Human mpact on the Human mpact on the

Biosphere Biosphere
Humans Have Altered The Environment With Humans Have Altered The Environment With
Health Consequences Through Out History Health Consequences Through Out History
"Mummies from along the Nile are
revealing
how age-old irrigation techniques may
have boosted the plague of
schistosomiasis,
a water-borne parasitic disease that
infects
an estimated 200 million people
today.
"From ancient times to today,
people
along the Nile have adapted
their
farming techniques to the ebb
and flow of the river."
http://esciencecommons.blogspot.com/2011/05/mummies-tell-history-of-moder
n-plague.html
"Schistosomiasis is caused by parasitic worms that live in certain types of freshwater snails.
The parasite can emerge from the snails to contaminate fresh water, and then infect humans
whose skin comes in contact with the water.
What is Environmental Science? What is Environmental Science?
The goals of environmental science The goals of environmental science
are to learn: are to learn:
how nature works. how nature works.
how the environment effects us. how the environment effects us.
how we effect the environment. how we effect the environment.
how we can live more sustainably how we can live more sustainably
without degrading our life without degrading our life- -support support
system. system.
lurar lrpacls lurar lrpacls
lurars a(e us|rd ere(dv ard a|le(|rd lre lurars a(e us|rd ere(dv ard a|le(|rd lre
erv|(orrerl al aslor|sr|rd (ales erv|(orrerl al aslor|sr|rd (ales
we a(e a|le(|rd ralu(a| p(ocesses oelo(e We we a(e a|le(|rd ralu(a| p(ocesses oelo(e We
ever urde(slard lrer ever urde(slard lrer
Sustainability, is the ability of earths Sustainability, is the ability of earths
various systems to survive and adapt to various systems to survive and adapt to
environmental conditions indefinitely. environmental conditions indefinitely.
The steps to sustainability must be The steps to sustainability must be
supported by sound science. supported by sound science.
Figure 1 Figure 1- -
33
Sustainability: The ntegrative Sustainability: The ntegrative
Theme Theme
Fig. 1-3, p. 8
Sound Science
A Path to
Sustainability
Individuals
Matter
Trade-Offs Solutions
Natural Capital
Degradation
Natural Capital
Environmentally Sustainable Societies Environmentally Sustainable Societies
meets basic needs of its people in a just meets basic needs of its people in a just
and equitable manner without degrading the and equitable manner without degrading the
natural capital that supplies these resources. natural capital that supplies these resources.
Figure 1 Figure 1- -
44
Fig. 1-4, p. 9
+ =
NATURAL RESOURCES NATURAL SERVICES
NATURAL CAPITAL NATURAL RESOURCES NATURAL SERVICES
Air
Air purification
Water purification
Water storage
Soil renewal
Nutrient recycling
Food production
Conservation of
biodiversity
Wildlife habitat
Grassland and
forest renewal
Waste treatment
Climate control
Population control
(species interaction
Pest Control
NATURAL CAPITAL = +
Water
Soil
Land
Nonrenewable
minerals
(iron, sand)
Life (Biodiversity)
Renewable
energy
sun, wind,
water flows
Nonrenewable
energy (fossil
fuels, nuclear
power)
NATURAL RESOURCES
NATURAL SERVICES
eveloping vs. eveloped eveloping vs. eveloped
n developing countries, per capita n developing countries, per capita
resource use is high but growing, resource use is high but growing,
as is population size as is population size
n developed countries, population n developed countries, population
growth has slowed but per capita growth has slowed but per capita
resource use is already high resource use is already high
!O!&ATON GROWTH, !O!&ATON GROWTH,
ECONOMC GROWTH, AN ECONOMC GROWTH, AN
ECONOMC EVEO!MENT ECONOMC EVEO!MENT
conomic growth provides people with conomic growth provides people with
more goods and services. more goods and services.
Measured in gross domestic product (GDP) Measured in gross domestic product (GDP)
and purchasing power parity (PPP). and purchasing power parity (PPP).
conomic development uses economic conomic development uses economic
growth to improve living standards. growth to improve living standards.
The worlds countries economic status The worlds countries economic status
(developed vs. developing) are based on (developed vs. developing) are based on
their degree of industrialization and GDP their degree of industrialization and GDP- -
PPP. PPP.
Global Outlook Global Outlook
omparison of omparison of
developed and developed and
developing developing
countries. countries.
Figures 1 Figures 1- -5 and 5 and
11- -66
!o||ularls !o||ularls
3uoslarces W|lr Wr|cr ar ecosvsler ras rad ro 3uoslarces W|lr Wr|cr ar ecosvsler ras rad ro
p(|o( evo|ul|ora(v expe(|erce p(|o( evo|ul|ora(v expe(|erce
No adapl|ve recrar|srs a(e |r p|ace lo dea| No adapl|ve recrar|srs a(e |r p|ace lo dea|
W|lr lrer W|lr lrer
!O&TON !O&TON
Found at high Found at high
enough levels in enough levels in
the environment to the environment to
cause harm to cause harm to
organisms. organisms.
Point source Point source
Nonpoint source Nonpoint source
Figure 1 Figure 1- -
99
Air !ollutants Air !ollutants
arbon oxides arbon oxides
Sulfur oxides Sulfur oxides
Nitrogen oxides Nitrogen oxides
Volatile organic Volatile organic
compounds compounds
Photochemical oxidants Photochemical oxidants
Suspended particles Suspended particles
p. 39
Reactant(s) Product(s)
carbon
+ oxygen
carbon dioxide
+
energy
C + O
2
CO
2
energy +
energy +
black solid colorless gas colorless gas
+
Chemistry 101 Chemistry 101
cid anhydrides: oxides of nonmetals cid anhydrides: oxides of nonmetals

22
, N , N
22
and S and S
33
These react with water to form These react with water to form
oxyacids. oxyacids.

2 + 2 +
H H
22
--- ---> H > H
22

33
(carbonic (carbonic
acid) acid)
HN HN
33
and H and H
22
S S
44
are also formed in are also formed in
the atmosphere the atmosphere
Acid Rain and Architecture Acid Rain and Architecture
n campus we have some n campus we have some
architectural damage attributable to architectural damage attributable to
acid rain. acid rain.
