Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies
3rd Semester
Diploma Engineering
Prepared By:
Subhashree Sahoo
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Vedang Institute of Technology
Bhubaneswar, Khurda
Contents
Environmental Studies:
Environment means Surrounding in which we are living. Environment includes all those
things on which we are directly or indirectly dependent for our survival, whether it is
living or non living component.
Environmental studies are the scientific study of the environmental system. It includes
the study of physical and biological characters of the environment and also the social and
cultural factors and the impact of man on environment.
The study of environmental components is multidisciplinary in nature, since it includes
all disciplines such as Biological sciences or Life Sciences, Physical sciences,
Mathematics, statistics, Computer sciences, Sociology, Economics, Management, Civil
engineering, Chemical engineering, Environment law and Mass communication etc.
Scope of Environmental Studies:
The scope of environmental studies can be studied in the following ways.
Environmental Science:
It deals with the scientific study of environmental system (air, water, soil and land),
the inherent or induced changes on organisms and the environmental damages results
from human interaction with the environment.
Environmental Engineering:
It deals with the study of technical processes involved in the protection of
environment and improving the environmental quality for the health and well beings
of humans.
Environmental Management:
It promotes the management of physical, social and economic environment of the
enterprise or projects in order to achieve the planned investment at the start of the
production chain.
Natural Resources
Renewable Energy Resources:
The energy resources which cannot be exhausted and can be used again and again are
called renewable energy resources.
For example solar energy, wind energy, tidal energy and hydroelectric etc.
Non-Renewable Energy Resources:
The energy resources which can be exhausted one day and cannot be used repeatedly are
called non-renewable energy resources.
The example of non-renewable energy resources are coal, petroleum, natural gases etc.
FOREST RESOURCES
Forests are one of the most important natural resources on this earth. These forests not
only produce valuable material goods, but also provide several environmental services which are
essential for life.
Uses of Forest Resources:
There are various uses of forest resources as follows.
Commercial Uses:
Forests provide us a large number of commercial goods which include timber, firewood,
food items, gum, resins, non-edible oils, rubber, fibres, bamboo canes, fodder, medicine,
drugs and many more items.
Many forest lands are used for mining, agriculture, grazing, and recreation.
Ecological uses:
The trees produce oxygen by photosynthesis which is vital for life on this earth.
The main greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed by the forests as a raw
material for photosynthesis. It helps to reduce the problem of global warming.
Forests are the homes of millions of wild animals and plants.
Forest is useful for absorbing the rainfall, slowing down the runoff and slowly releasing
the water for recharge of springs. It is mostly responsible for bringing rains.
Forests bind the soil particles tightly in their roots and prevent soil erosion. They also act
as windbreaks.
Forests can absorb many toxic gases and can help in keeping the air pure. They have also
been reported to absorb noise and thus help in preventing air and noise pollution.
Over-exploitation of Forest:
Since time immemorial, humans have depended heavily on forests for food, medicine,
shelter, wood and fuel.
With growing civilization the demands for raw material like timber, pulp, minerals, fuel
wood etc. has been increased. It results in large scale logging, mining, road-building and
clearing of forests.
Excessive use of fuel wood and charcoal, expansion of urban, agricultural and industrial
areas and overgrazing have together led to over-exploitation of our forests leading to their
rapid degradation.
WATER RESOURCES
The surface water of the rivers, streams, creeks, lakes, and reservoirs—are vitally
important to our everyday life.
The main uses of surface water include drinking-water and other public uses, irrigation
uses etc.
The majority of water used for thermoelectric power, public supply, irrigation, mining,
and industrial purposes came from surface-water sources.
Floods:
It is a natural event or occurrence where a piece of land (or area) that is usually dry land,
suddenly gets submerged under water.
Causes of floods:
• When there is more rain, there can be floods.
• Rivers can overflow their banks to cause flooding when there is more water upstream
than usual.
• Sea water can be carried by massive winds and hurricanes onto dry coastal lands and
cause flooding.
• Sometimes, too much water held up in the dam can cause it to break and overflow the
area. Excess water can also be intentionally released from the dam to prevent it from
breaking and that can also cause floods.
