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Population explosion:
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Population explosion means the tremendous increase in the number of people. It is a known fact
that the increase of population is playing vital role of all environmental damage. Most of our
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natural resources are under threat because of the population growth. If the exploitation of
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resource is going on in this trend, the resources will be exhaust shortly. Population explosion
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increase disease, economic inequity and environmental abuse. Therefore we need population
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Allowscouples to describe their family size and also time spacing of their
offspring
Provide importance, knowledge and benefits of their small family to people
Education in held and family welfare system
Sex education awareness
WHO estimated 50% of worlds married couples adopted family planning measures, 300 million
couples not assessed to family planning
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The environmental dangers created by man are many: Population explosion, unregulated
urbanization, creating water, air and landscape pollution, deforestation, desertification, use of
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pesticides in agriculture etc. Every one of these has implications for the health of the individual
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as well as society as a whole. None can be ignored because the scale of potential calamity is
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increasing day by day.
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Health hazards may be arising from: water contamination or pollution, air pollution, use of
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pesticides enters through food chain, radiation effect of nuclear water, diseases caused from
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improper disposal of solid wastes and also due to noise pollution.
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Human rights:
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1. Human rights means that a human being must enjoy on this earth
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2. Foundation of human was laid in 13th century. But positive hopes for all people for a
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happy, dignified and secured living condition wee raised only after “Universal
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3. It highlights on protection to all individuals against injustice and human right violation
4. UNDHR defines specific rights to life, liberty, security, freedom of thought, association,
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freedom of movement right of equal pay for equal work, right to form or join union, right
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5. Universal declaration rights are universal but disparity between developing and
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developed countries.
6. Poverty and population leads to violation of human rights.
WHO estimates
-One out of every five is malnourished, lacks clean drinking water, lacks hygienic
conditions and health facilities.
-one out of 3 lack fuel for cooking
-1/5 is desperately poor
-every year 40 million people die due to contaminated water
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8. Merit of universal education and child labour prevention is of much less importance than
his struggle for existence
9. Developed and developing country give importance only to „respect to human rights‟ and
„non social – economic rights‟ respectively.
Value Education:
Education is one of the most important tools in bringing about socioeconomic and
cultural progress of a country. The objective of education should not be merely coaching the
students to get through the exams with good results and get some good job. Education does not
simply mean acquiring information but using the resources within the limits of ethical value.
The scientific and technological advancements have shrunk the world into a village. But
in the drive to development man has become too materialistic, self centered and over ambitious.
Value based education has a very significant role in providing proper direction to youth to
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inculcate positive attitude and to teach them the distinction between right and wrong. It teaches
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them to be compassionate, peace loving, helpful, generous and tolerant so that they can move
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towards more harmonious, peaceful, enjoyable and sustainable future. Value education help in
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arriving value based judgements based on practical understanding of various natural principles.
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Value education increases awareness about our national history, our cultural heritage,
environment.
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national pride, constitutional rights and duties, national integration, aommunity development and
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It is crucial to the retention of national identity, peaceful and harmonious society.
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Education should give overall development of the student personality. The main of education is
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to produce citizens with sound character and health. Good citizens are the only hope for the
progress and prosperity of the country. Life based upon good principles is an essential requisite.
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Therefore moral education should be included in the school curriculum. The curriculum
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should provide enough opportunity for pupils to acquire a considerable amount of knowledge
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Value education shall prepare individuals for participation in social life and acceptance of
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social rules.
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Following the Supreme Court directives 1998 environmental education has been included in the
curriculum right from the school stage to university level. The objective of it is to make
everyone environment literate. Let us see how environmental education can be made value
based one.
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5. Global values: Stress on the concept human is part of nature and all natural processes are
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inter linked and they are in harmony. If this harmony is disturbed it may lead to
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imbalance in ecology and catastrophic results.
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6. Spiritual values: highlights on self contentment, discipline, reduction of wants etc. This
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will reduce our consumerist approach
If the mentioned values are incorporated in env. education, the goal of sustainable
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development and env. conservation can be easily attained. Value based env. education
can bring about a total transformation of our mind set, our attitudes and life style to
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protect nature.