The limestone lentils and pillars on The limestone lentils and pillars on
the older building are dissolving the older building are dissolving
away! away!

22
SO SO
4(aq) 4(aq)
+ CaCO + CaCO
3( 3(s) s)

22
O O
(l) (l)
+ +
CO CO
2(g) 2(g)
+CaSO +CaSO
4(aq) 4(aq)
ndustrial Smog ndustrial Smog
Gray Gray- -air smog air smog
Forms over cities that burn large Forms over cities that burn large
amounts of coal and heavy fuel oils; amounts of coal and heavy fuel oils;
mainly in developing countries mainly in developing countries
Main components are sulfur oxides Main components are sulfur oxides
and suspended particles and suspended particles
!hotochemical smog !hotochemical smog
rown rown- -air smog air smog
Forms when sunlight interacts with Forms when sunlight interacts with
components from automobile components from automobile
exhaust exhaust
Nitrogen oxides are the main culprits Nitrogen oxides are the main culprits
Hot days contribute to formation Hot days contribute to formation
Thermal nversion Thermal nversion
eather pattern in which a layer of eather pattern in which a layer of
cool, dense air is trapped beneath a cool, dense air is trapped beneath a
layer of warm air layer of warm air
cooI air
warm inversion air
cooI air
Cities Are Often !lagued with Cities Are Often !lagued with
Thermal nversions Thermal nversions
Acid eposition Acid eposition
aused by the aused by the
release of sulfur release of sulfur
and nitrogen oxides and nitrogen oxides
oal oal- -burning power burning power
plants and motor plants and motor
vehicles are major vehicles are major
sources sources
Effect of Ozone Thinning Effect of Ozone Thinning
ncreased amount of UV ncreased amount of UV
radiation reaches arths radiation reaches arths
surface surface
UV damages DN and UV damages DN and
negatively affects human health negatively affects human health
UV also affects plants, lowers UV also affects plants, lowers
primary productivity primary productivity
ore Tr|rr|rd ore Tr|rr|rd
lr ea(|v sp(|rd ard lr ea(|v sp(|rd ard
surre( oore |ave( ove( surre( oore |ave( ove(
Arla(cl|ca lr|rs Arla(cl|ca lr|rs
3easora| |oss ol oore |s 3easora| |oss ol oore |s
al r|dresl |eve| eve( al r|dresl |eve| eve(
(eco(ded (eco(ded
$outh
America
Antarctica
Ozone in Earth's Atmosphere Ozone in Earth's Atmosphere
Ozone Concentration Ozone Concentration
from 1962 to 1996 from 1962 to 1996
http://www.igf.edu.pl/igf/atmosphere.htm
Recipe for Ozone oss Recipe for Ozone oss
"The polar winter leads to the formation of the "The polar winter leads to the formation of the polar polar
vortex which isolates the air within it. vortex which isolates the air within it.
Cold temperatures form inside the vortex; cold enough for Cold temperatures form inside the vortex; cold enough for
the the formation of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs). formation of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs).
As the vortex air is isolated, the cold temperatures and the As the vortex air is isolated, the cold temperatures and the
PSCs persist. PSCs persist.
Once the PSCs form, heterogeneous reactions take place Once the PSCs form, heterogeneous reactions take place
and and convert the inactive chlorine and convert the inactive chlorine and
bromine reservoirs to more active forms bromine reservoirs to more active forms of of
chlorine and bromine. chlorine and bromine.
No ozone loss occurs until No ozone loss occurs until sunlight returns sunlight returns to the air to the air
inside the polar vortex and inside the polar vortex and allows the production allows the production
of active chlorine of active chlorine and initiates the and initiates the catalytic catalytic
ozone destruction cycles ozone destruction cycles. Ozone loss is rapid. The . Ozone loss is rapid. The
ozone hole currently covers a geographic region a little ozone hole currently covers a geographic region a little
bigger than Antarctica and extends nearly 10km in altitude bigger than Antarctica and extends nearly 10km in altitude
in the lower stratosphere" in the lower stratosphere"
http://www.atm.ch.cam.ac.uk/tour/part3.html
!rotecting the Ozone ayer !rotecting the Ozone ayer
CFC CFC production has been halted in production has been halted in
developed countries, will be phased developed countries, will be phased
out in developing countries out in developing countries
Methyl bromide will be phased out Methyl bromide will be phased out
ven with bans it will take more than ven with bans it will take more than
50 years for ozone levels to recover 50 years for ozone levels to recover
ere(al|rd a(oade ere(al|rd a(oade
0eve|oped courl(|es dere(ale rude arourls ol 0eve|oped courl(|es dere(ale rude arourls ol
Wasle Wasle
!ape( p(oducls accourl lo( ra|l lre lola| vo|ure !ape( p(oducls accourl lo( ra|l lre lola| vo|ure
Recvc||rd car (educe po||ularls. save ere(dv. Recvc||rd car (educe po||ularls. save ere(dv.
ease p(essu(e or |ardl|||s ease p(essu(e or |ardl|||s
Garbage Barge Solution Garbage Barge Solution
andfills andfills
and &se and &se
lmost 21 percent of arths lmost 21 percent of arths
land is used for agriculture or land is used for agriculture or
grazing grazing
bout half the arths land is bout half the arths land is
unsuitable for such uses unsuitable for such uses
Remainder could be used, but Remainder could be used, but
at a high ecological cost at a high ecological cost
Green Revolutions Green Revolutions
mprovements in crop production mprovements in crop production
ntroduction of mechanized ntroduction of mechanized
agriculture and practices agriculture and practices requires requires
inputs of pesticides, fertilizer, inputs of pesticides, fertilizer,
fossil fuel fossil fuel
mproving genetic character of crop mproving genetic character of crop
plants can also improve yields plants can also improve yields
ata From the &N ata From the &N
NA REACHNG 1 BON ON A&G&ST 15: NO CEEBRATON NA REACHNG 1 BON ON A&G&ST 15: NO CEEBRATON
!ANNE !ANNE
Lester R. Brown and Brian Halweil Lester R. Brown and Brian Halweil
Falling water tables are now also Falling water tables are now also
threatening ndia's food production. threatening ndia's food production.
