Environmental Studies

Introduction: Environment is a French word meaning surrounding. All biological and non biological things surrounding an organism is called an environment. Environment: It is also defined as the sum of total of water, air and land, interrelationship among themselves and also with the human beings, other living organisms and property. Environmental Science: It is the study of environment, its biotic and abiotic and their inter relationship. Environmental Engineering: It is the application of engineering principles to the protection and enhancement of the quality of the environment and to the enhancement and protection of public health and welfare. Environmental education: It is the process of educating the people for preserving quality environment. Types of environment: 1. Natural environment 2. Man made environment Natural environment: 6 All natural things, biotic and abiotic are collectively called natural environment. (e.g) soil, water, tree and air. Manmade environment: Created by man Powerful engineering agent Man modifies the environment using modern technologies according to his necessity.

Component of environment: Consist of 3 components

1. Abiotic (or) non living 2. Biotic (or) living 3. Energy component Abiotic component: 3 categories atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere. Atmosphere: The air that covers the earth is known as atmosphere. It is 500 km from earth. It is essential for all living organisms. 78% N2, 21% O2 and 1% other gases. Structure of atmosphere: Region Troposphere Stratosphere Mesosphere Thermosphere Altitude in Km 0 -15 18 50 50 85 85 - 500 Temperature in 15 to -56 -56 to -2 -2 to -92 -92 to 1200
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Chemical species N2,H2o,Co2,O2 Ozone No+,O2+ No+,O+,O2+

Troposphere (1 to 15 km) 75% atmospheric air contain moisture Stratosphere (18 to 50 km)
consists of large amount of O3 free from moisture and clouds

prevents UV radiation from sun Mesosphere (50 to 85 km) less ozone more nitrogen oxide Function of atmosphere: 8 1. It maintains heat balance on the earth by absorbing the IR radiations. 2. Gases present in atmosphere are essential for sustaining life. Oxygen supports life

Carbon dioxide essential for photosynthesis of plants Nitrogen essential nutrient for plant growth. Lithosphere: It consists of soil and rock components of earth. Function: Home for human beings and wild life. Store house of minerals and organic matter. Hydrosphere: The aquatic envelope of the earth. It includes oceans, lakes, streams, river and water vapour. In the hydrosphere 97% of water is not suitable for drinking and only3% is fresh water. Functions of hydrosphere: Drinking purpose Irrigation Power production Industries and transport Biotic or living component: (e.g) Animals, plants and micro organisms. Biosphere: Interaction of biological environment with physical environment is called biosphere. Energy component: Flow energy across biotic and abiotic components. It plays an important role in living organisms. (e.g) solar energy, nuclear energy, geo thermal energy etc.

SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 9 1. This study crates awareness among the people to know about various renewable and non renewable resources of a region. The endowment or potential, pattern of utilization and the balance of various resources available for future use in the state or a country are analyzed in the study. 2. It provides the knowledge about ecological system causes, effects and relationships between the components.

3. It provides necessary information about biodiversity richness and the potential dangers to the species of plants, animals and microorganism in the environment 4. This study enables one to understand the causes and consequences of natural and man induced disasters, pollutions and measures to minimize theses effects. 5. It enables one to evaluate alternative responses to environmental issues before deciding an alternative course of action. 6. This study enables environmentally literate citizens to make appropriate judgment and decisions for the protection and improvement of the earth. 7. This study exposes the problems of over pollution, health, hygiene etc and the role of arts, science and technology in eliminating the evils from the society. 8. This study tries to identify and develop appropriate and indigenous eco friendly skills and technologies to various environmental issues. IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY 1. 2. 3. 4. World population is increasing at an alarming rate especially in developing countries. The natural resources endowment in the earth are limited. The methods and techniques of exploiting natural resources and advanced. The resources are over-exploited and there is no foresight of leaving the resources of the future generations. 5. The unplanned exploitation of natural resources lead to pollution of all types and at all levels. 6. The pollution and degraded environment seriously affect the health of all living things on earth, including man. 7. The people should take a combined responsibility for the deteriorating environment and begin to take appropriate actions to save the earth. 8. Education and training are needed to save the biodiversity and species extinction. 9. The urban areas, coupled with industries, are the major sources of pollution. 10. The number and area of the protected are should be increased so as to protect the wild life. NEED FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS 1. Individuals of school, colleges, industries, service centers, village, urban centers etc. should realize the importance of day to day environmental issues. 2. The individuals should practice environmental conservation principles and create awareness among family members. 3. The individuals could expose the problems by writing in the newspapers/discuss about the environmental evils in forums and make the people to become aware of the same. 4. There is a need to meet the people and discuss again and again, so that the problem is alive till it is eliminated. 10 5. The Nongovernmental organizations, in India and abroad, are doing tremendous efforts in conserving the environment. Types of public participation;

