Environmental Science & Engineering

Environmental Science and Engineering
ENVIRONMENT, ECOSYSTEM AND BIODIVERSITY

DEFINITION, SCOPE AND IMPORTANCE
Environmental science is the study of nature and the facts about environment.
Basically environment can be defined as all the social, economical, physical & chemical
factors that surrounds man (or) all abiotic and biotic components around man-all living
and non living things surrounds man.
Environment Components can be divided into biotic and abiotic
components.
According to ancient man the environment was the Panchaboodhas (i.e) air, water, land, sky
and energy.
The
human
were disciples of
nature. They were able to protect themselves from harmful one and protect the others. But
according to modern man the env. is only air land and water. Exploitation
of
various
earth resources to satisfy the increasing needs of human population has resulted in 1)
depletion of various resources of earth 2) pollution.
Principles
education:
of
environmental
Examine the major environmental issues
discover the root cause
develop problem solving skills
promote co-operation in solving problems
emphasis active participation in prevention and solution to problems.
Scope of environmental science:
Studying the interrelationship between the components of env.
Carrying out impact analysis and env. Audit
Preventing pollution from existing and new industries
Stopping the use of biological and nuclear weapons
Managing unpredictable disasters etc.
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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Development and improvement in std. of living has lead to serious

environmental disasters
Debate on environmental Issues are treated as anti-developmental
Reasons for environmental Ignorance:
science, technology and economics failed to integrate the knowledge on environmental

Aspects in curriculum
the decision makers do not process environmental Angle of decision making
consideration of economic growth, poverty eradication has lead to environmental

Degradation
only few developmental activities are made considering the environmental Aspects.
Need For Public Awareness:

The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held at Reo de
Janeiro 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.
Any government at its own cannot achieve the goals of clear environment until the
public 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.
Methods to propagate environmental Awareness:
1. Among students through education introducing environmental studies in the curriculum.
2. Among public through mass media- environmental programmmes through TV, radio etc.
3. Among decision makers, planners, leaders etc.
Role of NGOs
1. Advise the government in interacting with ground level people
2. Organize public meetings to create environmental awareness
Eg. Recent report of centre for science and environment on permissible limits of pesticides
in cola drinks.
Public awareness is needed in the area
1. study of natural resources-conservation and management
2. ecology and biodiversity conservation
3. environmental Pollution and prevention
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4. social issues
environment
related
to
development
and
5. human population and environment.

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 ecosyst em 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
Ecology earnest Haeckal- 1869 derived from oikos home , logy study
-deals with the study of organisms in their natural home interacting with their surroundings.
Ecosystem Tansley (1935) self regulating group of biotic communities of
species
interacting with one another and with their non-living environment exchanging energy and
matter
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.
Structure of Ecosystem
1. Abiotic
components
2.
Biotic
components
or
non-living
or
components
or
physical
Living
3. Energy components.
Abiotic Components:
Abiotic components enter the body of living directly or indirectly take part
in metabolic activities and return to environment.
Abiotic
follows
components
are
as
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% earths water is in oceans Fresh water
3%.
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Structure of Atmosphere:
Five Layers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Troposphere lower portion extends from 0-18 kms, temperatureStratosphere -18- 50 kms- Temperature (-2C to -56C )- Ozone layer
Mesosphere- extends from 50-85 kms- Temperature drops to (-95C)
Ionosphere or Thermosphere extends up to 500 kms. Temperature raises up to 1200C
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. Oxygen support life on living organism.
Co2 - essential for photosynthetic activity of
plants. N2 - essential nutrient for plant growth.
Interior of Earth or
Lithosphere: Three major
Zones
1. Crust top most layer- solid thickness 30 40 Km in continents and 5 6 km in oceans.
Rocks of the earth crust 3 types Igneous , Sedimentary,
Metamorphic.
2. Mantle average density 3.3 Thickness 2860 density increases with depth.
3. Core (outer core solid , inner core liquid). depth 2900 km from the surface of the
earth density -12 not exact composition.
Functions of Lithosphere:
1. It is home for human beings and wild life.
2. It is store house of minerals and organic matter.
Functions of Ecosystems
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, photolight) Chemotrops or Chemosynthetic organisms Chemicals
Consumers feeding upon other organisms
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Types Herbivores Plant eating animals primary consumers Eg ; rabbit
Carnivores Feed on consumers Secondary Consumers - feed on other carnivores Tertiary
/ Consumers.
Omnivores feed on both plants and animals eg. Humans, rat, fox.
Detritivores - (Detritus feeder or Saprotrophs ) feed on dead on organisms or decomposed
matter eg; beetles, termites,ants , crabs, earthworms.
Decomposers nutrition breaking down in to complex organic molecules to simpler organic
organic compounds bacteria and fungi.
Abiotic Structure. physical and chemical components of an ecosystem.
Physical factors sunlight , temperature ,annual rainfall, soil type, water availability, water
currents etc. strong influence on the ecosystem.
Chemical factors; major essential nutrients C, N, P, H, O, S.
Biotic Components Abiotic components and viceversa linked through energy flow,
matter cyling.
Functional Attributes.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Food chain, Food web and trophic structure.

Energy flow
Cycling of Nutrients (Biogeochemical cycles)
Primary and secondary production
Ecosystem development programme
Food Chains
Grass
Sequence of eating and being eaten in an ecosystem.

Grasshopper
Frog
snake
Hawk
(Grassland Ecosystem)
Grazing food chains Starts with green plants.

Grass
Rabbit
Phytoplanktons
Fox
Zooplanktons
Small fish
Carnivores (fish)
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Food Web
-
Network of food Chains
ENERGY FLOW IN ECOSYSTEM:

Energy is defined as the capacity to do work. For living organisms, it is the basic force
responsible for running all the metabolic activities. The flow of energy from producer level
to top consumer level is called energy flow.
The flow of energy in an ecosystem is unidirectional.
consumer level and never in the reverse direction.
It flows from producer level to
The process of energy flow involves transfer of energy from autotrophs to various components
of heterotrophs and help in maintaining bio diversity. The main source of energy in the
ecosystem is sunlight. About 80% of energy is lost during flow of energy from one trophic
level to the next one.
Sun
Producer
Herbivores
Carnivores
Top carnivores
Decomposers
ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION
FOOD CHAIN
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 sequence of eaten and being eaten , produces transfer of food energy known as food chain.
Producers
Consumer I order
(Plants)
(Deer)
Consumer II order
(Tiger, Lion)
Decomposers
(Bacteria, fungi)
FOOD WEB:
The food relationship between various organisms is being depicted by linking all the possible
prey and predators of different food level. In an ecosystem linking of feeding habit relations
will provide a food web.
Mouse
Grass
snake
Rabbit
Hawk
Grasshopper
Lizard
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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
pyramids:
ecological
a) pyramid of numbers
b) pyramid of biomass
c) pyramid of energy
Eg. Grassland ecosystem pyramid of number upright
pyramid
bird
s
insect
s
Worm
s
gras
s
Parasite ecosystem pyramid of number inverted pyramid
Bacteria,
fungi
Parasite
s
Bird
s
Tree
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MAJOR TYPES OF ECOSYSTEMS
a. FOREST ECOSYSTEM
Definition: It is a natural ecosystem consisting of dense growth of trees and wild animals
Types: tropical deciduous, evergreen, wet green
Littoral and swamps
Sub tropical
Characteristics:
Abiotic: soil, sun light, temperature etc
Biotic : forest trees, shrubs and animals
Structure:
Producer
trees and shrubs
Consumer
Primary elephants, deer etc.

Secondary snakes, birds, lizards etc
Tertiary lions, tigers etc
Decomposers :
Functional components:
Ecological pyramids
fungi, bacteria
(upright)
lion
s
lizard
s
deer
s
tree
s
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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
thick layer of ice remains frozen under the soil surface throughout the year known
as permafrost summer insects and birds appear.
Components:
Structural Components:
Abiotic: soil pH, nutrients, soil moisture, temp, climatic conditions,
etc. Biotic: grass, caterpillar, butterfly, worms, insects, birds, etc.