The nternational ater The nternational ater
Management nstitute (M) Management nstitute (M)
estimates that withdrawals of estimates that withdrawals of
underground water are double the underground water are double the
rate of aquifer recharge. rate of aquifer recharge.
s a result, water tables are falling s a result, water tables are falling
almost everywhere. almost everywhere.
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1656
Aquifer epletion Aquifer epletion
http://www.uwgb.edu/dutchs/arthS202Notes/Grndh2o.htm
0elo(eslal|or 0elo(eslal|or
Rerova| ol a|| l(ees l(or |a(de l(acls ol |ard Rerova| ol a|| l(ees l(or |a(de l(acls ol |ard
38 r||||or ac(es |odded eacr vea( 38 r||||or ac(es |odded eacr vea(
wood |s used lo( lue|. |uroe( wood |s used lo( lue|. |uroe(
Lard |s c|ea(ed lo( d(a|rd o( c(ops Lard |s c|ea(ed lo( d(a|rd o( c(ops
Clear Cutting of Forests Clear Cutting of Forests
Effects of eforestation Effects of eforestation
ncreased leaching and soil ncreased leaching and soil
erosion erosion
ncreased flooding and ncreased flooding and
sedimentation of downstream sedimentation of downstream
rivers rivers
Regional precipitation declines Regional precipitation declines
Possible amplification of the Possible amplification of the
greenhouse effect greenhouse effect
Regions of eforestation Regions of eforestation
Rates of forest loss are greatest in Rates of forest loss are greatest in
razil, ndonesia, Mexico, and razil, ndonesia, Mexico, and
olumbia olumbia
Highly mechanized logging is Highly mechanized logging is
proceeding in temperate forests of proceeding in temperate forests of
the United States and anada the United States and anada
A heavy duty tree chopper for cutting down A heavy duty tree chopper for cutting down
trees in a logging operation. trees in a logging operation.
Rainforests Rainforests
Forests Burning Forests Burning
Reversing eforestation Reversing eforestation
oalition of groups dedicated to oalition of groups dedicated to
saving razils remaining forests saving razils remaining forests
Smokeless wood stoves have saved Smokeless wood stoves have saved
firewood in ndia firewood in ndia
Kenyan women have planted millions Kenyan women have planted millions
of trees of trees
NAROB (AF! Feb 23, 2005 NAROB (AF! Feb 23, 2005
NR (FP) Feb 23, 2005 NR (FP) Feb 23, 2005
"Kenyan Nobel peace laureate "Kenyan Nobel peace laureate Wangari Maathai Wangari Maathai on on
ednesday urged developing nations to help fight global ednesday urged developing nations to help fight global
warming and support the Kyoto Protocol on climate change warming and support the Kyoto Protocol on climate change
by joining her tree by joining her tree- -planting campaign. planting campaign.
0esl(ov|rd 8|od|ve(s|lv 0esl(ov|rd 8|od|ve(s|lv
T(op|ca| (a|rlo(esls rave lre d(ealesl va(|elv ol T(op|ca| (a|rlo(esls rave lre d(ealesl va(|elv ol
|rsecls. rosl o|(d spec|es |rsecls. rosl o|(d spec|es
3ore l(op|ca| lo(esl spec|es rav p(ove va|uao|e lo 3ore l(op|ca| lo(esl spec|es rav p(ove va|uao|e lo
rurars rurars
u( p(|rale arceslo(s evo|ved |r lo(esls |||e lre u( p(|rale arceslo(s evo|ved |r lo(esls |||e lre
ores We a(e desl(ov|rd ores We a(e desl(ov|rd
!rimates !rimates
Many primate species are threaten or Many primate species are threaten or
endangered. endangered.
0ese(l|l|cal|or 0ese(l|l|cal|or
Corve(s|or ol |a(de l(acls ol d(ass|ard lo Corve(s|or ol |a(de l(acls ol d(ass|ard lo dese(l|||e dese(l|||e
cord|l|ors cord|l|ors
Corve(s|ors ol c(op|ard lral (esu|l |r ro(e lrar 10 Corve(s|ors ol c(op|ard lral (esu|l |r ro(e lrar 10
pe(cerl dec||re |r p(oducl|v|lv pe(cerl dec||re |r p(oducl|v|lv
Global esertification Vulnerability Global esertification Vulnerability
The ust Bowl The ust Bowl
ccurred in the 1930s in the Great ccurred in the 1930s in the Great
Plains Plains
vergrazing and prolonged drought vergrazing and prolonged drought
left the ground bare left the ground bare
1934 winds produced dust storms 1934 winds produced dust storms
that stripped about 9 million acres of that stripped about 9 million acres of
topsoil topsoil
aption: "Dust ver Texas." Huge boiling masses of dust
that blocked out the sun were common sights in Texas during
the Dust owl years. n: "To Hold This Soil", Russell Lord, 1938.
Miscellaneous Publication No. 321, U.S. Department
of griculture.
Human Tragedy Human Tragedy
Ongoing esertification Ongoing esertification
Sahel region of frica is undergoing Sahel region of frica is undergoing
rapid desertification rapid desertification
auses are overgrazing, auses are overgrazing,
overfarming, and prolonged drought overfarming, and prolonged drought
ne solution may be to substitute ne solution may be to substitute
native herbivores for imported cattle native herbivores for imported cattle
inear dunes of the $ahara Desert encroach on Nouakchott, the capitaI of inear dunes of the $ahara Desert encroach on Nouakchott, the capitaI of
Mauritania. The dunes border a mosque at Ieft (photograph by Georg Mauritania. The dunes border a mosque at Ieft (photograph by Georg
Gerster). Gerster).
http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/deserts/desertification/
wale( use ard 3ca(c|lv wale( use ard 3ca(c|lv
Vosl ol Ea(lr's Wale( |s loo sa|lv lo( rurar Vosl ol Ea(lr's Wale( |s loo sa|lv lo( rurar
corsurpl|or corsurpl|or
0esa||r|al|or |s expers|ve ard (ecu|(es |a(de 0esa||r|al|or |s expers|ve ard (ecu|(es |a(de
ere(dv |rpuls ere(dv |rpuls
rrigation of crops is the main rrigation of crops is the main
use of freshwater use of freshwater
Mean Annual !recipitation Mean Annual !recipitation
Water istribution Water istribution
Negative Effects of rrigation Negative Effects of rrigation
Salinization, mineral buildup in Salinization, mineral buildup in
soil soil
levation of the water table levation of the water table
and waterlogging and waterlogging
Depletion of aquifers Depletion of aquifers
Salinization, mineral buildup in soil Salinization, mineral buildup in soil
http://waterquality.montana.edu/docs/methane/irrigation_suitability.shtm
Groundwater Groundwater
quifers quifers - - Porous layers of sand, Porous layers of sand,
gravel, or rock lying below the water gravel, or rock lying below the water
table. table.