1.Pressure group 2.Watch dog 3.Advisory council 4.Enforcing the environmental laws. Natural resources: Natural resources are the source which are useful to man or it can be transformed into a useful product. Two types Renewable resources These resources are capable of being regenerated by ecological processes within a reasonable time period. Example Soil, water, air Non Renewable resources These resources are not capable of being regenerated by ecological processes. RESOURCES FOREST RESOURCES, WATER RESOURCES, MINERAL RESOURCES, Forest resources: 11 One of the important renewable natural resource on earth. 1/3 of the worlds land surface is covered with forest. Forest covering the earth like a green blanket. Forest not only produce innumerable material goods, but also provide several environmental services.
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ENERGY RESOURCES
LAND RESOURCES FOOD RESOURCES

Types of forest: Ever green forest: Found in equatorial region. Where temperature and rain fall is high, due to heavy rain the forest are ever green. (e.g) silent valley in kerela Important trees teak and rosewood. Deciduous forest: These forest receive only seasonal rainfall. Therefore they loose their leaves during summer season. Trees sandal wood.

Coniferous trees: Trees contain needle shaped leaves (e.g) pine tree, spruce tree Functions of forest: 1. It performs very important function both to human and to nature. 2. They are habitats to millions of plants, animals and wild life. 3. They recycle rain water. 4. They remove pollutant from air. 5. They control water quality. 6. They moderate temperature and weather. 7. They influence soil condition and prevent soil erosion. 12 8. They promote tourism. Uses of forest: 1. Commercial uses 2. Ecological uses Commercial uses: 1. Wood used as a fuel 2. Supply wood for various industries Raw materials as pulp, paper, furniture timber etc. 3. Minor forest products gum, dyes, resins

4. Many plants Medicines 5. Supply variety of animal products honey. Ivory, horns etc. 6. Many forest lands are used for - Mining, grazing, for dams and recreation. Ecological uses: Forest provides number of environmental services. 1. Production of oxygen: Photosynthesis produces large amount of oxygen which is essential for life. 2. Reducing global warming: Carbon dioxide is one of the main green house gas. It is absorbed by plants for photosynthesis. Therefore the problem of global warming caused by CO2 is reduced. 3. Soil conservation: Roots of trees bind the soil tightly and prevent soil erosion. They also act as wind breaks. 4. Regulation of hydrological cycle: Watershed in forest act like giant sponges and slowly release the water fore recharge of spring. 5. Pollution moderators: Forest can absorb many toxic gases and noises and help in preventing air and noise pollution. 6. Wild life habitat: Forest is the homes of millions of wild animals and plants. Over exploitation of forest: 13 Due to over population, there is a demand fort medicine, shelter, wood and fuel increases. Hence exploitation of forest material going on increases. Reason for deficiency of forest: In India the minimum area of forest required to maintain good ecological balance is about 33% of total area. But at present it is only about 22%. So over exploitation of forest material occur. Cause of over exploitation: 1. Increasing agricultural production. 2. Increasing agricultural activities. 3. Increase in demand of wood resources.

Deforestation: It is process of removal of forest resources due to natural or man made activities (i.e.) destruction of forests.

Deforestation in India: In India 1.3 hectare of forest land has been lost.

Causes of deforestation: 1. Developmental projects: Developmental projects causes deforestation through two ways. Through submergence of forest area. Destruction of forest area. (e.g) big dams, hydro electric projects, road construction etc. 2. Mining operations: It reduces forest areas. (e.g.)Mica, coal, Manganese and lime stone. 3. Raw materials for industries: Wood is an important raw material for various purposes. (e.g.) making boxes, furniture and paper etc. 4. Fuel requirement: Wood is the important fuel for rural and tribal population. 5. Shifting cultivation: Replacement of natural forest ecosystem for mono specific tree plantation. (eg) teak 6. Forest fires: Forest fire destructs thousands of forest. 7. Over grazing: Over grazing by cattle reduces the cultivation land. 15 CONSEQUENCES OF DEFORESTATION (or) ILL EFFECTS (or) IMPACT OF DEFORESTATION 1. Economic loss 2. Loss of biodiversity