Functional components:
Ecological pyramid
birds
insects
Worms
grass
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Energy flow:
Grass
worms
Insects
small birds huge birds
Decomposition
sediments
c. DESERT ECOSYSTEM
Types:
1. tropical desert-found in Africa-Sahara and Rajasthan Thar
2. temperate desert-south California-Majave
3. cold desert-China-Gobi desert

Characteristics:
1. Air is dry
2. Climate is hot
3. Annual rainfall is less than 25 cm
4. Vegetation is poor
d.AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM
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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Top layer shallow, warm, prone to anthropogenic activities Littoral zone
Second layer enough sunlight, high primary productivity Limnetic zone
Third layer very poor or no sunlight Profundal zone
Eg. Dal lake in Srinagar, Naini lake in Nainital
Organisms: planktons phytoplankton eg. Algae zooplankton eg. Rotifers
Nektons that swims in water eg. Fishes
Neustons that float on the surface of water
Benthos that attached to sediments eg. Snails
Types of lakes : Many types- oligotrophic lakes with less nutrient content eutrophic
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
water emitted from magma due to volcanic eruptions dystrophic lakes that contains
highly acidic water (low pH) endemic lakes lakes that contain many endemic species
etc.
3. Streams: fresh water ecosystem where water current plays a major role. Oxygen and
nutrient content are uniform. Stream organisms have to face extreme difference in
climatic conditions but they do not suffer from oxygen deficiency as pond and lake
organisms. This is because large surface area of running water provides more oxygen
supply. The animals have very narrow range of tolerance towards oxygen deficiency.
Thus stream are worst victims of industrial pollution.
River ecosystem: large streams flowing from mountain highlands are rivers.
Three phases: 1. mountain highlands rushing down water fall of water large quantity of
dissolved oxygen plants attached to rocks and fishes that require more oxygen are
found. 2. Second phase gentle slopes of hills warmer supports the growth of plants
and fishes that require less oxygen are seen. 3. Third phase: river shapes the land lots 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 worlds 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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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
Worms,
phytoplankton
Energy flow:
Phytoplankton
Insects
small fishes
huge fishes
Decomposition
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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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
2 species diversity
3 genetic diversity
Ecosystem or ecological diversity means the richness and complexity of a
biological
community, including tropic levels, ecological processes (which capture energy), food
webs and material recycling.
Species diversity describes the number of kinds of organisms within individual
communities or ecosystems.
Genetic diversity is a measure of the variety of versions of same gene within individual
species.
Biodiversity Hotspots:
Most of the worlds biodiversity are near the equator especially tropical rain forest and
coral
reefs. Of all the worlds species, only 10-15% live in North America and
Europe.
The Malaysian Peninsula, for instance, has at least 8000 species of flowing plants, while
Britain, with an area twice as large, has only 1400 species. South America has 200 000
species of plants.
Areas isolated by water, desert or mountain can also have high conc. of unique species
and 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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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 microbes to be more than $30 billion per year.
Eg.
For
products
natural
medicinal
Penicillin fungus is the source

Antibiotic Quinine chincona bark Malaria treatment Morphine poppy bark
Analgesic
Twenty years before, once the drugs were not introduced, childhood leukemia was fatal.
Now the remission rate for childhood leukemia is 99%.
Ecological benefits:
Human life is inextricably linked to ecological services provided by other organisms.
Soil formation, waste disposal, air and water purificat ion, solar energy absorption,
nutrient cycling and food production all depend on biodiversity. In
many
environments,
high diversity may help biological communities to withstand
environmental stress better and to recover more quickly than those with fewer species.
Threats to biodiversity:
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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Poaching of wild life

Due to poaching, illegal trade and smuggling activities most of our valuable fauna are
under
threat organised crime has moved into illegal wild life smuggling because of huge profit
Eg. Tiger, Deer for hides, Rhinoceros for horns, Elephant for ivory tusk, Sea Horse,
Star turtle sold to foreign market.
(Extinction, the elimination of species, is a normal process of the natural world. Species
die put and are replaced by others as part of evolutionary change.
Human caused reduction: The climate change caused by our release of green house gases
in the atm. could have catastrophic effects. Human disturbance of natural habitat is the
largest single cause pf loss of biological diversity. Woodlands and grasslands are converted
now use about 10% of the worlds land surface for crop production and about twice the
amount for pasture and grasslands.)
Hunting:
species.
Over harvesting is responsible for depletion or extinction of many
Eg. The American passenger pigeon was the worlds most abundant bird. In spite of
this vast population, market hunting and habitat destruction caused the entire population to
crash with in 20 years.
Fragmentation;
Habitat fragmentation reduces the biodiversity because many animals like bears a
nd large cats require large territories to subsist. Some forest birds reproduce only in deep
forest or habitat far from human settlement. A large island for example, can support
more individuals of given species and therefore less likely to suffer extinct ion due to
genetic problems and natural catastrophes.
Commercial products:
Smuggling of fuels, hides, horns and folk medicines also affect the biodiversity in an
abrupt manner.
Conservation of biodiversity:
In general biodiversity is generally disturbed by human activities. To solve the
problems, it is essential to protect our bio diversity by two ways.
1. In-situ or on-site conversion
2. Ex-situ conservation
In-situ
conservation:
Conservation of species in its natural habitat, in place where the species normally
occurs
The strategy involves establishing small or large protected areas, called protected
areas
Today in world, there are 9800 protected areas and 1500 national
parks
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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:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
long term captive breeding

shortage term propagation and release
animal translocation and re introductions
seed bank
reproductive technology
(i) embryo transfer technology
(ii) cloning
Review questions:
1. Define Environmental science
Environmental science is the study of the environment, its biotic and abiotic components
and their interrelationships.
2. What are the important components of
environment? Abiotic or non-living components
Biotic or living component
Energy component
3. What are the processes involved in hydrological cycle?
Continuous evaporation, transpiration, precipitation of surface run off and ground water
4. Define biogeochemical cycle. Give example.
The continuous circulation of all the essential elements and compounds required for life,
from the environment to the organism and back to the environment.e.g., carbon cycle
5. What are the functions of lithosphere?
It is a home for human beings and wild lives.
It is a store house minerals and organic matters
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6. Mention the various types of public participation.
Pressure group
Watch dog
Advisory council
Enforcing the environmental laws
7. Explain biosphere?
The part of lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere in which living organisms live and
interact with one another is called biosphere
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UNIT 2: ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

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
c) Soil pollution
d) Marine pollution
e) Noise pollution
f) Thermal
pollution g) Nuclear
hazards
a)AIR POLLUTION:
It is an atmospheric. condition where certain substances are present in conc. which
can cause undesirable effects on man and his environment.
Ex. Gases, particulate matter, radioactive substances etc.
Gaseous pollutants sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, volatile organic compounds
Particulate pollutants smoke, dust, soot, fumes, aerosol, liquid droplets, pollen grains
Radio active pollutants Radon 222, Iodine 131, Sr 90
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Sources of air pollution
Natural sources
man made sources(anthropogenic)
1. Volcanic eruption
2. Forest fires
3. Biological decay
thermal power plants (fly ash, SO2)

industrial units
vehicle emission(CO-77%, HC-14%, NOX-8%)(Heavy duty diesel vehicles- more NOX and
SPM
Petrol vehicles CO & HC)
4. Sea salt spray

5. Pollen grains of flowers
fossil fuel burning

Agricultural activities
Metallurgical plants (SO2, CO2)
Fertilizer plants
Textile mills
Refineries
Paper and pulp mills
Classification of air pollutants:

Air pollutants
According to origin According to state of matter
Primary pollutants
secondary pollutants
(SO2, NOX, smoke) (PAN, SO3, aldehydes)

Gaseous air
particulate air
pollutants
(CO2, NOX)
pollutants
(dust, mist)
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Indoor
pollution:
air
Radon is an important air pollutant. It can be emitted from building materials like bricks,
concrete, tiles etc. which are derived from soil containing radium. Burning of fuel produce
pollutants like CO, SO2, soot and many other like formaldehyde, benzo(a)pyrene (BAP)
are toxic and harmful for health. BAP is also found in cigarette smoke and is considered to
cause cancer.
A person using wood as fuel for cooking inhales
BAP equivalent to 20 packets of cigarette a day.
Effects of air pollution:
Effects on human:
Human respiratory system has a number of mechanisms for protection from air
pollution. Bigger particles (> 10 micro m) can be trapped by the hairs and sticky muscus
lining in the nose.
S. No. Pollutant
Sources
Effects on human
Aldehydes
Thermal
Irritates nasal and respiratory tracts
decomposition of fats
and oils
Ammonia
Chemical processes, Upper respiratory passage

dye
making,
explosives
and
fertilizers
Arsenic
Coal and oil furnaces
Carbon Monoxide Motor exhausts, oil damages lungs and heart

and coal furnaces
Cadmium
oil and coal furnaces
Damages kidney
Chlorine
Chemical industries
Attacks respiratory tracks, mucous

membranes
Hydrocarbons
Unburnt
vapours
Hydrogen Sulfide
Sewage
treatment, Irritates eyes, causes nausea, bad
refineries
odour
Nitrogen oxides
Motor
exhaust
Damages kidney, cause jaundice,

lung and skin cancer
gasoline Fog formed with combination of

NOx affects respiratory system
vehicle Bronchitis
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10
Ozone
Photochemical
reactions
Eye irritation, aggressive asthma
11
Sulphur dioxide
Coal
and
combustion
oil Obstructs breathing, irritates eyes
12
Suspended solids
Industrial
manufactures
Eye
irritation,
asthma,
suffocation, lung cancer
air
Control of air pollution:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Using non conventional energy

Using bio filters
Planting more trees
Reducing vehicle exhausts
Using less polluting fuels
Using mass transport
Removal of particulate matter using electrostatic precipitator, cyclone filter etc.
Setting of industries of EIA
Removal of NOX from vehicle exhaust
b)WATER POLLUTION:
Presence of foreign impurities (organic, inorganic, biological) in such quantities so as
to constitute a health hazard by lowering the water quality and making it unfit for use.
Causes:
Point source Ex: flow of water pollutants from sewerage system, industrial effluent etc.
Non-point source Ex: agricultural land (pesticides, fertilizers, mining, construction
sites)
Classification of water pollutants:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
suspended matter
thermal discharge
pathogens (bacteria, fungi, protozoa fungi)
natural organic pollutants
synthetic organic pollutants
inorganic chemicals
radioactive waste, oil, sediments
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Effects of water pollution
1. Objectionable colour and odour is unacceptable and unsuitable for drinking and other
purposes.
2. highly turbid and very hard water is unpleasant to drink, food processing
3. acid and alkaline water cause serious health problem
4. water borne infectious enteric disease like typhoid, cholera, dysentery, are the
predominant health hazard arising from drinking contaminated water
5. radioactive pollution enter human body through food and get accumulated in thyroid
gland, liver, bones and muscles
6. biodegradable waster deplete D O in the receiving stream, affect the flora cause creates
anaerobic conditions
7. non biodegradable waste and pesticides travel the food chain and ultimately reach human
where they accumulate in fatty tissues
8. thermal discharge in stream depletes D O
9. phosphate, nitrate, promote the growth of algae and encourage eutrophication
10. Industrial effluents result in addition of poisonous chemicals such as arsenic, mercury,
lead may reach human body through contaminated food.
Control measures of water pollution
1. lay down standard for
a. drinking water
b. disposal of waste water into water course/sewer/land
2. monitoring
3. treatment
a. domestic treatment
screening
sedimentation
filtration, pH adjustment
disinfection
b. waste water treatment
preliminary treatment
primary treatment
secondary treatment
advanced treatment
Page 22 of 73