--rtesian rtesian - - Pressurized aquifer intersects Pressurized aquifer intersects
the surface. (ater flows without the surface. (ater flows without
pumping) pumping)
Recharge Zone Recharge Zone - - rea where water rea where water
infiltrates into an aquifer. infiltrates into an aquifer.
--Recharge rate is often very slow. Recharge rate is often very slow.
Presently, groundwater is being removed Presently, groundwater is being removed
faster than it can be replenished in many faster than it can be replenished in many
areas. areas.
epleting Groundwater epleting Groundwater
Groundwater is the source of nearly Groundwater is the source of nearly
40% of fresh water in the US. 40% of fresh water in the US.
--n a local level, withdrawing water n a local level, withdrawing water
faster than it can be replenished leads faster than it can be replenished leads
to a to a cone of depression cone of depression in the water in the water
table, table,
n a broader scale, heavy pumping can n a broader scale, heavy pumping can
deplete an aquifer. deplete an aquifer.
-- gallala quifer gallala quifer
Mining non Mining non- -renewable resource. renewable resource.
epleting Groundwater epleting Groundwater
Ogallala Aquifer Ogallala Aquifer
xtends from southern South Dakota xtends from southern South Dakota
to central Texas to central Texas
Major source of water for drinking Major source of water for drinking
and irrigation and irrigation
verdrafts have depleted half the verdrafts have depleted half the
water from this nonrenewable source water from this nonrenewable source
Ogallala Aquifer Ogallala Aquifer
"The gallala quifer within the "The gallala quifer within the
boundaries of the North Plains boundaries of the North Plains
Groundwater onservation District is Groundwater onservation District is
declining at an average of 1.74 feet declining at an average of 1.74 feet
per year (1,082,631 acre ft). per year (1,082,631 acre ft).
The aquifer is cut off from The aquifer is cut off from
natural recharge sources. natural recharge sources.
http://www.npwd.org/Ogallala.htm
Aquifer !roblems Aquifer !roblems
Sink Holes and Karst Topography Sink Holes and Karst Topography
CaCO
3
+ H
2
SO
4
CaSO
4
+ H
2
O +CO
2
http://www.soils.umn.edu/academics/classes/soil2125/doc/1-snkle.htm
Water !ollutants Water !ollutants
Sewage Sewage
nimal wastes nimal wastes
Fertilizers Fertilizers
Pesticides Pesticides
ndustrial chemicals ndustrial chemicals
Radioactive material Radioactive material
xcess heat (thermal xcess heat (thermal
pollution) pollution)
Groundwater !ollution Groundwater !ollution
Wastewater Treatment Wastewater Treatment
Primary treatment Primary treatment
--Use of screens and settling tanks Use of screens and settling tanks
--ddition of chlorine to kill pathogens ddition of chlorine to kill pathogens
Secondary treatment Secondary treatment
--Microbes break down organic matter Microbes break down organic matter
Tertiary treatment removes Tertiary treatment removes
additional toxic substances; rarely additional toxic substances; rarely
used used
Sewage Treatment Sewage Treatment
More than 500 pathogenic bacteria, More than 500 pathogenic bacteria,
viruses, and parasites can travel viruses, and parasites can travel
from human or animal excrement from human or animal excrement
through water. through water.
Natural Processes Natural Processes
--n many areas, outdoor urination and n many areas, outdoor urination and
defecation is the norm. defecation is the norm.
hen population densities are low, natural hen population densities are low, natural
processes can quickly eliminate waste. processes can quickly eliminate waste.
Municipal Sewage Treatment Municipal Sewage Treatment
Primary Treatment Primary Treatment - - Physical separation Physical separation
of large solids from the waste stream. of large solids from the waste stream.
Secondary Treatment Secondary Treatment - - iological iological
degradation of dissolved organic degradation of dissolved organic
compounds. compounds.
--ffluent from primary treatment transferred ffluent from primary treatment transferred
into trickling bed, or aeration tank into trickling bed, or aeration tank
ffluent from secondary treatment is usually ffluent from secondary treatment is usually
disinfected (chlorinated) before release into disinfected (chlorinated) before release into
nearby waterway. nearby waterway.
Municipal Sewage Treatment Municipal Sewage Treatment
Tertiary Treatment Tertiary Treatment - - Removal of plant Removal of plant
nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) from nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) from
secondary effluent. secondary effluent.
--hemicals, or natural wetlands. hemicals, or natural wetlands.
n many US cities, sanitary sewers are n many US cities, sanitary sewers are
connected to storm sewers. connected to storm sewers.
--Heavy storms can overload the system, Heavy storms can overload the system,
causing by causing by- -pass dumping of raw sewage pass dumping of raw sewage
and toxic runoff directly into watercourses. and toxic runoff directly into watercourses.
Municipal Sewage Treatment Municipal Sewage Treatment
CSO Tunnels and Treatment CSO Tunnels and Treatment
Facilities (Atlanta, GA 2005 Facilities (Atlanta, GA 2005
"The tunnel is part of a storage and "The tunnel is part of a storage and
treatment system that involves capturing treatment system that involves capturing
and storing combined sewer overflows. and storing combined sewer overflows.