• Sometimes the ice suddenly melts when the temperature rises, resulting in massive
movement of water into places that are usually dry and cause floods.
Environmental Studies, 3rd Semester, Diploma Engineering
Drought:
It is the absence of water for a long period of time, at a place where it is considered ‗not
normal‘ compared to its usual conditions.
Causes of Drought:
• Droughts can occur when there is the lack of expected precipitation of rain or snow.
• Some regions are well distributed with surface water but these may dry out if the flow
from their sources upstream is affected.
• Deforestation exposes surface water to more evaporation. It reduces the ability of the
ground to hold water.
• Human activities lead to greenhouse gases. As a result increase in temperature results
in drying out the surface and ground water, thereby causing drought.
Conflicts:
Rapidly increasing population and limited water resources give rise to conflicts over
water.
These conflicts occur over both freshwater and saltwater, and both between and within
nations. However, conflicts occur mostly over freshwater; because freshwater is being
used as important resources for agriculture, energy generation, and industrial purpose. As
freshwater is a vital, and its production is less, its unavailability put impacts on
the living and economic conditions of a country or region.
Problems of Dams:
The larger dams are expensive to build and, as such, they can take many years to pay for
themselves and become profitable.
Building a dam requires diverting water temporarily and it also means a lot of digging
and construction on the dam site. These constructions have long lasting effects on the
environment and it will destroy local ecosystems.
The weight of the larger dam actually resulted in the compression of the earth in that area
which leads to cause minor earthquake and put serious effects on the society.
Dams may be collapse and create problems for nearby people..
Low oxygen levels in dam water are the result of the hydroelectric production process.
The disruption of the natural flow of water can have impacts on the turbidity of water as
well, which can seriously harm aquatic life.
Minerals provide the material used to make most of the things of industrial- based
society. A mineral is a pure inorganic substance that occurs naturally in the earth‘s crust.
Uses of Mineral Resources:
Some of the uses of mineral resources are:
Used in construction of buildings, bridges and housing settlement.
Development of industries and machinery.
Used for generation of energy mainly Coal, petroleum and natural gas.
Used for development of defence equipment.
Used in the field of communication like telephone, cables, electronic devices etc.
Formation of alloys for various purposes.
Used for formation of ornaments like jewellery of gold, diamond, silver etc.
Used for synthesis of fertilizers, fungicides etc.
Exploitation of Mineral Resources:
Mining is hazardous occupation:
• This occupation involves several health risk dust produced during mining
operation are injurious to health and cause lung diseases.
• Extraction of some toxic or radioactive minerals leads to life threatening hazards.
• Dynamite explosion during mining is very risky as fumes produced are extremely
poisonous.
• Underground mining is more hazardous than surface mining as there are more
chances if accidents like roof falls, flooding and inadequate ventilation etc.
Rapid depletion of high grade minerals:
Increasing demand for high grade minerals has compelled miners to carry out more
extraction of minerals, which require more energy sources and produce large amount of
waste materials.
Wastage of upper soil layer and vegetation:
Surface mining results in the complete destruction of upper soil layer and vegetation.
After extraction, the wastes are dumped in an area which destroys the total surface and
vegetation.
Environmental problems:
Over exploitation of mineral resources resulted in many environmental problems like:
• Conversion of productive land into mining and industrial areas.
• Mining and extraction process are one of the sources of air, water and land
pollution.
• Mining involves huge consumption of energy resources like coal, petroleum,
natural gas etc. which are in-turn non renewable sources of energy.
• Surface mining directly degrades the fertile soil surface thus effect ecology and
climate if that particular area.
Food is essential for growth and development of living organisms. These essential
materials are called nutrients and these nutrients are available from variety of animals and plants.
World food problems:
The following are the causes of world food problems which are divided into following
categories:
Causes of World Wide Problems:
Natural calamities:-drought, heavy rain and flooding, crop failures.
Environmental degradation of soil erosion and inadequate water resources.
Food supply-and-demand imbalances.
Inadequate food reserves.
Declining ecological conditions in agricultural regions.
Problems of the Developing World:
Underdevelopment.
Excessive population growth.
Lack of economic incentives.