3. Destructs the habitats of various species 4. Reduction in stream flow 5. Increases the rate of global warming 6. Disruption of weather patterns and global climate 7. Degradation of soil and acceleration of the rate of soil erosion. 8. Induces and accelerates mass movement / land slides. 9. Increases flood frequency, magnitude / severity. 10. Breaks the water cycle 11. Breaks the nutrient cycle 12. Loss of forests put additional pressure on the pristine forests.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES (OR) AVOID OF DEFORESTATION (OR) METHODS OF CONSEVATION OF FORESTS

1. New plants of more or less of the same variety should be planted to replace the trees cut down for timber 2. Use of wood for fuel should be discouraged. 3. Forest pests can be controlled by spraying pesticides by using aero planes 4. Forest fire must be controlled by modern techniques. 5. Over grazing by cattle must be controlled. 6. Steps should be taken by the government to discourage the migration of people into the islands from mainland. 7. Education and awareness programmers must be conducted. 8. Strict implementation of law of Forest conservation Act.

Case study: Deforestation in the Himalayan region, involves clearing of natural forests and plantation of monoculture like eucalyptus. Nutrient in the soil is poor, therefore soil losing their fertility. Hence Himalayan area facing the serious problem of deforestation.

Mining:
The process of extracting mineral resources and fossil fuels like coal from the earth. Types of mining 1. Surface mining: mining of minerals from shallow deposits 2. Underground mining: mining of minerals from deep deposits

Steps involved in mining: 16 1. Exploration 2. Development 3. Exploitation 4. Ore processing 5. Extraction and purification of minerals The extent of damage by under ground mining is less than that of surface mining, which needs enormous amount of land area for its operation and management. Effects of mining: 1. Pollute soil, water and air. 2. Destruction of natural habitat. 3. Continuous removal of minerals leads to the formation of trench where water is logged which contaminates the ground water. 4. Vibrations cause earth quakes. 5. Produces noise pollution 6. Reduces shape and size of the forest. 7. Some times land slides may also occur. Dams and their effects on forests and tribal people: Dams are the massive artificial structure built across the river to store water for much beneficial purpose. Dam Temple of modern India Nehru Dams destruct vast area of forest area. India has more than 1600 large dams. Effects of dams on forest: 1. Thousands of hectares of forest have been cleared. 2. Killing of wild animals and destruction of aquatic life. 3. Spreading of water borne diseases. 4. Water logging reduces the salinity of the soil. (e.g) Narmadha sagar project it has submerged 3.5 lakhs hectares of forest.

17 Effects of dam on tribal people: 1. Construction of big dam leads to the displacement of tribal people. 2. Displacement and cultural change affects the tribal people both mentally and physically. 3. They do not accommodate the modern food habits and life style. 4. Tribal people are ill treated by the modern society. 5. Many of the displaced people were not recognised and resettled or compensated. 6. Body condition of tribal people will not suit with new areas and hence they will be affected by many diseases.

Water resources:
Water is essential component of all living things. 80% of earth surface is covered with water. All organisms are made up of mostly by water. (e.g) Tree 60% by weight of water Animals50 65% by weight of water Water exist in three phases solid, liquid and gases. It is circulated in the hydrological cycle. Hydrological cycle: Water from various water bodies Evaporated by solar energy Enters in to the atmosphere as clouds

Falls again on earth as rain or snow

Ultimately returns to the ocean. This process is called hydrological cycle.

Distribution of water resources: Fresh water resources

Surface water

under ground water

Standing water bodies

Flowing water bodies

1. Lakes 2. Reservoirs 3. Estuaries

1. Streams 2. Rivers

Surface water: Water stored on the surface of earth. Standing water bodies Lakes: Oligotrophic lakes: These lakes are deep and clear. The nutrients amount is deficient. Biological reactions are less. Eutrophic lakes: More nutrients and more turbid. It supports more life. Dystrophic lakes: Shallow coloured lakes and low PH. Reservoirs: Generally larger than lakes. Estuaries: These are deltas formed at the mouth of rivers, where they join the ocean. The mixing of fresh and salt water gives estuaries. Flowing water bodies: Water flows in streams and rivers. It carries sedimentary materials and dissolved minerals. Under ground water: Water available deep in the ground due to percolation of surface water. It is the major source. It is very pure and used for almost all purposes in the world.

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Under ground water Aquifer: Layers of highly permeable rock containing water is called an aquifer. Layer of sand and gravels are good aquifers. Clay and crystalline rocks are not good aquifers. Effects of over utilisation of water: 1. Decrease of ground water: Increased usage decreases the ground water. Insufficient rain fall Building construction activities sealing the permeability of the soil. 2. Ground subsidence: Ground water withdrawal is greater than its recharge rate, the sediments in the aquifers get compacted. As a result shrinkage of land surface takes place. Problems: a. b. c. Structural damages in the buildings Fracture in pipes. Reversing the flow of canals.