The overflows are stored in a large The overflows are stored in a large
underground tunnel in bedrock similar to underground tunnel in bedrock similar to
the rock that comprises Stone Mountain. the rock that comprises Stone Mountain.
hen a storm is over, the captured S hen a storm is over, the captured S
volume is conveyed to a separate volume is conveyed to a separate
treatment system for removal of treatment system for removal of
pollutants and reduction of harmful pollutants and reduction of harmful
bacteria with sodium hypochlorite bacteria with sodium hypochlorite
disinfection followed by dechlorination disinfection followed by dechlorination
with sodium bisulfite before discharge to with sodium bisulfite before discharge to
receiving waters. The ity is building two receiving waters. The ity is building two
facilities, the est rea S storage facilities, the est rea S storage
tunnel and the ast rea S tunnel and the ast rea S
MiIestone CompIetion Date for MiIestone CompIetion Date for
West TunneI October 2007 West TunneI October 2007
%hese will collect storm water Ior
treatment.
http://www.cleanwateratlanta.org/CSO%unnels/
City of Atlanta City of Atlanta
8/2011 8/2011
Project Facts Project Facts
Completed and ongoing projects Completed and ongoing projects
Under lean ater tlanta, the ity of tlanta has already: Under lean ater tlanta, the ity of tlanta has already:
onstructed the 8 onstructed the 8- -mile mile- -long, 16 long, 16- -foot foot- -diameter Nancy reek Tunnel, which has diameter Nancy reek Tunnel, which has
reduced SSs in the North tlanta/Dunwoody area by 70 percent (1,000 overflows in reduced SSs in the North tlanta/Dunwoody area by 70 percent (1,000 overflows in
2000; fewer than 300 in 2008); 2000; fewer than 300 in 2008);
uilt the uster venue Storage and uilt the uster venue Storage and Dechlorination Dechlorination Facility, which can store up to 10 Facility, which can store up to 10
million gallons of combined sewage for transfer to the South River treatment plant; million gallons of combined sewage for transfer to the South River treatment plant;
Separated 33 miles of combined sewers, reducing Separated 33 miles of combined sewers, reducing stormwater stormwater- -related overflows in related overflows in
three sewer basins; three sewer basins;
Purchased about 2,000 acres of streamside property in eight metro area counties for Purchased about 2,000 acres of streamside property in eight metro area counties for
protection in perpetuity; and protection in perpetuity; and
onstructed the 8.5 onstructed the 8.5- -mile mile- -long, 24 foot long, 24 foot- -diameter est rea S Tunnel, which can diameter est rea S Tunnel, which can
store up to 177 million gallons of combined sewage for transfer to a dedicated store up to 177 million gallons of combined sewage for transfer to a dedicated
treatment plant. dditionally, though it was not required to do so under the consent treatment plant. dditionally, though it was not required to do so under the consent
decrees, the ity has replaced about 100 miles of water mains that were aged and decrees, the ity has replaced about 100 miles of water mains that were aged and
leaking. leaking.
Oxygen Oxygen- -emanding Wastes emanding Wastes
ater with an oxygen content > 6 ater with an oxygen content > 6
ppm will support desirable aquatic ppm will support desirable aquatic
life. life.
--ater with < 2 ppm oxygen will support ater with < 2 ppm oxygen will support
mainly detritivores and decomposers. mainly detritivores and decomposers.
xygen is added to water by xygen is added to water by
diffusion from wind and waves, and diffusion from wind and waves, and
by photosynthesis from green plants, by photosynthesis from green plants,
algae, and cyanobacteria. algae, and cyanobacteria.
--xygen is removed from water by xygen is removed from water by
respiration and oxygen respiration and oxygen- -consuming consuming
Oxygen Oxygen- -emanding Wastes emanding Wastes
iochemical xygen Demand iochemical xygen Demand - -
mount of dissolved oxygen mount of dissolved oxygen
consumed by aquatic consumed by aquatic
microorganisms. microorganisms.
--Dissolved xygen ontent Dissolved xygen ontent - - Measure of Measure of
dissolved oxygen in the water. dissolved oxygen in the water.
ffects of oxygen ffects of oxygen- -demanding wastes demanding wastes
on rivers depend on volume, flow, on rivers depend on volume, flow,
and temperature of river water. and temperature of river water.
--xygen Sag xygen Sag - - xygen levels decline xygen levels decline
downstream from a pollution source as downstream from a pollution source as
decomposers metabolize waste decomposers metabolize waste
materials. materials.
Oxygen Sag Oxygen Sag
Water Wars? Water Wars?
Per capita amount of freshwater Per capita amount of freshwater
available is decreasing available is decreasing
nternational conflicts over water nternational conflicts over water
use and quality have already use and quality have already
occurred occurred
uilding dams or dumping uilding dams or dumping
pollutants effect countries pollutants effect countries
downstream downstream
Weiss ake Organization eclares Weiss ake Organization eclares
War! War!
"Weiss Lake Improvement Association is the environmental
and ecological watchdog for Weiss Lake and against
'Metro Atlanta' from taking our WATER."
(Coosa River Drainage)
Ere(dv use Ere(dv use
r|v 10 pe(cerl ol ere(dv used |r deve|oped r|v 10 pe(cerl ol ere(dv used |r deve|oped
courl(|es |s l(or (ereWao|e sou(ces courl(|es |s l(or (ereWao|e sou(ces
Less deve|oped courl(|es (e|v ro(e reav||v or Less deve|oped courl(|es (e|v ro(e reav||v or
(ereWao|e sou(ces |p(|ra(v o|orass) (ereWao|e sou(ces |p(|ra(v o|orass)
Fossil Fuels Fossil Fuels
oal, oil, natural gas oal, oil, natural gas
Main energy source of Main energy source of
developed countries developed countries
urning of fossil fuels urning of fossil fuels
contributes to global warming contributes to global warming
http://faculty.virginia.edu/setear/courses/globwarm/images.htm
Oil Oil
Reserves are declining Reserves are declining
Many reserves are in ecologically Many reserves are in ecologically
fragile wilderness areas fragile wilderness areas
nvironmental costs of extracting nvironmental costs of extracting
and transporting reserves from such and transporting reserves from such
areas are high areas are high
Total Energy Consumption Total Energy Consumption
omestic !roduct omestic !roduct
Cuba claims massive oil reserves
BBC 17 Oct 2008
"uba currently produces 60,0000 barrels of oil a day
The state-owned uban oil company says the country may have
more than 20bn barrels of oil in its offshore fields - more than
double the previous estimate.