Insufficient government attention to the rural sector.
Problems of the Industrialized World:
Excessive use of natural resources.
Pollution.
Inefficient animal-protein diets.
Inadequate research in science and technology.
Excessive government bureaucracy.
Loss of farmland to competing uses.
Water Logging:
If water stands on land for most of the year, it is called water logging. In water logged
conditions, pore-voids in the soil get filled with water and soil-air gets depleted. In such a
condition the roots of plants do not get enough air for respiration. Water logging also leads to
low mechanical strength of soil and low crop yield.
Causes of Water logging:
Inadequate drainage of over-land run-off increases the rate of percolation and in turn
helps in raising the water level.
Seepage of water from earthen canals also adds significant quantity of water to the
underground reservoir continuously.
Sometimes subsoil does not permit free flow of subsoil water which may accentuate the
process of raising the water level.
Irrigation water is used to flood the fields. If it is used in excess it may help appreciably
in raising the water level.
Effects of Water logging:
Excessive moisture content creates anaerobic condition in the soil. The plant roots do not
get the required nourishing food or nutrients. As a result crop growth is badly affected.
Soil Salinity:
Soil salinity is a major limiting factor that endangers the capacity of agricultural crops to
sustain the growing human population. It is characterized by a high concentration of
soluble salts (like sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium sulphate,
sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonates) that significantly reduces the development of the
crops.
Causes of Soil salinity:
The following are the causes of soil salinity:
Salts are deposited via dust and precipitation.
Human practices can increase the salinity of soils by the addition of salts in irrigation
water.
The change in the level of ground water due to soil erosion, which led to high
concentration of salts in the water level.
Salinity from irrigation can occur over time wherever irrigation occurs, since almost all
water (even natural rainfall) contains some dissolved salts. When the plants use the water,
the salts are left behind in the soil and eventually begin to accumulate.
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Effects of Soil salinity:
The following are the effects of soil salinity:
Due to salt deposit in the soil the growth of the plant will be reduced.
The root of the of the plants will become weak due to salt deposit in the soil.
Salinity affects production in crops, pastures and trees by interfering with nitrogen
uptake, reducing growth and stopping plant reproduction.
If the level of salts in the soil water is too high, water may flow from the plant roots back
into the soil. This results in dehydration of the plant, causing yield decline or even death
of the plant.
Remedies for soil salinity:
The following are the remedies for soil salinity:
The first step for reducing soil salinity is to improve drainage system so that the salt
deposited in the salt will be flushed out.
Pour a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost or charcoal over the soil.
Turn the additives into the top 6 inches of soil with a tiller or a shovel.
ENERGY RESOURCES:
An energy resource is something that can produce heat, power life, move objects, or
produce electricity. All the developmental activities in the world are directly or indirectly
dependent on energy.
Growing-Energy-Needs:
Energy is essential to the existence of mankind. All the industrial processes like mining,
transport, lighting, heating and cooling in buildings need energy. With the growing population,
the world is facing an energy deficit. Lifestyle change from simple to a complex and luxurious
lifestyle adds to this energy deficit.
Based on continual utility, natural resources can be classified into two types:
Renewable energy sources:- These resources can be generated continuously and are
inexhaustible.
Ex: Wood, Solar energy, Wind energy, Hydro power, tidal energy, Geo-thermal energy.
Non-renewable energy sources:-
Non-renewable energy sources are natural resources that cannot be regenerated once they
are exhausted. They cannot be used again.
Ex: Coal, Petroleum, Natural gas and Nuclear fuels.
Wind Power:
Wind energy utilises the power of the wind to propel the blades of wind turbines. The rotation of
turbine blades is converted into electrical current by means of an electrical generator. In the older
windmills, wind energy was used to turn mechanical machinery to do physical work.
Advantages:
Wind power produces no pollution. There is no risk due to harmful by-products left over.
Since wind generation is a renewable source of energy, we will never run out of it.
Wind farms can be built off-shore.
Disadvantages:
Wind power is intermittent. Consistent wind is needed for continuous power generation.
Large wind farms can have a negative effect on the scenery.