3. Lowering of water table: Over utilisation of ground water in arid and semi arid regions for agriculture disturbs the state of equilibrium of the hydrological cycle. Problem: a. lowering of water table b. decrease the number of aquifers c. Change the speed and direction of water. 4. Intrusion of salt water: In coastal area over exploitation of ground water leads to the intrusion of salt water from sea. Therefore that water cannot be used for drinking and agriculture.

21 5. Over utilisation of water causes earth quakes, land slides and famine 6. Drying up of wells: Due to over utilisation, ground water level decreases much faster than can be regenerated. It leads to drying up of dug well and bore wells. 7. pollution of water: Near the agricultural land ground water decreases therefore water containing nitrogen enters into the ground and pollute the ground water. Problem: Water which contains excess nitrate content is not suitable for drinking.

Flood:
It is an over flow of water. It happens when the magnitude of flow of water exceeds the carrying capacity of the channel within its bank. Causes of flood: 1. Heavy rainfall, melting of snow (i.e) sudden release of water from dams. 2. Reduction in the carrying capacity of the channel. 3. Deforestation, mining and over grazing increase the run off from rains and the level of flood raises. Effect of flood: 1. Water spreads in the surrounding area and submerges them. 2. Cultivated land affected. 3. Extinction of civilisation. Flood Management: 1. Floods can be controlled by dams. 2. Channel management and embankment also control flood. 3. Flood hazards reduced by forecasting or flood warning. 4. Flood may also be reduced by reduction of run off by increasing infiltration through appropriate afforestation in the catchment area.

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Drought:
Drought is nothing but scarcity of water, which occurs due to 1. Inadequate rain fall 2. Late arrival of rain fall 3. Excessive withdrawal of ground water. Lack of water for the narrow needs of agriculture, livestock, industry or human population may be termed as a drought. Drought causes serious damages to plants, animals and human life. Types of drought: 1. Meteorological drought: It occurs when the total amount of rain fall is less than 75% of the normal rain fall. It will be severe if the rain fall is less than 50%. 2. Hydrological drought: It occurs when the total amount of rainfall is less than the average rain fall. It is generally associated with reduction of water in aquifers, lakes and reservoirs. 3. Agricultural drought: It occurs due to the shortage as well as timing of over all rain fall, which intern reduce the ground water level and reservoir level. Agricultural drought affects cropped plants. 4. Socio economic drought: It occurs due to reduction in the availability of food and social security of the people in the affected areas. Socio economic drought leads to famine. Causes of drought: 1. When annual rain falls below normal and less than evaporation, drought is created. 2. High population. 3. Intensive cropping pattern (e.g.) Maharashtra There has been no recovery from drought for the last 30 years due to over exploitation of water by sugarcane crop.

23 Effects of drought: 1. Drought causes hunger, malnutrition and scarcity of drinking water an also changes the quality of water. 2. Drought causes widespread crop failure leading to acute shortage of food and adversely affects human and live stock population. 3. Worst situation of drought causes desertification.

4. Raw materials of agro based industries are critically affected during drought time, hence industrial and commercial growth decreases. 5. 6. Drought increases the degradation of natural resources. Drought causes large migration of people and urbanisation.

Drought management: 1. Indigeneous knowledge is essential. 2. Rain water harvesting system. 3. Construction of reservoir to improve ground water level. 4. Modern irrigation technology (drip irrigation) very useful to conserve water. 5. Afforestation activities also improve the potential of water in the drought area. 6. Crop mixing and dry forming are the suitable methods which minimise the risk of crop failures in dry area. Conflicts over water: Causes of water conflict: 1. Conflict through use: Unequal distribution of water led to inter state and international disputes. National conflicts: a. b. c. International conflicts: a. b. Indus India and Pakistan Colorado river Mexico and USA Sharing of cauvery water between Karnataka and TamilNadu. Sharing of Krishna water between Karnataka and Andrapradesh Siruvani TamilNadu and Kerala

24 c. 2. Bhramaputra India and Bangladesh Construction of dams or power stations: For hydro electric power generation, dams are built across the river. It creates the conflicts between the states. 3. Conflicts through pollution: Water reservoirs like lakes and rivers are also used for industrial purposes, therefore removal industrial wastes creates conflicts. Management of conflicts over water: 1. 2. Efforts to implement laws to check these practices to control water pollution. Conflicts over sharing of river water in the country are studied by many organisation and

several solutions are suggested.( The inter linking of rivers has been one such solution) Case study: Conflicts on Indian River: According to UN report, fresh water is a serious problem 1 billion people no fresh drinking water 2 billion people no water for proper sanitation. (e.g) Damodhar River Most polluted river from 45 major industries