C) SOIL POLLUTION:The contamination of soil by human and natural activities which may cause harmful
effects on living beings.
Causes:-
Effects:-
Industrial waste
Urban waste
Agricultural practices
Radioactive pollutants
Biological agent
Affect human health

Affect soil fertility
Reduce soil productivity
Cause abnormalities
Control measures:
Properly collect solid waste

Microbial degradation
Recovery of products from waste
For methane generation, use cattle dung
For biogas generation, use biodegradable organic waste
d) MARINE POLLUTION: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.
Causes:
Sources:
Rivers
Catchment area
Oil drilling and shipment.
Effects:
waste disposal
oil spill
thermal pollution (plants located nearby coastal areas)
ship breaking activities
aquaculture practices
nuclear test conducted in seas and oceans
disturb entire aquatic or marine ecosystem

oil has suffocation effect on most aquatic animals
Page 23 of 73

smaller animals can be caught in oil envelope and die
thermal
Pollution may increase the temp. of water and DO may be depleted which causes
danger.
There may be chances for bioaccumulation and bio magnification in the food
chain due to the disposal of non-degradable wastes
Oil promotes anaerobic conditions by preventing diffusion of oxygen from air
Disposal of radio active wastes cause chronic, acute and genetic damage
Affects the recreational activity along the beaches
Affect sensitive flora and fauna
Loss of buoyancy
Affect phytoplankton, zooplankton, algal species, coral reefs, fish, birds and
mammals.
Control measures:
Ban to dump the toxic, hazards waste and sewage sludge.

Prevent sewer overflows
Minimize coastal developmental activities
Oil ballast should not be dumped into sea.
e) NOISE POLLUTION:Sound is mechanical energy from a vibrating source
Unpleasant and unwanted sound is called
noise
Sound can propagate through air, liquid or
solid
Sound is pressure perturbation in the medium through which it travels. Sound pressure
creates alternate compression and rarefaction. The number of c and r per unit time is called
frequency.
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 dimensionless unit decibel
(dB). The international reference P is 2X10 power -5 Pa. Sound can affect ears either by
loudness or by pitch (frequency).
The CPCB has recommended the
permissible noise levels for various places.
Page 24 of 73

Area
Permissible
noise level(dB)
Day
Night
Industrial
75
70
Commercial
65
55
Residential
55
45
Silent Zone
50
40
Sounds and their decibel scale:

1. Rocket engine 180 dB
2. Jet plane take off 150 dB
3. Threshold of pain 140 dB
4. Recorded music (max) 130 dB
5. Construction works, news paper press 100 dB
6. Motor cycle 90 dB
7. Ordinary conservation 70/80 dB
8. Air conditioning unit/ Light traffic 60 dB
9. Normal living room 50 dB
10. Library or soft whisper 30 B
11. Threshold of hearing 0 dB
Sources of noise pollution:
1. Industrial units
2. Transportation modes
3. Construction activities
4. Celebrations
5. Electric home appliances
Nanjing
105 dB
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
Page 25 of 73
Noise
Diwali:
pollution
during
nd
The environmental (protection) (2 amendment) Rule 1999 has given the permissible limit
of noise level produced from fire crackers to be 125 dB. According to recent test reports on
fire crackers by National Physical Laboratory, the fire crackers available in the market produce
noise beyond the permissible limit.
Atom bomb 135-138 dB
Hydrogen bomb
The Union Government and all the state governments shall follow the guidelines of
amendment
89 of env. (Protection) Rule 1986 framed under Env. (Protection) Act 1986 which
says
1. The manufacture, sale or use of fire crackers generating noise level exceeding125dB
shall be prohibited.
2. For joined fire crackers the limit is taken as 5log 10 (N) dB; where N= no. of
crackers joined together
3. The use of fire crackers shall not be permitted except between 6.00a.m and 10p.m.
4. No crackers burning is permitted in/near silent zone areas near hospitals, educational
institutions, courts, religious places, etc.
5. The State Education Resource Centre shall take appropriate steps to educate students
about the ill effects of air and noise pollution.
Control of noise pollution:
Reduction in source of noise]

Noise making machines should be kept in containers with sound absorbing media
Proper oiling will reduce noise from machinery
Using silencers fibrous material
Planting trees
Legislation can prevent excess sound production, unnecessary horn blowing etc.
f) THERMAL POLLUTION:Addition of excess undesirable heat to

water
Causes: Nuclear power plant
Domestic sewage
Hydro electric power
Effects:
Reduction inn dissolved oxygen

Increase in toxicity
Page 26 of 73

Direct mortality
Control measures:The following methods should be adopted to control thermal pollution
Cooling towers
Cooling ponds
Spray ponds
g) NUCLEAR HAZARDS:- OR RADIO ACTIVE POLLUTION

The physical pollution of air, water and soil by radio
materials. Causes:I) Natural causes:
Solar rays
Radio nuclides in earths crust
Environmental radiation
II)Anthrogeneic causes:
Medical X-rays
Radio isotopes
Nuclear test
Nuclear installations
Nuclear reactor
Effects: Causes skin burns, loss of teeth, vomiting anemia

Blood cancer
Brain damage
Control measures:
Radiation exposure protection

Radiation contamination protection
Controlled area
Disposal of radioactive waste
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT:Any material that is thrown away or discarded as unwanted is considered as solid
waste. Types: Garbage or food waste
Rubbish
Agricultural waste
Page 27 of 73
Cause:-
Effects:-
Industrial waste
Hazardous waste
Over population
Affluence
Technology
Health hazard
Environmental impact
Control measures:Solid waste management include the waste generation
Solid waste generation
Collection of waste
Transportation
Storage
Segregation of waste
Disposal methods
Land fills
Incineration
Composting
Collection of solid waste

Disposal of solid waste
Land fill- Disposal of municipal waste in the upper layers of the earths mantle.
Incineration- Burn highly combustible wastes at very high temperature,
Composting or Bio degradation- Decompose the organic components of the municipal solid
wastes.
Page 28 of 73

Waste utilization
o Reuse
o Recycling
o Reclamation
Role of an individual in prevention of
pollution;-
Use stairs instead of elevators

Use public transportation walk or ride a bicycle
Plant trees around building
Turn off lights, television sets and computer when not in use.
Pay immediate attention to leaks in pipes.
Install waste saving equipments.
Recycle glass metal and paper.
Compost garden waste
Segregate waste and recycle
Buy locally made long losing material
Buy environmentally degradable products.
Take some bag from home to market to purchase.
POLLUTION CASDE STUDIES:1. Bhopal gas tragedy:- (Air Pollution)

Pesticide factory-Union Carbide- corporation leak large volume of methyl iso
cyanate atmosphere Bhopal- India-midnight on December 3,1984-citychange- gas chamber-within a week 10,000 people died 1000 people turned
blind-lakhs of people still continue to suffer various diseases
2. Gulf War: (Marine Pollution)
Gulf war was fought between Iraq and US-Period of 6 weeks in 1991American
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 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

containing mercury ions-converted into methyl mercury- highly toxic
consumed by fishes affect human being through food chain-damage
central nervous system-loss of vision and hearing-loss of muscular
coordination and severe headache- nervous disorders
DISASTER MANAGEMENT;
FLOOD:
Submergence of waste areas of land under water for many days in
continuation
Causes: 1.Heavy rainfall
2. Sudden Snow melt
3. Clearing
agriculture
of
forest
for
4, Industries increase the value and rate of water discharge after a

storm
Effects:
1. Damage to building and property
2. Soil erosion is the major loss of agriculture
3. Any product submerged by flood water cannot be rescued
Control measures:
1. Building wall prevent spilling out the flood water over flood pains
2. advance meteorological information will prevent flood damage
3. reduction of run off by increasing infiltration through appropriate forestation
eg.flood in Bangladesh 1974
EARTHQUAKE:
Earthquake is the motion of the ground surface caused by wave motion
starting from a focal point
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
Page 30 of 73

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:
1. planting more trees on hostel areas
2. construction of dams
3. Radar system is used to detect cyclone eg.Cyclone in AP
LANDSLIDES;
The movement of eart materials like coherent rock, mud, soil and debris from
higher region to lower due to gravitational pull is called landslide
Causes:
1. Earthquake, shock, vibration
2. Deep water ground mining
3. movement of heavy vehicles on the unstable sleepy region
Effects:
1. Increase erosion of soil
2. block the roads
3. damage the houses, crop yield, life stock
Control measures:
1. Planting of deep rooted vegetation
2. Encouragement for construction of bridges water ways
3. Create national parks, sanctuaries biosphere.e.g.land slides in U.P
Page 31 of 73

Review questions
1. Give any three methods of air pollution control equipment
Catalytic converters
Cyclone collectors
Electrostatic precipitators
2. What is smog?
It is a mixture of smoke and fog which forms droplets that remain suspended in the
air.
3. What is point source of water pollution?