Solar Power:
Solar energy is used commonly for heating, cooking, the production of electricity, and even in
the desalination of seawater. Solar power works by trapping the sun's rays into solar cells where
this sunlight is then converted into electricity.
Geothermal Energy:
Geothermal energy utilises the heat energy present underneath the Earth. Hot rocks under
the ground heat water to produce steam. When holes are drilled in the region, the steam that
shoots up is purified and is used to drive turbines, which power electric generators.
Advantages:
If done correctly, geothermal energy produces no harmful by-products.
Once a geothermal plant is built, it is generally self-sufficient energy wise.
Geothermal power plants are usually small and have little effect on the natural landscape.
Disadvantages:
If done incorrectly, geothermal energy can produce pollutants.
Improper drilling into the earth can release hazardous minerals and gases.
Geothermal sites are prone to running out of steam.
Hydroelectric Energy:
Hydroelectric power comes from the potential energy of dammed water driving a water
turbine and generator. Hydropower works by utilising the gravitational flow of a river that is
compressed from a long run to a single location with a dam. This is used to turn turbines or water
wheels to drive an electric generator..
Advantages:
Water can be accumulated above the dam and released to coincide with peaks in demand.
Electricity can be generated constantly.
Hydroelectric power produces no waste or pollution since there is no chemical reaction to
produce power.
Water used for hydropower can be reused.
Disadvantages:
The creation of big reservoirs of water or dams intervenes not only in reshaping and
changing the condition of the bodies of water but also to the condition of the fish species.
The water that flows from the dam creates a flood on the rivers or in the wetland bodies
affecting the organisms living on it.
The construction of hydroelectric power plant is very costly.
Land as a Resource:
Land is a very valuable resource. It provides food, fibre, wood, medicine and other biological
materials needed for food. Soil is a mixture of inorganic materials and (rocks and minerals) and
organic materials (dead materials and plants).
Land provides food, wood, minerals, etc
Land nurtures plants and animals that provide us food and shelter
Land may be used as watershed or reservoir.
Land acts as a dustbin for the wastes generated by modern society.
Land is used for constructing buildings and industries.
Land Degradation:
Land degradation is the major consequences of direct interference of human activities in the
natural phenomenon.
Land degradation means:
Loss of natural fertility of soil because of loss of nutrients.
Less vegetation cover
Changes in the characteristic of soil.
Pollution of water resources from the contamination of soil through which water sweeps
into ground or runoff to the water bodies.
Changes in climatic conditions because of unbalanced created in the environment.
Causes of Land Degradation:
Deforestation:- Deforestation is taking place at a faster rate due to increasing demands of
timber, fuel and forest products which results into degradation of land resources.
Overgrazing:- Overgrazing refers to excessive eating of grasses and other green plants by
cattle. It results into reduced growth of vegetation, reduced diversity of plant species,
excessive growth of unwanted plant species, soil erosion, and degradation of land due to
cattle movement.
Agricultural practises:- The modern agricultural practises, excessive use of fertilizers and
pesticides has adversely degraded the natural quality and fertility of the cultivation land.
Industrialization:- Development of industries for the economic growth of the country
leads to excessive deforestation and utilization of land in such as way that it has lost its
natural up gradation quality.
Urbanization:- Increasing growth of population and demand for more residential areas
and commercial sectors is also one of the reasons for land degradation.
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Soil Erosion:
Soil erosion is defined as the wearing away of topsoil. Topsoil is the top layer of soil and is the
most fertile because it contains the most organic, nutrient-rich materials.
Causes of Soil Erosion:
Rain and rainwater runoff:- Due to rain water runoff, the water starts to break down the
soil and water will runoff organic matter and other nutrients, hence causes soil erosion.
Farming:- When land is worked through crops or other agricultural processes, it reduces
the overall structure of the soil, in addition to reducing the levels of organic matter,
making it more susceptible to the effects of rain and water and causes soil erosion
Slope of the land:- The physical characteristics of the land can also contribute to soil
erosion.
Lack of vegetation:- Plants and crops help maintain the structure of soils, reducing the
amount of soil erosion. Areas with less vegetation cause erosion.
Wind:- Wind can be a major factor in reducing soil quality and promote erosion,
particularly if the soil‘s structure has already been loosened up.