"Such reserves would place uba
among the top 20 oil producing
nations.
Oil and Gas njection Wells Oil and Gas njection Wells
Typically, when oil and gas are extracted, Typically, when oil and gas are extracted,
large amounts of salt water (brine) are also large amounts of salt water (brine) are also
brought to the surface. This salt water can brought to the surface. This salt water can
be very damaging if it is discharged into be very damaging if it is discharged into
surface water. surface water.
Coal Coal
xtensive reserves exist xtensive reserves exist
Mining is very destructive Mining is very destructive
urning coal releases sulfur urning coal releases sulfur
dioxides that cause acid dioxides that cause acid
deposition deposition
Coal Strip Mining Coal Strip Mining
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_mining
E!A targets utilities' E!A targets utilities'
mercury pollution mercury pollution
""oal oal- -burning power plants burning power plants in the in the
United States now emit an estimated United States now emit an estimated
48 tons a year of mercury, and the 48 tons a year of mercury, and the
P rule aims to reduce that to 31.3 P rule aims to reduce that to 31.3
tons in 2010, 27.9 tons in 2015, and tons in 2010, 27.9 tons in 2015, and
24.3 tons in 2020. 24.3 tons in 2020.
Updated: 3:03 p.m. T March 15, 2005 (P) Updated: 3:03 p.m. T March 15, 2005 (P)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6448213/did/7185001
How Mercury Gets into the Food How Mercury Gets into the Food
Chain Chain
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6448213/did/7185001
Top 10 Sources of Mercury Air Top 10 Sources of Mercury Air
!ollution in the &S !ollution in the &S
(No. 2) labama Power o (No. 2) labama Power o..'s 's Miller Steam Plant Miller Steam Plant
in Jefferson, la. is a coal in Jefferson, la. is a coal- -fired power plant. fired power plant.
labama Power is a subsidiary labama Power is a subsidiary of tlanta of tlanta- -based based
Southern ompany Southern ompany, one of the largest utilities in , one of the largest utilities in
the U.S., which the U.S., which generates 68% of its electricity generates 68% of its electricity
from burning coal from burning coal. lso on the Top 100 list of . lso on the Top 100 list of
mercury air polluters are mercury air polluters are Georgia Power's Georgia Power's
Monroe, Ga. plant (No. 5) Monroe, Ga. plant (No. 5) and labama Power's and labama Power's
Gaston (No. 9) and Greene, la. plants (No. 81). Gaston (No. 9) and Greene, la. plants (No. 81).
Read more: Read more:
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental- -
news/latest/mercury news/latest/mercury- -pollution pollution- -
47103003#ixzz0bpqxgUKQ 47103003#ixzz0bpqxgUKQ
E!A's E!A's ap and Trade Policy ap and Trade Policy
EPA sets yearly limits on mercury emissions EPA sets yearly limits on mercury emissions
Industry is assigned a quantity of tradable mercury Industry is assigned a quantity of tradable mercury
emissions certificates emissions certificates
These are bought and sold by power companies These are bought and sold by power companies
(bid/ask system). (bid/ask system).
Some companies "over pollute" and some "under Some companies "over pollute" and some "under
pollute" pollute"
Each year the EPA reduces allowable emission Each year the EPA reduces allowable emission
quantities leading to an quantities leading to an economic solution to economic solution to
pollution pollution
Nuclear Energy Nuclear Energy
Used extensively in some energy Used extensively in some energy- -
poor developed countries poor developed countries
Little support in the United States Little support in the United States
mits fewer air pollutants than mits fewer air pollutants than
burning coal, but creates burning coal, but creates
radioactive wastes radioactive wastes
Potential for meltdown Potential for meltdown
Nuclear Changes: Radioactive Nuclear Changes: Radioactive
ecay ecay
Natural radioactive decay: unstable Natural radioactive decay: unstable
isotopes spontaneously emit fast isotopes spontaneously emit fast
moving chunks of matter ( moving chunks of matter (alpha alpha or or
beta particles beta particles), high ), high- -energy radiation energy radiation
( (gamma rays gamma rays), or both at a fixed rate. ), or both at a fixed rate.
Radiation is commonly used in energy Radiation is commonly used in energy
production and medical applications. production and medical applications.
The rate of decay is expressed as a The rate of decay is expressed as a half half--
life life (the time needed for one (the time needed for one- -half of the half of the
nuclei to decay to form a different nuclei to decay to form a different
isotope). isotope).
Nuclear Changes: Fission Nuclear Changes: Fission
Nuclear fission: Nuclear fission:
nuclei of certain nuclei of certain
isotopes with isotopes with
large mass large mass
numbers are split numbers are split
apart into lighter apart into lighter
nuclei when nuclei when
struck by struck by
neutrons. neutrons.
Figure 2 Figure 2- -99
Chernobyl Accident Chernobyl Accident - - 1986 1986
ore meltdown at a nuclear power ore meltdown at a nuclear power
plant in the Ukraine plant in the Ukraine
31 immediate deaths, radiation 31 immediate deaths, radiation
sickness and death for others sickness and death for others
loud of radiation spread by winds loud of radiation spread by winds
across urope across urope
Long Long- -term health impacts downwind term health impacts downwind
Map of Chernobyl Region Map of Chernobyl Region
Nuclear !ower in France Nuclear !ower in France
"hen the ivaux nuclear power plant comes on line "hen the ivaux nuclear power plant comes on line
sometime in the next 12 months, France will have 56 sometime in the next 12 months, France will have 56
working nuclear plants, generating 76% of her electricity. working nuclear plants, generating 76% of her electricity.