Point source is discharge pollutants at specific locations through pipes, ditches
into
bodies
of
surface
waters.
4. When a sound causes noise pollution?
Noise beyond 120 dB
5. What are the types of solid waste?
Municipal waste
Industrial waste
Hazardous waste
What is waste minimization?
Industrial manufacturing system the primary concern should be reducing the quantities
of waste materials produced. This avoids the necessity to threat and disposal off
such materials.
6. Name the chemical constituent of gas that caused death in Bhopal gas tragedy in
India.
Methyl iso cynaide.
7. Define the term Tsunami.
It is a large wave that are generated in a water body where the sea floor deformed by
seismic activity. This activity displaces the overlying water in the ocean
Page 32 of 73

UNIT 3:NATURAL RESOURCES
Any component of the env. Which has intrinsic value of its own is called as resource.
Any component which can be transferred in a way such that it becomes more valuable and
useful is termed as resource.
Resources
Renewable
Non renewable
Eg. Clean air, clean Ground

water
minerals
Considered to be
renewable
with
considerable
life
span-as long as they
have the capacity to
renew unless they
are affected by
catastrophes
or
anthrophogenic
activity.
Continuous
Extrinsic
water, Solar energy, wind Human skills

energy
Available only in Considered to be

finite quantity available always.
their rate of renewal
is so slow that they
are considered as
non-renewable
FOREST RESOURCES:
Forests are one of the most important resources of the world. Apart from having high
commercial importance they provide high environmental services also. They act as a blanket
on the surface of the earth.
rd
th
Around 1/3 of world land area was found to be forests. 1/5 of world forests were
found in Brazil and 6-7% was in Canada and USA. But the matter under high concern is
the declination of forest cover year by year.
USES OF FOREST:
Commercial uses: Forests provide timber, fire wood, food material, resin, gum, non edible
oils, drugs, medicine, rubber, fibers, bamboo and many other important items.
Ecological uses:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Production of Oxygen: Photosynthesis earths lungs

Reducing global warming sink for carbon di oxide
Wild life habitat 7 million species in tropical forests alone
Regulation of hydrological cycle prevent surface run off giant sponges 50-80%
moisture
Page 33 of 73

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
OVER EXPLOITATION OF FORESTS:
Human beings depend heavily on forests for food, shelter, wood, fuel and medicine
with growing civilization etc. shooted up resulting in large scale mining, road
building and clearing of forests.
Excessive use of charcoal, fuel wood, expansion of urban, agricultural and industrial
areas and overgrazing have lead to over exploitation and rapid degradation of forests.
DEFORESTATION:
The total forest area of the world in 1900 was 7000 million hectares -1975 2900 mha
2000 2300 mha.
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 tropical forest.
INDIAN STATUS:
Stabilized since 1982, with about 0.04% declaration per year between 1982 - 90.
During 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 our land area covered by forests(satellite data).
MAJOR CAUSES OF DEFORESTATION:
1. Shifting of Cultivation 300 million people 5 lakh hectares of forest for slash and
burn culture
2. fuel requirement
3. raw materials for industrial use
4. developmental projects
5. growing food needs
6. overgrazing
CONSEQUENCES OF DEFORESTATION
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
threatens many wild life species due to destruction of natural habitat

biodiversity is lost along with that genetic diversity
hilly regions are made prone to landslides
soil erosion and loss of soil fertility
hydrological cycle is affected
(loss of rainfall, flood, drought etc)
Page 34 of 73

TIMBER EXTRACTION AND MINING:
The major activities in forest area are 1. timber extraction 2.
mining
The important effects of timber extraction
are i) thinning of forests
ii)
loss of biodiversity, particularly tree breading
species iii)
soil erosion and loss of soil fertility
iv)
migration of tribal people from one place to another in search of new
forest v) extinction of tribal people and their culture
MINING:
Mining is a process of removing ores from area which is very much below the ground level.
Mining is done for the extraction of several minerals of metals like Fe, Mn, Au, Ag,etc.
The minerals are especially found in thick forests.
Mining can be carried out in two ways
1. Surface mining
2. underground mining or sub-surface mining
The effects of under ground mining on forest reserves is comparatively less than that of
surface
mining
Relation
change:
between
forest
and
climate
Forests both influence and influenced by climate change. They play an important role in the
carbon cycle and the way we manage forests could significantly affect global warming.
Forests hold more than 50 per cent of the carbon that is stored in terrestrial vegetation and
soil organic matter. Hence, deforestation contributes significantly to net emissions of carbon
dioxide into the atm.
If the predicted global warming occurs, the impact on forests is likely to be regionally
varied, 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 trees outside forest areas.
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.
Page 35 of 73

DAMS BENEFITS AND PROBLEMS
River valley projects with big dams are considered to play a key role in the development of
a country. India has large number of river valley projects
1. These dams are regarded as symbol of national development.
2. provides large scale employment of tribal people and increase the std. of living of
them
3. contribute for economic uplift and growth
4. help in checking flood
5. generate electricity
6. reduce power and water shortage
7. provide irrigation water
8. provide drinking water to remote areas
9. promote navigation and fishery.
Environmental problems:
The environmental problems can be at upstream as well as downstream
Level
Upstream problems
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Displacement of tribal people

Loss of flora and fauna
siltation and sedimentation near reservoir
stagnation and water logging near reservoir
growth of aquatic weeds
micro climatic changes
RIS causes earthquakes
breeding of disease vectors
Downstream problems
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Water logging and salinity due to over irrigation

micro climatic changes
salt water intrusion at river mouth
loss of fertility due to sediment deposits
out break of vector born diseases.
Page 36 of 73

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.
1. Tropical rain forest
2. Temperate regions
3. Deserts
Water is used for domestic, irrigation and also industrial purposes
Out of the total available water 75% is used for agriculture, 20% for industrial usage. In our
country ~93% of water is used for agricultural purposes.
Ground water:
9.86% of fresh water is ground water and it is 35-50% greater than surface water.
Aquifer: The layer of soil which is permeable has the ability to store water is called an aquifer.
It is generally made up of gravel, sand etc.
Unconfined aquifer: it is covered by permeable layer. The recharge of this layer is by rainfall
or snowmelt.
Confined aquifer: sandwiched between impermeable layers. The recharge is through
unconfined aquifer layers.
Over utilization of ground water:
Over utilization of water leads to rapid depletion of water resources, ground
subsidence, lowering of water table and water logging.
Effects of over utilization of ground water:
Reasons: Economic development, rapid industrial growth and population explosion
The use of ground water and surface water rates which are higher than that of
recharge ultimately leads to
Water scarcity
Water logging
Salination
alkalization
Page 37 of 73
water pollution or contamination
creates declining of water levels

crops failure and reduction in agricultural production
over pumping of ground water create drought, famine and food
shortage
over pumping of ground water sea water intrusion in coastal
aquifers
land subsidence may due to over pumping of ground water
river pollution due to industrial activities and dumping of waste into rivers, which in
turn force to utilize the ground water, ultimately leads to over
pumping
Clean water is universal right. It is the responsibility of everyone to ensure the purity of
water. Water is a valuable commodity and it has to be
conserved. Surface water:
When evaporation and transpiration rates are lower than the rainfall, surface water body
like lake, river, pond, streams etc. are formed.
Flood: over flow of water, whenever the water in flow is greater than the carrying
capacity of the channels flood occurs.
Causes:
1. heavy rainfall, snow melt, sudden release of water from dams.
2. Prolonged down pour leading to overflowing of rivers and lakes
3. Reduction in carrying capacity due to obstructions or sediments etc.
4. Deforestation, overgrazing, mining increases water run off
5. Removal of dense forests from hilly regions
Effects:
1. Submerges the flooded area
2. Loss of soil fertility due to soil erosion
3. Extinction of civilization at costal area
Flood management:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Dams and reservoirs can be constructed

Embankments and proper channel management
Flood way should not be encroached
Forecasting or flood warning
Decrease of run off by infiltration through afforestation or rain water harvesting etc.
Page 38 of 73

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
Socioeconomic: reduction in the availability of food and social securing of people
Causes:
Deforestation and lesser rainfalls coupled with cutting of trees for timber leads
to desertifictation.
Over drafting of ground water, subsidence of soil, drying of wetlands
Pollution of soil with solid waste, industrial effluents etc makes land useless and dry
Population explosion in man and livestock leads to enhanced requirement of timber,

fuel wood, grazing
Shifting cultivation
Effects:
Increase of water in stream pond
Ground water table get declined
Loss of agricultural crops
Loss of biodiversity
Government spent a lot of money as drought relief f und
Control measures
Rain water harvesting
Watershed management
Prevent deforestation
Encourage afforestation
Page 39 of 73

CONFLICTS OVER WATER
Due to increase in population and decrease in water resources conflicts over water starts
Conflicts over the water around world was classified as
Control of water resources
Military food resources
Political resources
Terrorism
Military targets
Development disputes
Causes:
Conflicts through use 1. Shipping traffic in international water .2 dam construction
Construction of power stations on
Conflicts through pollution-rhine river,Europe
Distributional conflict-relative storage
Euphrates, Nile, Ganges - plataneous in upper basin, reduced in lower basin due to
extensive use.
Anatolian dam project by turkey Farakka dam in India