Effects of Desertification:
Farming becomes next to impossible:- If an area becomes a desert, then it‘s almost
impossible to grow substantial crops there without special technologies.
Hunger:- Without farms in these areas, the food scarcity will appear and the people and
animals will be affected with hunger problems.
Flooding:- The desert area could experience a lot of flooding because there will be no
tress to stop the water from gathering and going all over the place.
Poor Water Quality:- If an area becomes a desert, the water quality is going to be worst.
This is because the plant life plays a significant role in keeping the water clean and clear.
Overpopulation:- When areas start to become desert, animals and people will go to other
areas where they can actually thrive. This causes crowding and overpopulation, which
will further continuing the cycle of desertification.
Food Chain:-
It is the sequence of transfer of matter and energy in the form of food and energy from organism
to organism. For example, plants which convert solar energy to food by photosynthesis are the
primary food source. When herbivores animal feed on plants, energy is transferred from the
plants to the animals. In all ecosystems some of the animals feed on other living organisms while
some feed on dead organic matter.
Producer-primary consumersecondary consumertertiary consumer-quaternary consumer.
Food Web :-
Food web is an important ecological concept. Basically, food web represents feeding
relationships within a community. It also implies the transfer of food energy from its source in
plants through herbivores to carnivores. Normally, food webs consist of a number of food chains
meshed together. A food chain is a linear network of links in a food web starting from producer
organisms and ending at predator species.
Producer-primary consumersecondary consumertertiary consumer-quaternary consumer.
Different organisms exist within the forest layers. These organisms interact with each
other and their surroundings. Each organism has a role in sustaining the ecosystem. Some
provide food for other organisms; others provide shelter or control populations.
➢ Producers:
In a forest ecosystem, trees and other plants get their energy from sunlight. Plants produce
their own food, in the form of carbohydrates and are called the primary producers. They
produce the basic foodstuffs for other organisms within food chains and food webs.
India has different climate and topography in different parts and hence is termed as a mega
diversity country. Bio geographers have classified India into ten bio geographic zones with each
zone having characteristic climate, soil and biodiversity. These zones are described below.
Value of Biodiversity:
➢Environmental Value:
The environmental value of biodiversity can be found by examining each ecosystem
process and identifying the ecosystem services that result.
➢Consumptive use value:
This is related to natural products that are used directly for food, fodder, timber, fuel
wood etc. Humans use at least 40,000 species of plants and animals on a daily basis.
Many people around the world still depend on wild species for most of their needs like
food, shelter and clothing. The tribal people are completely dependent on the forests for
their daily needs.
➢Productive Use Value:
This is assigned to products that are commercially harvested and marketed. Almost all
the present date agricultural crops have originated from wild varieties. The
biotechnologists continuously use the wild species of plants for developing new, better
yielding and disease resistant varieties. Biodiversity represents the original stock from
which new varieties are being developed.
The social value of biodiversity includes aesthetic, recreational, cultural and spiritual
values. To this can be added health benefits resulting from recreational and other
activities. The indigenous people always protect the forests for their own benefit. The
biodiversity in different parts of the world has been largely preserved by the traditional
societies.
➢Ethical and Moral Value:
It is based on the principle of ‗live and let others live‘. Ethical values related to
biodiversity conservation are based on the importance of protecting all forms of life. All
forms of life have the right to exist on earth. Man is only a small part of the Earth‘s great
family of species. Morality and ethics teach us to preserve all forms of life and not to
harm any organism unnecessarily.
➢Aesthetic Value:
The beauty of our planet is because of biodiversity, which otherwise would have
resembled other barren planets dotted around the universe. Biological diversity adds to
the quality of life and provides some of the most beautiful aspects of our existence.
Biodiversity is responsible for the beauty of a landscape.
➢Economic Value:
The economic potential of biodiversity is immense in terms of food, fodder, medicinal,
ethical and social values. Biodiversity forms the major resource for different industries,
which govern the world economy.
➢Habitat Loss:
• Habitat destruction is damage to an area that certain species live in, to the extent that the
species can no longer survive in that area.
• The causes of habitat destruction can be either man-made or natural in origin.