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HIV/AIDS
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Acquired means disease is not hereditary but develops after birth from contact with a disease
causing agent. Immune deficiency means that the disease is characterized by a weakening of
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immune system
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HIV-Human immuno deficiency virus cause AIDS disease.virus is passed through iinfected
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blood,semen
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Transmission of AIDS
Prostitution
Homosexual activity
Use of contaminated syringe in blood transfusion and drug addicts
Maternal-fetal transmission
Symptoms:
Persistent fever
Fatique, weekness
Diarrhea
Wait loss
Low number of T cells in blood
Swelling lymph nodes, neck
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Susceptible to infections
Treatment:
AZT-Azidi thymidine
DDI – Dideoxyinosine
Screening test:
ELISA-Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbant Assay
Western blot
Polymer chain reaction
Saliva and urine test
Branched DNA test
Immuno fluorescent antibody assay
The major precautions to avoid AIDS
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education
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prevention of blood borne HIV transmission
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primary health care
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counseling services
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drug treatment
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Role Of Information Technology In Environment And Human Health:
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There are several on-line use instruments by which data can be collected automatically at fixed
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interval of time.
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Eg.
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Remote sensing-Graphical Interface System are useful for coral reef mapping and ocean
resources. They are also useful to access the loss of biodiversity/hot spots etc.
Review questions:
1. What do you mean by carrying capacity of population?
The maximum popu;lation size that an ecosystem can support under particular
environmental condition
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3. What are the factors influencing human population
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Unwanted fertility
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To increase the income for family and support
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Lack of knowledge on population control methods
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4. What is silicosis and asbestosis?
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Malaria
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Dengue
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Filaria
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Encephalitis
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om
1. Differentiate between a biome and an ecosystem
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On earth there are many sets of ecosystems which are exposed to same climatic
conditions and having dominant species with similar lifecycle,Climatic adaptations and
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physical structure. This set of Ecosystem is called Biome (Small ecosystem)
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A group of Organisms Interacting among themselves and with environment is known as
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ecosystem.- is the basic functional unit of Ecology.
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In linear food chains, if one species gets affected or becomes extinct, then the species in
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Net work of food chain – Food web – if one species gets affected, it does not affect other
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Genetic diversity – diversity within species ie., variations of genes within the species.
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Species diversity - diversity between different species. The sum of varieties of all the living
organisms at the species level is known as species diversity.
4. Define the terms producers and consumers
Producers – depend on their food themselves through Photosynthesis. Eg. All green plants ,
trees.
Consumers. - depend directly or indirectly on the producers eg. Plant eating species, animals
eating species.
5. What are ecological pyramids?
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environment (Biotic and Abiotic Organisms)
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9. What is ecological succession?
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The progressive replacement of one community by another till the development of stable
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community in a particular area is called ecological succession.
UNIT 2:ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION log
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1. What is marine pollution?
Marine pollution is defined as the discharge of waste substances in to the resulting in harm
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to living resource, hazards to human health, hindrance to fishery and impairment of quality for
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a) Decibel:-Decibel (dB) is defined as the one tenth of the longest unit Bel.
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b) COD:-COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) is the amount oxygen required for chemical
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oxidation of organic matter using some oxidizing agent like K2Cr2O7 and KMnO4.
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Synthetic detergents
Agro chemicals
Oil
Thermal pollutants
Run off from land fills
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Pollution prevention Pollution control
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It means using processes, The proper control
practices, materials,
products or energy that
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measures practiced
minimize the pollution
l to
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avoid or minimize the level.
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to human health
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renewable
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Wide availability Unreliable supply
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Low cost Produced in small
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Decentralized power quantity
production Difficult to store
Low pollutionog Cost more
Available for the future
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Energy non Available in high highly pollution
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Reliable supply
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compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, or extending
progress, without exhausting resources, beyond the foreseeable future.
3. Write any two adverse effects caused by overgrazing.
Land degradation
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Saturation of soil with irrigation water or excessive precipitation so that the water table
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rises close to surface.
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Prevent excessive irrigation
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Subsurface drainage and bio drainage by trees like Eucalyptus trees are adopted
Leakage from water pump are detected
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10. Write any two effects of ground water depletion.
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Climate change
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Land subsidence
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To generate huge employment opportunities
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To protect the soil from erosion by run off
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To rise ground water level
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UNIT 5 : HUMAN POPULATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
2. Differentiate between HIV and AIDS.
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HIV-Human innuno deficiency virus cause AIDS disease.virus is passed through
iinfected blood,semen.
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Acquired means disease is not hereditary but develops after birth from contact with a
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disease causing agent. Immune deficiency means that the disease is characterized by a
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education
prevention of blood borne HIV transmission
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counseling services
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drug treatment
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achieves 100% registration of birth, death and marriage
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encourage late marriage and later child birth
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constrain the spread of AIDS/HIV
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log
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