Distributional conflict: Absolute shortage. Colorada and Rio Grande, Jordan
Conflicts management:
Enact laws to check practices to control water pollution
Sharing river solved by interlinking river
Power must be given to national water authority and river basin

authority and river s-basin authority for equitable distribution of
basin water- demand fo0r nationalization of water needs
Page 40 of 73

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,
which adversely affects the flora and fauna.
Deeper excavation of ground causes lowering of water table, which leads to drying of
wells or sea water intrusion
In stone quarries, blasting of rocks not only annoying the people nearby, but also
cause 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 of heavy metals and toxic elements in the environment.
FOOD RESOURCES:
PROBLEMS FACED BY FOOD RESOURCES
Overgrazing
modern agriculture
Land degradation
high yield variety crops
Soil erosion
micronutrients imbalance
Loss of useful species
nitrate pollution
Eutrophication
Pesticide related problems
Water logging
Salinity
Page 41 of 73

WORLD FOOD PROBLEMS:
Problems mainly under nutrition and malnutrition

Natural calamities:-famine, drought, earthquake, flood, gale, storm
Disease and medical facilities
Pest damage:-insects, bacteria, viruses, parasites consume 60% of worlds food
production
Hunger
Population explosion in rural areas
Environmental pollution
Lack of water for irrigation
Less rainfall due to deforestation
Livestock overgrazing
Overfishing
CHANGES CAUSED BY OVERGRAZING AND AGRICULTURE:

Overgrazing:
Process of eating away the vegetation along with its roots without giving a chance to regenerate
Land degradation-leads to organically poor, dry, compacted soil cannot be used
for further cultivation
Soil erosion-cover of vegetation gets removed from soil
Loss of useful species-good quality grasses and herbs with high nutritive value, when
grazed lose even the root stocks which carry the reserve food for regeneration
get destroyed which gives raise to secondary species like parthenium, Lantane,
Xanthium etc
To prevent match the forage supplement to the herds requirement.eg.Switch grass
Modern agriculture:
The practice through which specific plant species are cared and managed so as to obtain
maximum yield of consumable parts of plants agriculture
Makes use of hybrid seeds and selected and single crop variety, high tech equipment
and lots of energy subsides in the form of fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation water e.g.
green 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
Page 42 of 73

Nitrate pollution-nitrogenous fertilizers applied deep soil contaminates ground water.
cause blue baby syndrome methaemoglobinemia- affects infants
Eutrophication: Over nourishment of lakes due to agriculture field wash out -leads to
algal bloom-dead organic matters increases due to decomposition-leads to oxygen
demand
Problems associated with pesticide
use:
Evolution of genetic resistance

Imbalance in ecosystem
Creation of new pest
Persistence, Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification
Mobility through soil, water, air, washed away into rivers, streams, when it rains can
harm fishes
Creating super pest
Death of non starget organisms
Salinity
Water logging
Water logging / salinisation:

Saturation of soil with irrigation water or excessive precipitation. So that water table rises
close to surface.
Water logging results when soils are over irrigated without drainage. Occurs in clayey soil,
soil root zone becomes saturated with so much water blocking oxygen supply for growth and
soil becomes unsuitable. Carbondioxide and ethylene accumulate around roots and affects
plants
ENERGY RESOURCES
Growing energy needs:
Population explosion, Luxurious life, Industries, Agriculture, mining, transportation,
lighting, cooling, heating, building all need energy. Fossil fuels like coal, oil, natural gas
produce 95% of energy
Sources of energy
PrimaryRenewable 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
Page 43 of 73

Energy
renewable
Energy non
renewable
Advantage
1. Wide availability
2. Low cost
3. Decentralized power
production
4. Low pollution
5. Available for the
future
1. Available in high
concentrated form
2. Easy to store
3. Reliable supply
4. Lower cost
Disadvantage
1. Unreliable supply
2. Produced in small
quantity
3. Difficult to store
4. Cost more
1.highly pollution
Available only in few places
High running cost
Limited supply and will one
day get exhausted
Use of alternate energy sources:

Refers to energy sources which are not based on the burning of fossil fuels or the splitting
of atoms.
Solar energy:
Total energy from sun per year-35,000 times the energy used by man
Used to run car, power plants and spaceships
Energy harvesting
devises: Solar heat
collectors
Solar cells
Solar cooker
Solar water heater
Solar furnace
Solar power plants
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

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-4x10 KW/Hr
11
Tidal Energy
Uses the natural motion of tides to fill reservoirs which are then slowly discharged through
electricity producing turbines
Ocean thermal energy
Energy available due to the difference in water temperature. The surface of the tropical
0
ocean and at deeper level is called OTE. A difference of 20 c or more is required for
operating OTE power plants.
Geothermal energy
Energy harassed from
Manikaran,kully,sohana
the
hot
rocks
inside
earth.
eg.
natural
geysers
in
Biomass energy
Organic
plants
matter
produced
by
Types:
1.Energy
plantations:
Solar energy is trapped by green plants through photosynthesis and converted to biomass e.g
Leucaema,Sugarcane, sweet sorghum, Sweetbeet aquatic weeds like hyacinth, Sea
weeds,potato,cereal-energy plantations
Produce energy by burning directly or by getting converted into burnable gas or converted to
fuels by fermentation.
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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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
1. sustainability or ability to produce continuously and indefinitely.
2. quality of land resource that makes it sustainable or resistant to degradation
3. carrying capacity or the number of people and animals the land can normally support
without significant stress.
Landscapes generally undergo degradation but are usually compensated by natures inherent
recovering ability. Whenever degradation occur exceeding natures restorative capacity,
the
result will be a disaster.
Man induced landslides:
The hill slopes are prone to land slides, landslips, rockslides etc. These hazardous features
have reduced the overall progress of the region as they obstruct the roads, communication
media and water flow. There are two types of slides
1. slides due to natural factors
2. slides induced by man and his activities
Some of the human activities that cause land sliding
are
massive deforestation
erratic agricultural practices
road building
Unscientific quarrying etc.
Engineering. Constructions
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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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.
ROLE OF INDIVIDUAL IN CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES:
Natural resources-forest,water,soil,food,mineral and energy
Overuse of these resources cause problems
Conserve water:
Dont keep water taps running
Install water saving toilets
Check forwater leaks
Reuse soapy water
Use drip and sprinkling irrigation
Conserveenergy
Turn off lights,fan when not in use
Use solarcooker for cooking
Try riding bicycle
Protect soil:
Dont uproot plants
Grow grass which binds soil andprevent erosion
Make compost
Use green manure
Dont over irrigate
Use mixed cropping
EQUITABLE USEOF RESOURCES FOR SUSTAINABLE IFE STYLE:
Most developed countries like USA, Canada, Japan, Australia have 22% of
natural resources, use 88%.73%of its energy and command 85%of its income
Less developed countries has 78% of population, 12% Usage of natural resources, 27%
of energy, 15% of income
Gap arises due to increase in population distribution of resources and wealth
Problem solved by equitable distribution of resources and wealth
Global consensus has to be reached for more balanced distribution of basic resources
like safe drinking water, food, fuel etc. So poor low developed countries able to sustain
their life
Two basic cause of unsustainability are over population in poor countries and over
consumption of resources by rich countries generate wastes
Rich countries lower down their consumption level
Poor countries fulfilled by providing them resources
Review questions
Page 47 of 73

1. What is artesian well?
A well or hole in aquifer flows freely at the surface
2. What is wetland?give examples and use
Wetlands are the natural water storage bodies on ground surface
Eg.Swamps, Meadows, Marshes
3. State the major process which have major environmental impact while processing of minerals.
Smelting,chemical extractions
4. What is salinization?
During over irrigation, all the water is not absorbed in the soil. such water evaporates
leaving behind a thin crust of dissolved salts in the top soil.
5. Give two examples of primary and secondary sources of
energy? Primary source-fossil fuels, hydro energy
Secondary source-petrol, electrical energy
6. What is ocean thermal energy conversation?
In oceans, a thermal gradient (i.e., the temperature difference) of about 200C exists
between surface water heated by sun and colder deep water. This difference can be harnessed
to produce power. This concept is OTEC.
7. Give any four environmental benefits of dam
Source of cleaner and safer power
For irrigation of agricultural lands
Helps in recharging of ground water
Habitat for many fishes and wildlife
8. What are the sources of water

Ground water, surface water, sea water, rain water
9. What is sardar sarovar Narmada project?
It is a multipurpose project on river Narmada, bringing the benefits of irrigation,
power and drinking water to Gujarat, Mathya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
10. What is integrated pest management?
The process of controlling crop pests using ecological system
Page 48 of 73

UNIT 4:SOCIAL ISSUES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
From unsustainable to sustainable development:
Brundland commission describes sustainable development as the development that
meet needs of present generation without compromising ability of future generations to meet
their own need
Concept of sustainable development
A symbiotic relationship between consumer human race and producer natural system
Compatibility between ecology and economics
Aim of sustainable development:
Inter generational equity

Intra generational technology
Significance of sustainable development:

Developing appropriate technology
Reduce , reuse, recycle of natural resources
Providing environmental education and awareness
Consumption of renewable resources
Conservation of nonrenewable resources
Population control
Urban problems related to energy:
Urbanization:
Movement of human population from rural areas top urban areas for betterment of
education, communication, health, employment etc
Causes;
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
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Solution:
Use public transport instead of motor cycles
Energy consumption must be minimized
Use solar and wind energy
Impose strict laws, penalty, and energy audit
Water conservation:
Process of saving water for future utilization
Water source:
Fresh water
River
Stream
Pond
Ocean
Need for water conservation:
Population increases water requirement also increases
Due to deforestation annual rainfall decreases
Over exploitation of ground water
Ways of water conservation
Reducing evaporation loss
Reducing irrigation loss
Reuse water
Avoid sewage discharge
Water conservation method
Watershed management
Objective:
To meet increasing demands of water
Raise water table by recharging ground water
Reduce ground water contamination from salt water intrusion
Roof top rainwater harvesting
Involves collecting water that falls on roof of house
Rainwater from roof top, road surface, play ground diverted to surface tank
Advantages of rainwater harvesting
Page 50 of 73

Increases the well water availability
Raise ground water level
Minimizes soil erosion
Watershed management:
It is defined as land area bounded by divide line from which water drains under influence of
gravity in to stream, lakes, reservoir.
Eg. Pits, dams, Farm, ponds,
Himalaya. Types
1. Micro
2. Mini
3. Macro
Watershed Management;
The management of rainfall & resultant
runoff. Forestry
Halt deforestation, provide vegetative cover, degraded land and supplement folder and
fuel wood resources available to rural communities
Agriculture
-
Aims to increase agricultural productivity in sustained manner and to diversify crop

production
- Major objective shall be achieved through organizing farmers, training camps and
exposure visits.
- Construct check dams, water harvesting tanks, storage tanks and channels , repair of old
channels , implementing measures to check soil erosion
Horticulture
establishment of private orchard
Rejuvenation of existing orchards
Distribution of horticulture plant for home garden planting.
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.
Page 51 of 73

- Decrease in soil erosion.
- Restoration of ecological balance.
Resettlement and Rehabilitation of people:
Resettlement simple relocation or displacement of human
population.
Rehabilitation making, system to work again by allowing, system to function
naturally. Includes replacing the lost economic assets, Safeguard Employment, Provide
safe land for building
Repair damaged
infrastructure. Effects:
Loss of land
Loss of recourse
Unsatisfactory comp[enasation
Social and cultura problems
Changes in tradition of indigenous people
Spread of disease
Submergence of valuable forest
Waterlogging
Extinction of wild life
Environmental ethics:Over exploitation of forests, land, water as well as various living components
of biosphere and failure to tackle the problem of pollution and environmental degradation
are exposing the humanly to the thread of a global environment crisis.
It emphasis that real development cannot occur unless the strategies which are
formulated are implemented are environmentally sustainable. Even
though
our
government is formulating several rules, regulations, policies, laws, it is the duty of each
and every one to protect our nature.
Therefore human beings are ethically responsible for the preservation of the worlds
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.
Page 52 of 73

Green House Effect and Global Warming:
The raise of earths surface temperature due to intense green house effect is called global
warming.
Causes:
Over the last century, the level of carbon dioxide in the atm. Has increase by 25%,
the level of nitrous oxide by 19% and the level of methane by 100%. These 3 major global
warming gases are released into the
atm.
by burning of fossil fuels,
industrialization,
mining, deforestation, exhaust from increasing automobiles and other
anthropogenic activities.
Effects:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Increase evaporation of surface water influence climate change

Leads to declining biodiversity
Melting of mountain glaciers and polar ice, which cause rise in sea level
Change the climate and rainfall reduction in food production
The biological productivity of ocean also decreased due to warming of earths surface
With more carbon dioxide in the air, the plants will grow bigger with increase in yield
and resulting in the soils getting poor quality
7. If proper precautions are not taken, the conc. Of green house gases may double in the
0
atom. with in next 50 years, and will makes the average global temp. to 45 C.
Ozone layer depletion:
Ozone is an important chemical species present in the stratosphere. Its conc. is about
10 ppm. It acts as a protective shield for the life on the earth. Ozone is produced and also
broken down by photochemical reactions, thus maintaining equilibrium.
Causes for ozone layer depletion:
1. Chlorine released from CFC and Bromine released from halogens are the most
important chemicals associated with ozone layer depletion
2. The halogens are used in fore extinguishers and CFC are extensively used in
air conditioners and refrigerators.
3. Methyl bromide used during packaging of fruits to prevent bacterial action flows out
into the atmosphere as soon as the packing is opened. This cause heavy damage to
ozone.
4. High altitude aircrafts and chemicals emitted by industrial plants and automobiles.
Effects:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Marked rise in cause skin cancer

Damage immune system
Eye ailment such as cataract
Shorter life of paints and plastics
Restricted growth and crop damage
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6. Destruction of aquatic life
Waste land reclamation:
Any land which is not put to optimal use is defined as waste land. The waste land
do not fulfill their life sustain potential wasteland contributes about 20.17% of the
total
geographical area of India.
Reasons for formation
Over grazing and over exploitation

Toxic effluent discharged from sewage and industrial wastes
Mining activities destroy forest and cultivable land
Use of pesticides also produce wasteland
Erosion, desertification, water logging also degrade land
Wastelands can be reclaimed by the following way

Conserving the soil land is brought under vegetal cover. This can be
done by growing grasses and shrubs
To reclaim the land/soil, effective participation of the people, vo
luntary agencies and government is very important
Consumerism and Waste Products
Consumerism refers to the consumption of resources by the people. Early human
societies used to consume much less resources. But the consumerism has increased to a very
large extent. Consumerism is related to both population size and increase in demands due to
change in life style.
Population has increased tremendously. World Bank estimates our population to reach
11 billion by 2045. Two types of conditions of population and consumerism exists.
1. People over population: When there are more people than available food, water and
other resources in an area causes degradation of limited resources poverty and under
nourishments. 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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Parameter
MDC
LDC
No. of people
low
High
Per capita consumption of high

resources
Low
Waste generated
Low
high
Over all environmental impact of these two types of consumerism may be same or
even greater in case of MDC.
Comparison of consumption and waste generation

Parameter
Global value %
USA
India
Population
4.7
16
Production of goods
21
Energy use
25
Pollutants and wastes
25
CFC Production
22
0.7
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

CG is to take action to protect and improve environment and SG to co ordinate actions. CG
to set up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Std of quality of ]air, water or soil

Maximum permissible limits of concentration of pollutants (including noise pollutant)
procedures and safe guard for handling hazardous items
Prohibition of using hazardous items
Prohibition and restriction of certain industries in certain area
Procedure and safe guard for prevention of accidents
Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986

SPCB is to follow the guidelines provided in schedule VI. Some are as follows
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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.
Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
Salient features
1. Prevention, control and abatement of air pollution
2. Air pollution has been defined as the presence of any solid, liquid or gaseous substance
(including noise) in the atmosphere in such a concentration that may be or tend to be
harmful to human being or any other living creature or plants or property or
environment.
3. Noise pollution inserted in 1987
4. CPCB & SPCB similar to water pollution board
5. Section 20 provides for emission std to auto mobile
6. Section 19 provides for SG to declare air pollution control area in consultation with
SPCB
7. Direction of PCB can be appealed in the appellate authority.
Water (prevention and control of pollution) Act 1974:
Maintaining and restoring the wholesomeness of water by preventing and controlling its
pollution. The salient features and provisions of Act are summed as follows.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Maintenance and Restoration of Quality surface and ground water

Establishment of central PCB and state PCB
Confers powers and functions to CPCB and SPCB
The act provides for funds, budgets, accounts and audits of the CPCB & SPCB
The act provides penalties for the defaulters and duties and powers
Wildlife [protection] act, 1972:

Land mark in the history of wildlife legislation.
1976 the powers are transferred from state to central government.
[I B of W L] was created in 1952 in our country which after WLA, 1972, took up the task
of setting National parks and sanctuaries.
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Wildlife [protection] Act
1 Defines wild life related terminology.
2 Provide appointments of advisory Board, wildlife warden, their powers & duties etc.
3 Prohibition of hunting of endangered species [was first] mentioned.
4 List of endangered species is provided.
5 Guides central 200 authorities.
6 Provides grants for setting up of national parks, wild life sanctuaries etc.
7 The Act imposes ban on trade & commence of scheduled animals.
8 Provides legal proves to officers to punish the offenders.
9 Provide captive breeding programme for endangered species.
Many conservation projects for endangered species were started under this
act. Lion 1972;
Tigers 1973
Crocodile [1974];
Deer 1981.
Forest (conservation) Act, 1980
It deals with conservation of forest and includes reserve forest, protected forest and any
forest land irrespective of ownership.
Salient features
1.
State government can use forest only forestry
purpose.
2. Provision for conservation of all types of forests. Advisory committee appointed for
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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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).
Environmental Legislation
th
1972 June 5 Environment was first discussed as an agenda in UN conference on Human

th
Environment. There after every year 5 June is celebrated as Environment
Day.
Constitutional
Provisions:
Added in 1976 Article 48A The state shall endeavor to protect and improve the
environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife of the country
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 creatures.
By these two articles one constitution makes environment protection and conservation as one
of our fundamental duties.
Central and state pollution control Board:
Central pollution
(CPCB):
control
Board
1. Advices CG in matters prevention and control of water

pollution
2. Co ordinates SPCB and provide technical assistance and
guidance
3. Training programs for prevention and control of pollution by mass media and other
ways
4.
Publishes statistical and technical details about
pollution
5. Prepares manual for treatment and disposal of sewerage and trade
effluents
6. Lays std for water quality parameters
7. plans nation-wide programs for prevention, control or abatement of
pollution
8. Laboratories for analysis of water, sewage or trade

effluents
State pollution
(SPCB):
control
Board
SPCB has similar functions as SPCB and governed by