• Man-made causes of habitat destruction include construction of both previously
undeveloped areas as well as new construction on the fringe of developed areas.
• Agriculture is another man-made cause of habitat destruction. E
• Efforts to irrigate farmland and provide water for farm animals can impact habitat, either
by taking water from an area, or adding water to an area that was previously dry.
• Global warming is a process that human activity has contributed to.
• Fire is another culprit that can fall under man-made or natural causes of habitat
destruction.
• Natural disasters can be causes of habitat destruction. Examples of natural disasters that
can be devastating include earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes.
Poaching is the illegal hunting, killing or capturing of animals. People poach because
animal products, such as hide, ivory, horn, teeth and bone, are sold to dealers who make
clothes, jewellery and other materials from them. The poaching causes various effects; its
most direct impact is extinction, either globally or within a given locality.
Human–wildlife conflict:
It refers to the interaction between wild animals and people and the resultant negative
impact on people or their resources, or wild animals or their habitat. It occurs when growing
human populations overlap with established wildlife territory, creating reduction of resources or
life to some people and/or wild animals. The conflict takes many forms ranging from loss of life
or injury to humans, and animals both wild and domesticated, to competition for scarce resources
to loss and degradation of habitat.
Effects of conflict are:
• Injury and loss of life of humans and wildlife
• Crop damage, livestock depredation, predation of managed wildlife stock
• Damage to human property
• Destruction of habitat
• Collapse of wildlife populations and reduction of geographic ranges
Environmental Pollution
Air Pollution:
➢ W.H.O defines air pollution as the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment
by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of
the atmosphere. It causes undesirable effects on the ecosystem.
Sources of Air Pollution (Causes):
The sources of air pollution are natural and man-made.
Man-made causes include:
➢ Burning-fossil-fuels:- Burning of wood, charcoal and other fossil fuels causes air pollution
by the release of carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon sulphur dioxide etc.
➢ Emissions-from-automobiles:- The major pollutants released from automobiles,
locomotives, aircraft etc., include CO, unburnt hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide.
➢ Industries:- Factories pollute the air through fossil fuel emissions. These emissions
include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
➢ Agricultural-activities:- Spraying of insecticides and pesticides also cause air pollution.
These, when inhaled create severe problems to both animals and man.
➢ Wars:- Various forms of explosives used in war pollute the air by releasing poisonous
gases. Nuclear explosions pollute air by radioactive rays.
Natural causes include:
➢ Volcanic eruption
➢ Forest fires
➢ Marsh gas emission
➢ Deflation of sand and dust
➢ Micro-organisms such as algae, fungi, bacteria, yeast, moulds, spores are transported by
wind to distant places causing air pollution.
Effects of air pollution:
Air pollution has adverse effects on living organisms and materials.
Effect on plants
➢Oxides of nitrogen and fluorides reduce crop yield.
➢Ozone damages cereals, fruits, and cotton crop.
➢Smoke and dust cover the leaf surface and reduce photosynthetic capacity of plants.
➢SO2 causes chlorosis and also results in the death of cells and tissues.
Effect on Human health
➢SO3, CO and NO2 diffuse into blood stream and reduce oxygen transport. CO damages
cardiovascular system. Hydrocarbons and other pollutants act, as carcinogens and lead to
different cancers.
➢Ozone has been reported to produce chromosomal aberrations.
➢Cotton dust leads to respiratory disorders e.g. bronchitis and asthma.
Soil pollution is defined as the presence of toxic chemicals (pollutants or contaminants) in soil,
in high enough concentrations to cause a risk to human health and the ecosystem.
Sources of soil pollution: (Causes)
➢ Pesticides are used to kill pests that damage crops. These pesticides ultimately reach the
soil and persist there for a long time. Residues of these pesticides in the soils have long
term effects especially under the temperate conditions.
➢Industrial wastes also contain some organic and inorganic compounds that are refractory
and non-biodegradable.
➢Soil also receives excreta from animals and humans. The sewage sludge contains many
pathogenic organisms, bacteria, viruses and intestinal worms which cause pollution in the
soil.