(Frontline) (Frontline)
http://www.icjt.org/npp/drzava.php?drzava=8
Some lternatives Some lternatives
3o|a( 3o|a(--lvd(oder Ere(dv lvd(oder Ere(dv
!rolovo|la|c ce||s use sur||drl ere(dv lo sp||l !rolovo|la|c ce||s use sur||drl ere(dv lo sp||l
Wale( Wale(
lvd(oder das p(oduced |r lr|s Wav car oe lvd(oder das p(oduced |r lr|s Wav car oe
used as lue| o( lo dere(ale e|ecl(|c|lv used as lue| o( lo dere(ale e|ecl(|c|lv
C|ear. (ereWao|e lecrro|odv C|ear. (ereWao|e lecrro|odv
Fuel Cells Fuel Cells
Farmed Hydrogen Farmed Hydrogen
!hotobiological Hydrogen !hotobiological Hydrogen
!roduction !roduction
quatic algae bio quatic algae bio- -engineered to engineered to
produce hydrogen gas rather than produce hydrogen gas rather than
sugars via photosynthesis sugars via photosynthesis
Place algae in a clear tube, reduce Place algae in a clear tube, reduce
sulfur, place in sunlight, and collect sulfur, place in sunlight, and collect
the hydrogen! the hydrogen!
Hydrogen from Algae Hydrogen from Algae
hlamydomonas reinhardti
MT Algae MT Algae !hotobioreactor !hotobioreactor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
nSnJJSP5c&feature=related
Shec Shec labs System labs System
Mirror array focuses sunlight on a Mirror array focuses sunlight on a
hydrogen generator (850 ) hydrogen generator (850 )
aste gases (methane, aste gases (methane,
22
, etc) are , etc) are
heated and converted to hydrogen heated and converted to hydrogen
gas. Hydrogen gas (plus gas. Hydrogen gas (plus
22
) is used ) is used
to power fuel cells. to power fuel cells.
No news since No news since
Nov, 2010 ???? Nov, 2010 ????
www.shec-labs.com/press/images.php
Wind Energy Wind Energy
n indirect use of solar energy n indirect use of solar energy
ind farms are arrays of ind farms are arrays of
turbines turbines
an supplement needs of some an supplement needs of some
regions but is not dependable regions but is not dependable
enough on it own enough on it own
Giant wind turbines at Aapua, Giant wind turbines at Aapua,
Sweden Sweden
http://www.xahlee.org/hirlwheel_dir/windturbine.html
San Gorgonio Field Near !alm San Gorgonio Field Near !alm
Springs, CA Springs, CA
Overview of Wind Energy in Overview of Wind Energy in
California California
"the year 2004, wind energy in alifornia "the year 2004, wind energy in alifornia
produced 4,258 million kilowatt produced 4,258 million kilowatt- -hours of hours of
electricity, about 1.5 percent of the state's total electricity, about 1.5 percent of the state's total
electricity. electricity.
ccording to the lectric Power Research ccording to the lectric Power Research
nstitute, the cost of producing wind energy has nstitute, the cost of producing wind energy has
decreased nearly four fold since 1980. The decreased nearly four fold since 1980. The
levelized cost of energy from wind turbines in levelized cost of energy from wind turbines in
1993 was about 7.5 cents per kilowatt/hour. ith 1993 was about 7.5 cents per kilowatt/hour. ith
current wind research and development efforts, current wind research and development efforts,
the nergy ommission estimates that newer the nergy ommission estimates that newer
technologies can reduce the cost of wind energy technologies can reduce the cost of wind energy
to 3.5 cents per kilowatt to 3.5 cents per kilowatt- -hour. hour.
http://www.energy.ca.gov/wind/overview.html
Electricity Costs (2003 Electricity Costs (2003
Fusion Fusion
nergy is released when atomic nergy is released when atomic
nuclei fuse nuclei fuse
This process produces solar energy This process produces solar energy
ttempts to mimic this process on ttempts to mimic this process on
arth require use of lasers, magnetic arth require use of lasers, magnetic
fields fields
Not yet a commercially viable energy Not yet a commercially viable energy
source source
Fusion Reaction Fusion Reaction
Note: Fusion tutorial available at Note: Fusion tutorial available at
website below. website below.
http://hif.lbl.gov/tutorial/tutorial.html
Crardes |r lre wo(|d ol L|le Crardes |r lre wo(|d ol L|le
daptations of species have daptations of species have
changed the environment changed the environment
Photosynthetic organisms that Photosynthetic organisms that
arose during the Proterozoic arose during the Proterozoic
altered the atmosphere by altered the atmosphere by
adding oxygen adding oxygen
hange is natural hange is natural
Humans and Change Humans and Change
Unlike previous species, human Unlike previous species, human
have the capacity to observe and have the capacity to observe and
make decisions about the changes make decisions about the changes
they bring about. they bring about.
A couple of examples of using A couple of examples of using
misplaced resources.. misplaced resources..
Gas for the Greenhouse Gas for the Greenhouse
"y transporting 2 by pipeline "y transporting 2 by pipeline
from the Shell refineries in Pernis to from the Shell refineries in Pernis to
the cultivators in the estland, the the cultivators in the estland, the
emission of greenhouse gas can be emission of greenhouse gas can be
greatly reduced. t the same time, greatly reduced. t the same time,
the farmers can save a lot of money; the farmers can save a lot of money;
there is no more need for them to there is no more need for them to
produce their 2 themselves". produce their 2 themselves".
http://www.radionetherlands.nl/features/science/051107rf
OCA! Waste CO OCA! Waste CO
2 2
&sed in &sed in
Greenhouses Greenhouses
CO
2
+
2
O + sunlight C

12
O

+ O
2
Anything nto Oil Anything nto Oil
anging World Tecnologies, Inc. anging World Tecnologies, Inc.
"Twenty tons of slaughterhouse turkey parts, freshly
dumped by a truck, await processing into oil, gas,
and minerals at the thermal conversion process plant
in Carthage, Missouri. When the plant reaches full
capacity in the fall, it will process 10 dump trucks of
leftovers, one tanker truck of blood, and one tanker
truck of discarded restaurant grease every 24 hours."