Water resource management

S.No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Organisation Central water commission Central ground water board Indian meteorological department Central pollution control board Ministry of agriculture Ministry of environment and forest Central public health and env.engg Department of power Department of forest Source Surface water Ground water Precipitation Water quality Water for irrigation Environmental impact assessment Water supply, sanitation and sewage disposal Hydro electric power Watershed management

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Mineral resources:
Naturally occurring substances with different physical and chemical properties. Ores: These are mineral or combination of minerals from which metal can be extracted. Concentration of minerals at one particular spot is called mineral deposit. Classification of mineral resources: U.S geological survey divides non renewable mineral resources into 3 categories. 1. Identified resources: Location, existence, quality and quantity known by direct geological evidence and measurement. 2. Undiscovered resources: Assumed to exist on the basic of geological knowledge, but their specific location, quality and quantity are unknown. 3. Reserves: Minerals are identified. Usable materials can be extracted profitably. Uses and exploitation of minerals: 1. Development of industrial plants and machinery. - Fe, Al & Cu 2. Construction work Fe, Al &Ni 3. Generation of energy - coal, lignite, uranium 4. Designing defence equipments like weapons and ornaments 5. Agricultural purposes fertilisers and fungicides Zn & Mn 6. Jewellery Au, Ag & Pt 7. Making alloys for various purposes phosphoresces 8. Communication purposes telephone, wires, cables and electronic devices 9. Medicinal purposes, particularly in ayurvedic system sulphur pyrites

26 Classification of minerals: Metallic minerals: From which metals can be extracted. e.g Fe, Al & Cu Non metallic minerals Non metallic compounds can be extracted.e.g Quartz and feldspar Mineral wealth of India S.No Mineral 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Iron Coal Manganese Copper Gold Aluminium Lime stone Mica Monozite Lead and zinc Precious stones Magnesite Petroleum Magnesite Gypsum Available state Tamil nadu Orissa, west bangal M.P Bihar Karnataka Tamilnadu M.P Bhar Kerela Gujarat & rajasthan Rajasthan Tamil nadu Assam Tamilnadu, sikkim Rajasthan

27 Mining: The process of extraction of minerals from the earth. Types of mining: 1. Surface mining 2. Under ground mining Types of under ground mining a. Open pit mining: Machines dig holes and remove the ores. b. Dredging: Chained buckets are used to extract minerals. c. Strip mining: Bulldozers are used to extract minerals.

environmental damages caused by mining activities: 1. Devegetation : topsoil and vegetation are removed deforestation leads to several ecological losses land scape badly affected 28 2. Ground water contamination: Mining pollutes ground water , sulphur is converted into sulphuric acid which enters into the soil. 3. Surface water pollution: Radioactive wastes and other acidic impurities affect the surface water, which kills many aquatic animals. 4. Air pollution: Smelting and roasting are done to purify the metal whih emits air pollutants and damage the nearby vegetation. It causes many health problems. 5. Subsidence of land:

Mainly underground mining results in cracks in houses, tilting of buildings and bending of rail tracks. Effects of over exploitation of minerals: 1. Rapid depletion of mineral deposits 2. Wastage 3. Environmental pollution 4. Needs heavy energy requirements. Management of mineral resources: 1. The efficient use and protection of mineral resources. 2. Modernisation of mining industries 3. Search for new deposit 4. Reuse and recycling of the metals. 5. Environmental impacts can be minimised by adopting eco friendly mining technology. Case studies; Mining and quarrying in udaipur: 200 open cast mining and quarrying in udaipur. But 100 minings are illegal. 150 tonnes of explosives are used per month. It pollutes air, soil and water. It affects irrigation and wild life. 29

Food resources:
Food is an essential requirement for survival of life. Main components are carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and vitamins.
Types of food supply: 1. Crop plants:

Mostly produce grains about 76% of the worlds food. e.g rice, wheat and maize 2. Range lands: It produces 17% of worlds food from trees and grazing animals. e.g fruits, milk and meat 3. Ocean:

Fisheries 7% of worlds food World food problem: 1. In the earths surface 79% water out of total area. 21% land(forest, desert, mountain and barren land) . Less % cultivated land, at the same time population explosion is high therefore world food problem arises. 2. Environmental degradation like soil erosion, water logging, water pollution, salinity affect agricultural land. 3. Urbanisation affects agricultural land. Hence production of rice, wheat, corn and other vegetable is difficult.