CPCB
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.
Enforcement of environmental legislation major issues
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Target of 33% of land to be covered by forest not achieved

Rivers turning to open sewers
Big towns and cities polluted
Wild life endangered
EFP (Effluent Treatment Plant) or Air Pollution Control devices are expensive leads
to closure of units. Government should provide subsidy for small units.
6. Pollution control laws not backed up by policy pronouncements or guidelines
7. Chairman of PCB political nominee. Hence political interference.
8. Involving public in decision making envisaged by policy statement of the ministry of
environment and forest (1992) is only in paper.
Draw backs of wild life (protection) act
Fall out of Stockholm conference not localized
Ownership certificate of animals article illegal trading
Trade through J & K. This act not applicable to J&K
Offender to get just 3 years imprisonment and or Rs.25000/- fine.
Draw backs of the forest (conservation) act 1980
Inheritance of exploitative and consumerist elements of the British period

Tribal people (i.e.) inhabitants of forest are left by the act
Instead of attracting public support (tribal) it has intrigued in the human rights.
Protection of trees, birds and animals have marginalized poor people.
Review Questions
1. Define the term environmental ethics.
Environmental ethics refers to the issues, principals and guidelines relating to human
interactions with their environment
2. What are the effects of global warming?
Increase the sea level
Negative effect on crop production and forest growth
Decrease the water resource
Increase the drought
3. Explain the factors affecting watershed
Overgrazing, deforestation, mining, construction activities degrades watershed
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4. What is meant by Environmental audit?
Environmental audits are indented to quantify environmental performance and
environmental position.
5 Write the consequences of ozone layer depletion.
Damage genetic materials in the skin cells which cause skin cancer.
Affect the aquatic forms
Global warming
Degradation of paints, plastics
6. What is waste land reclamation?
The restoration of disturbed land to ecologically stable
condition. To make the land more productive for agriculture
7. What are the state enactments of environmental legislations of India
Smoke control
Landuse
Pest control
Water pollution
Page 60 of 73

UNIT 5: HUMAN POULATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Population growth:
Stone age quite stable
th
Droughts, outbreak of diseases lead to human deaths. 14 century A.D experienced large
scale mortality due to plague about 50% of people in Asia and Europe died due to the disease.
Science and technological advancement has increased the expectancy of human. People
started living with good sanitation food and medical facilities increase in population
exponentially. In agriculture based families children are said to be assets who help the parents
in fields. Therefore, in developing countries the population increase is at a rate of 3.4% per
year.
Population
nations:
characteristics
and
variation
among
1. Exponential growth: 1,3,5 If a quantity varies by a fixed % 10^1, 10^2 etc.

2. Doubling Time Td = 70/r
2%
3. Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is 1.9 developing countries. 4.7 developing countries and
6.1 in 1950
4. Infant mortality: % of infants died out of those born in a year last 50 years.
5. Replacement level: Under low life expectancy and high infant mortality 2.7 in
developing countries and 2 in developed countries.
6. Life expectancy: The average no. of years a new born baby is expected to live.
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.
In Japan and Sweden 77-77.4 & 82-84 years.
Population explosion:
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 natural resources are under threat because of the population growth. If
the
exploitation of resource is going on in this trend, the resources will be exhaust shortly.
Population explosion increase disease, economic inequity and environmental abuse.
Therefore we need population stabilization to achieve good health, education and prosperity.
Reason
explosion:
for
population
1. Increase in birth rate in developed countries due to illiteracy

2. Invention of modern medical facilities reduces mortality rate.
Family
programme:
welfare
Population explosion must be differenced
Population is not controlled will deplete all resources
Family planning
Page 61 of 73

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
Environment and human health:

Environment is defined as man along with his surroundings, which consists of biotic, abiotic
and sociological components.
Therefore,
when
we
cause
danger
to
these
components, which surrounds us, they in turn affect our health.
The environmental dangers created by man are many: Population explosion,
unregulated urbanization, creating water, air and landscape pollution, deforestation,
desertification, use of pesticides in agriculture etc. Every one of these has implications for the
health of the individual as well as society as a whole. None can be ignored because the
scale of potential calamity is increasing day by day.
Health hazards may be arising from: water contamination or pollution, air pollution, use of
pesticides enters through food chain, radiation effect of nuclear water, diseases caused from
improper disposal of solid wastes and also due to noise pollution.
Human rights:
1. Human rights means that a human being must enjoy on this earth
th
2. Foundation of human was laid in 13 century. But positive hopes for all people for a
happy, dignified and secured living condition wee raised only after Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR) by UNO on 1012.1948
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,
freedom of movement right of equal pay for equal work, right to form or join union,
right to health care, education etc.
5. Universal declaration rights are universal but disparity between developing and
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
7. Acute scarcity of employment
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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 inculcate positive attitude and to teach them the distinction between right and
wrong. It teaches them to be compassionate, peace loving, helpful, generous and tolerant so
that they can move towards more harmonious, peaceful, enjoyable and sustainable future.
Value education help in arriving value based judgements based on practical understanding of
various natural principles.
Value education increases awareness about our national history, our cultural heritage,
national pride, constitutional rights and duties, national integration, aommunity development
and environment.
It is crucial to the retention of national identity, peaceful and harmonious
society. Education should give overall development of the student personality. The main of
education is 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.
Therefore moral education should be included in the school curriculum. The
curriculum should provide enough opportunity for pupils to acquire a considerable amount
of knowledge that is essential for morally responsible living in our democratic society.
Value education shall prepare individuals for participation in social life and acceptance
of social rules.
Schools should provide a healthy environment for sharing responsibilities of
community life and relationships.
Value
based
education:
environmental
Environmental education is something that every person should be well versed with. The
principles of ecology and fundamentals of environment help to create a sense of earth
citizenship and a sense of care for the earth and its resources - a sense of commitment
towards the management of the resources in a sustainable way so that our children and
grand children too have a safe and clean planet.
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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.
1. Preparation of text books materials on environmental education to built a positive
attitude towards environmental factors.
2. Social values like love, tolerance, compassion can be woven into env. Education.
This will help to nurture all forms of life and biodiversity.
3. Cultural and religious values: Our culture and religions teach us not to exploit nature
but to perform such functions which project and sacred nature. Therefore these values
can be added up with env. Education.
4. Env. Education should stress on earth centric views rather than human centric view such
that it include the ethical values.
5. Global values: Stress on the concept human is part of nature and all natural processes are
inter linked and they are in harmony. If this harmony is disturbed it may lead to
imbalance in ecology and catastrophic results.
6. Spiritual values: highlights on self contentment, discipline, reduction of wants etc.
This will reduce our consumerist approach
If the mentioned values are incorporated in env. education, the goal of
sustainable 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
protect nature.
HIV/AIDS
AIDS-Acquired
Syndrome
Immuno
Deficiency
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
immune system
HIV-Human immuno deficiency virus cause AIDS disease.virus is passed through iinfected
blood,semen
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
education
prevention of blood borne HIV transmission
primary health care
counseling services
drug treatment
Role Of Information Technology In Environment And Human Health:

Computer based instruments for environment studies:
There are several on-line use instruments by which data can be collected automatically at
fixed interval of time.
Eg.
1. Instruments for monitoring and analysis of meteorological parameters, the
acoustic sounding system, radar is used
2. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) performs complex chemical and heavy
metal analysis in water and waste water.
3. Inductive coupled plasma spectrometer (ICPS), attached with powerful computers to
facilitate easy manipulations, is used for waste water analysis.
Application of computers in the field of Environment & human health:
2. Unknown parameters can be stimulated by computer techniques
3. EIA(Environmental Impact Assessment) problems can be analyzed
4. Inventories of emission sources are compiled and maintained
5. Net-work analysis, statistical analysis and the status of environmental pollutions can
be high lighted
6. Comprehensive administrative system can be developed by using computer network
techniques.
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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
2. What are the reasons for population explosion?
Improved sanitary conditions
Better heath care increase in productivity of agriculture and industry
3. What are the factors influencing human population
Unwanted fertility
To increase the income for family and support
Lack of knowledge on population control methods
4. What is silicosis and asbestosis?
Silicosis is caused due t contamination of free silica
Asbestosis is due to asbestos fibres deposited in lungs
5. List any four vector borne disease
Malaria
Dengue
Filaria
Encephalitis
6. What is ameobiasis?Give its source.
7. This is a water borne disease, caused by amoeba i.e., Entameoba histolytica
and charecterised by liquid stools with mucous and blood
Source; food chain-fruits, vegetables, contaminated drinking water, cold drink
8. What are the two primary strains of HIV
HIV-1 Strain
HIV -2 strain
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9. List any two drugs used in treatment of AIDS
AZT-Azidothymidine
DDi-Dideoxyinosine
10. List any two applications of information technology in environment
Data on environmental degradation will help to restore the conditions
Geographic information system by application of information techniology
will help in environmental conservation
FIVE YEARS ANNA UNIVERSITY EXAM QUESTION AND ANSWERS
UNIT 1: ENVIRONMENT, ECOSYSTEM AND BIODIVERSITY
1. Differentiate between a biome and an ecosystem
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 physical structure. This set of Ecosystem is called Biome (Small ecosystem)
A group of Organisms Interacting among themselves and with environment is known as
ecosystem.- is the basic functional unit of Ecology.
2. Define: Food chain and Food Web
In linear food chains, if one species gets affected or becomes extinct, then the species
in the subsequent tropic levels are also affected.
Net work of food chain Food web if one species gets affected, it does not affect
other tropic levels so seriously.
3. Differentiate between genetic diversity and species diversity
Genetic diversity diversity within species ie., variations of genes within the species.
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?
Page 67 of 73

Graphical representation of structural and function of tropic levels of an ecosystem is
called ecological pyramids.
6. Define Hot spots of biodiversity
The hot spots are the geographic areas which possess high endemic species.
7. Define biodiversity.
Biodiversity the variety and variability among all groups of living organisms and
the ecosystem in which they occur.
8. Define ecology.
Ecology study of interactions among organisms or group of organisms with their
environment (Biotic and Abiotic Organisms)
9. What is ecological succession?
The progressive replacement of one community by another till the development of
stable community in a particular area is called ecological succession.
UNIT 2:ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
1.
What is marine pollution?