".Carthage, Missouri, turkey plant accumulates
1.3 million gallons a day of turkey grease,
guts, fat, and feathers that is stored in
lagoons and sent to waste treatment facilities"
Estimated production of fuel oil,
500 barrels a day.
http://www.perc.org/perc.php?id=290
&pdate on CWT, nc &pdate on CWT, nc
"n March 4, 2009 after a failed P "n March 4, 2009 after a failed P
attempt in February, 2009, hanging attempt in February, 2009, hanging
world Technologies and its three world Technologies and its three
subsidiaries filed for chapter 11 subsidiaries filed for chapter 11
bankruptcy in the U.S. ankruptcy bankruptcy in the U.S. ankruptcy
ourt for the Southern District of ourt for the Southern District of
New York. The company effectively New York. The company effectively
shut down its arthage, Missouri, shut down its arthage, Missouri,
plant, after it bought ongra's plant, after it bought ongra's
share of the facility. The company is share of the facility. The company is
attempting to reorganize. attempting to reorganize. kipedia kipedia
iving Greener in Freiburg iving Greener in Freiburg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
Mn6V5yG1 Mn6V5yG1
NVRNMNTL PRLMS: NVRNMNTL PRLMS:
USS ND NNTNS USS ND NNTNS
The major causes of The major causes of
environmental problems are: environmental problems are:
Population growth Population growth
asteful resource use asteful resource use
Poverty Poverty
Poor environmental accounting Poor environmental accounting
cological ignorance cological ignorance
Fig. 1-10, p. 17
Depletion of
nonrenewable
resources
SOLAR
CAPITAL
uman Capital
uman
Economic
and
Cultural
Systems
Pollution and waste
Degradation of
renewable resources
Heat
Goods and services
Natural Capital
EART
Natural capital degradation Natural capital degradation
The exponential increasing flow of The exponential increasing flow of
material resources through the worlds material resources through the worlds
economic systems depletes, degrades economic systems depletes, degrades
and pollutes the environment. and pollutes the environment.
Figure 1 Figure 1- -
11 11
Fig. 1-11, p. 17
Causes of Environmental Problems
Trying to
manage and
simplify nature
with too little
knowledge
about
how it works
Not including the
environmental costs
of economic goods
and services in their
market prices
Poverty Unsustainable
resource use
Population
growth
Solutions: !revention vs. Solutions: !revention vs.
Cleanup Cleanup
Problems with relying on cleanup: Problems with relying on cleanup:
Temporary bandage without improvements Temporary bandage without improvements
in control technology. in control technology.
ften removes a pollutant from one part of ften removes a pollutant from one part of
the environment to cause problems in the environment to cause problems in
another. another.
Pollutants at harmful levels can cost too Pollutants at harmful levels can cost too
much to reduce them to acceptable levels. much to reduce them to acceptable levels.
!overty and Environmental !overty and Environmental
!roblems !roblems
1 of 3 children 1 of 3 children
under 5, under 5,
suffer from suffer from
severe severe
malnutrition. malnutrition.
Figure 1 Figure 1- -12 and 1 12 and 1- -
13 13
Fig. 1-12, p. 18
1.1 billion (17%)
1.1 billion (17%)
1.1 billion (17%)
Enough food
for good health
Adequate
health care
Clean drinking
Water
Enough fuel for
heating and
cooking
Electricity
Adequate
Sanitation
Number of people
(% of world's population)
Lack of
access to
1. billion (25%)
2 billion (31%)
2.4 billion (37%)
Resource Consumption and Resource Consumption and
Environmental !roblems Environmental !roblems
Underconsumption Underconsumption
verconsumption verconsumption
ffluenza: unsustainable addiction to ffluenza: unsustainable addiction to
overconsumption and materialism. overconsumption and materialism.
Connections between Connections between
Environmental !roblems and Environmental !roblems and
Their Causes Their Causes
Figure 1 Figure 1- -
14 14
C&T&RA CHANGES AN THE C&T&RA CHANGES AN THE
ENVRONMENT ENVRONMENT
gricultural revolution gricultural revolution
llowed people to stay in one place. llowed people to stay in one place.
ndustrial ndustrial- -medical revolution medical revolution
Led shift from rural villages to urban Led shift from rural villages to urban
society. society.
Science improved sanitation and disease Science improved sanitation and disease
control. control.
nformation nformation- -globalization revolution globalization revolution
Rapid access to information. Rapid access to information.
hich single hich single
advantage and advantage and
disadvantage are disadvantage are
the most the most
important? important?
Figure 1 Figure 1- -
15 15
S&STANABTY AN S&STANABTY AN
ENVRONMENTA ENVRONMENTA
WORVEWS WORVEWS
Technological optimists: Technological optimists:
suggest that human ingenuity will keep the suggest that human ingenuity will keep the
environment sustainable. environment sustainable.
nvironmental pessimists: nvironmental pessimists:
overstate the problems where our overstate the problems where our
environmental situation seems hopeless. environmental situation seems hopeless.
Four Scientific !rinciples of Four Scientific !rinciples of
Sustainability: Copy Nature Sustainability: Copy Nature
Reliance on Solar Reliance on Solar
nergy nergy
iodiversity iodiversity
Population Population
ontrol ontrol
Nutrient Nutrient
Recycling Recycling
Figure 1 Figure 1- -
16 16
Aldo eopold's Environmental Aldo eopold's Environmental
Ethics Ethics
ndividuals matter. ndividuals matter.
land is to be land is to be
loved and loved and
respected is an respected is an
extension of ethics. extension of ethics.
e abuse land e abuse land
because we regard because we regard
it as a commodity it as a commodity
Figure 1 Figure 1- -
mplications of the Four Scientific mplications of the Four Scientific
!rinciples of Sustainability !rinciples of Sustainability
Figures 1 Figures 1- -17 and 17 and
11- -18 18
Fig. 1-17, p. 25
Reduce human births
and wasteful resource
use to prevent
environmental overload
and depletion and
degradation of
resources.
Controls a species'
population size and
resource use by
interactions with its
environment and
other species.
Runs on renewable
solar energy.
Rely mostly on
renewable solar
energy.
Recycles nutrients
and wastes. There
is little waste in
nature.
Uses biodiversity to
maintain itself and
adapt to new
environ-
mental conditions.
Prevent and reduce
pollution and recycle
and reuse resources.
Preserve biodiversity
by protecting
ecosystem services and
habitats
and preventing
premature extinction of
species.
Solutions
Principles of Sustainability
ow Nature Works Lessons for Us
Fig. 1-18, p. 25
The Three R's The Three R's
ndividuals matter! ndividuals matter!
Reduce Reduce
Reuse Reuse
Recycle Recycle