Marine pollution is defined as the discharge of waste substances in to the resulting in harm
to living resource, hazards to human health, hindrance to fishery and impairment of quality
for use of sea water.
2. Define a) Decibel b) COD
a) Decibel:-Decibel (dB) is defined as the one tenth of the longest unit Bel.
b) COD:-COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) is the amount oxygen required for
chemical oxidation of organic matter using some oxidizing agent like K2Cr2O7 and
KMnO4.
3. What are the effects of noise pollution?
Interferes with mans communication
Hearing damage
Physiological and psychological changes
4. How solid wastes are disposed ultimately?

Landfill,incineration,composting
5. What are the causes of water pollution?
Domestic sewage
Industrial effluents
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Synthetic detergents
Agro chemicals
Oil
Thermal pollutants
Run off from land fills
6. What is disaster? Give few examples

Disaster is a geological processes and is defined as the sudden calamity which brings
misfortune and miseries to human community
e.g., flood, cyclone, landslide, earthquake and Tsunami
7. Differentiate between pollution prevention and pollution control
Pollution prevention
Pollution control
It means using processes,

practices,
materials,
products or energy that
avoid or minimize the
creation of pollutants and
waste or environmental
disturbances and reduse risk
to human health
The
proper
control
measures
practiced
to
minimize the pollution
level.
8. Differentiate between primary and secondary air pollutants with examples:
Primary pollutants
Secondary pollutants
These are emitted directly in the These are pollutants in which

atmosphere in harmful form
some of the primary air
pollutants may react with one
Examples:CO,NO,SO2
another to form new pollutants
Examples:
NO,NO2------HNO3/NO3
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9. Give any six air pollutants
Sulphur dioxide
Nitrogen oxides
Sulphur trioxide
Carbon dioxide
Hydrocarbons
Carbon monoxide
UNIT:3 NATURAL RESOURCES
1. Distinguish renewable and non-renewable sources of energy
Energy
renewable
Advantage
Energy non
renewable
Disadvantage
Wide availability
Unreliable supply
Low cost
Produced
in
small
Decentralized
power
quantity
Difficult to store
production
Low pollution
Cost more
Available for the future
Available
in
high highly pollution
concentrated form
Available only in few places
Easy to store
Reliable supply
High running cost
Lower cost
Limited supply and will one
day get exhausted
2. What is sustainable development?

Sustainable development is defined as meeting the needs of the present
without 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
Loss of useful species.
4. What is desertification? Give any two reasons for it.

Desertification means degradation of one fertile land to desert like land.
Reason-deforestation, overgrazing,mining,overgrazing
5. What are the reasons for deforestation?
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Deforestation means increasing agricultural production, increasing industrial
activity, increasing demands for wood resources
6. Define Land Degradation.
Land degradation means process of deterioration of soil or loss of fertility of soil.
7. What is an aquifer?
A highly permeable layer of sediment or rock containing water
8. What does strategic metals and minerals mean?
These are the metals and minerals that a country uses but cannot produce itself.
essential
for defence. e.g., cobalt,iron,manganese
9. What is water logging and how it is prevented?
Saturation of soil with irrigation water or excessive precipitation so that the water table
rises close to surface.
Prevent excessive irrigation
Subsurface drainage and bio drainage by trees like Eucalyptus trees are adopted
Leakage from water pump are detected
10. Write any two effects of ground water depletion.

lower the surface water level
Land subsidence
Salt water intrusion
Climate change
11. List any four adverse affects of mining.
Scarring and disruption of land surface
Land subsidence
Smelting causes air pollution
Acid mine drainage contaminates ground water
UNIT 4:SOCIAL ISSUES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
1. Define watershed management.
The management of rainfall and resultant run off is called watershed management
2. What is green house effect?
Green house effect may be defined as the progressive warming up of the earths
surface due to blanketing effect of man made carbondioxide in the atmosphere
3. What are the advantages of rainwater harvesting?
Reduction in the use of current for pumping water
Mitigation by effects of droughts and achieving drought proofing
Page 71 of 73
Increasing the availability of water from well

Rise in ground water level
Minimizing the soil erosion and flood hazards
4. What is acid rain?

The presence of excessive acids in rain water is acid rain.
5. What are the effects of acid rain?
Acid rain corrodes houses, monuments, statues, bridges and
fences.
Deteriorate the paint and
stone
6. What are the objectives of watershed management?
To minimize the risk of foods, droughts and
landslides
To develop rural areas in the region with clear plan for improving the
economy
To
generate
huge
employment
opportunities
To protect the soil from erosion by run
off
To rise ground water level
UNIT 5 : HUMAN POPULATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
2. Differentiate between HIV and AIDS.
HIV-Human innuno deficiency virus cause AIDS disease.virus is passed through
iinfected
blood,semen.
AIDS-Acquired
Syndrome
Immuno
Deficiency
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 immune system
3. What are the major precautions to avoid AIDS?
education
prevention of blood borne HIV transmission
primary health care
counseling services
drug treatment
4. Define Human rights.
Human rights are the fundamental rights, which are possessed by all human being
irrespective of their caste, nationality, sex and
language.
5. What is population explosion?
The enormous increase in population due to low death rate (mortalityt) and high
birth rate (natality), is termed as population
explosion.
6. Write any two applications of information technology in environment.
Land and water management
Information on type, density, biomass, forest fire, pest and disease.
Page 72 of 73
7. What are the reasons responsible for population explosion?

Invention of modern medical facilities reduces the death rate and increases the
birth rate.
Increase of life expectancy
Illiteracy
8. Write the value of education to the society.
Improve the integral growth of human being
create attitude and improvement towards sustainable lifestyle
to understand about natural environment.
9. What are the major objectives of family welfare programme in India?
reduce infant mortality rate to below 30/100 infants
achieves 100% registration of birth, death and marriage
encourage late marriage and later child birth
constrain the spread of AIDS/HIV
Page 73 of 73

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Environmental Science and Engineering

ENVIRONMENT, ECOSYSTEM AND BIODIVERSITY

Examine the major environmental issues

discover the root cause

develop problem solving skills

promote co-operation in solving problems

emphasis active participation in prevention and solution to problems.

Scope of environmental science:

Studying the interrelationship between the components of env.

Carrying out impact analysis and env. Audit

Preventing pollution from existing and new industries

Stopping the use of biological and nuclear weapons

Managing unpredictable disasters etc.

Public awareness of environmental Is at infant stage

30-40% of public of developing country are aware of environmental. Problems but

Ignorance and incomplete knowledge has lead to misconceptions

Environmental Science and Engineering

Development and improvement in std. of living has lead to serious

Debate on environmental Issues are treated as anti-developmental

Reasons for environmental Ignorance:

science, technology and economics failed to integrate the knowledge on environmental

the decision makers do not process environmental Angle of decision making

consideration of economic growth, poverty eradication has lead to environmental

Need For Public Awareness:

Environmental Science and Engineering

5. human population and environment.

Nitrogen-78%, oxygen- 2%, other gases- 1%

Environmental Science and Engineering

abiotic components constitute Structure of Ecosystem

Environmental Science and Engineering

Food chain, Food web and trophic structure.

Sequence of eating and being eaten in an ecosystem.

Grazing food chains Starts with green plants.

Environmental Science and Engineering

Network of food Chains

ENERGY FLOW IN ECOSYSTEM:

It flows from producer level to

Environmental Science and Engineering

Parasite ecosystem pyramid of number inverted pyramid

trees and shrubs

Primary elephants, deer etc.

Environmental Science and Engineering

etc. Biotic: grass, caterpillar, butterfly, worms, insects, birds, etc.

Environmental Science and Engineering

small birds huge birds

3. cold desert-China-Gobi desert

Pond ecosystem: Small fresh water ecosystem seasonal in nature organisms:

Environmental Science and Engineering

Environmental Science and Engineering

Environmental Science and Engineering

Environmental Science and Engineering

Penicillin fungus is the source

Environmental Science and Engineering

Poaching of wild life

Over harvesting is responsible for depletion or extinction of many

Environmental Science and Engineering

long term captive breeding

Environmental Science and Engineering

Environmental Science and Engineering

UNIT 2: ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Environmental Science and Engineering

man made sources(anthropogenic)

thermal power plants (fly ash, SO2)

4. Sea salt spray

Environmental Science & Engineering

Environmental Science & Engineering