Marine pollution can be defined as the introduction of substances to the marine environment
directly or indirectly by man resulting in adverse effects such as hazards to human health,
obstruction of marine activities and lowering the quality of sea water.
Sources of marine pollution: (Causes)
The main sources of marine pollution are:
➢Rivers, which bring pollutants from their drainage basins
➢Catchment area i.e. coastline where human settlements in the form of hotels, industry,
agricultural practices have been established
➢Oil drilling and shipment.
Effects of marine pollution:
➢ The pollutants in sea may become dispersed by turbulence and ocean currents and finally
becomes a part of food chain.
➢Hydrocarbons and benzpyrene gets accumulated in food chain and consumption of such
fish by man may cause cancer.
➢Bioaccumulation in food chain also result in loss of species diversity.
➢Oil pollution causes damage to marine fauna and flora including algae, fish, birds, and
invertebrates.
➢Detergents used to clean up the spill are also harmful to marine life.
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Control of marine pollution:
➢ Toxic pollutants from industries and sewage treatment plants should not be discharged in
coastal waters.
➢ Run off from non-point sources should be prevented to reach coastal areas.
➢ Sewer overflows should be prevented by having separate sewer and rain water pipes.
➢ Dumping of toxic, hazardous wastes and sewage sludge should be banned.
➢ Developmental activities on coastal areas should be minimized.
➢ Oil and grease from service stations should be processed for reuse.
➢ Oil ballast should not be dumped into sea.
➢ Ecologically sensitive coastal areas should be protected by not allowing drilling.
Noise pollution or noise disturbance is the disturbing or excessive noise that may harm the
activity or balance of human or animal life. A decibel value greater than 80 decibels causes noise
pollution. Noise becomes troublesome above 140 decibels.
Sources of noise pollution:
The major sources of noise are :
➢ various modes of transportation (like air, road, rail-transportation)
➢ industrial operations
➢ construction activities
➢ celebrations (social/religious functions, elections etc)
➢ Electric home appliances.
Effects of noise pollution:
Noise causes the following effects:
➢ Interferes with man’s communication:- In a noisy area communication is severely
affected.
➢ Hearing damage:- Noise can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. It depends on
intensity and duration of sound level. Auditory sensitivity is reduced with noise level of
over 90 dB in the mid high frequency for more than a few minutes.
➢ Physiological and Psychological changes:- Continuous exposure to noise affects the
functioning of various systems of the body. It may result in hypertension, insomnia
(sleeplessness), gastro-intestinal and digestive disorders, blood pressure changes,
behavioural changes, emotional changes etc.
Control of Noise pollution
Following methods can control noise pollution:
➢ Limited use of loudspeakers and amplifiers.
➢ Excursing control over noise producing vehicles.
➢ Industrial workers should be provided with ear plugs.
➢ Delocalisation of noisy industries far away from dwelling units
➢ Plants and trees having broad leaves should be planted all around the hospitals, libraries
and schools and colleges.
➢ Unnecessary horn blowing should be restricted especially in vehicle-congested areas.
Environmental Studies, 3rd Semester, Diploma Engineering
Thermal Pollution – Causes, effects and control measures
Thermal pollution is defined as the degradation of water quality by any process that changes
ambient water temperature.
Causes of Thermal pollution:-
➢ Water used as coolant & ejected back into water bodies – Thermal power plants use
water to cool down their machines and eject back the hot water into water bodies. Thus,
the natural water goes through a sudden rise in temperature and cause thermal pollution.
➢ R elease of cold water – Many industries liberate very cool water from their reservoirs.
This water when mixed up with warm water rivers, lakes or ponds creates an unbalance
in the flora and fauna of affected water bodies.
➢ Growing industrial activities – Thermal pollutants are increasing day by day because of
the growing industrial activities.
➢ Chemical pollutants discharged into water – Some factories discharge their chemical
waste directly into natural water bodies. This does not only causes thermal pollution but
also makes the water poisonous.
➢ L ivestock waste mixed into water – This is another major cause of thermal pollution.
Many industries dispose their livestock waste into water without analyzing upon the
hazardous consequences of this act.
➢ Water discharged from urban areas – Many urban areas like parking places, roads, etc.,
deposit rain water and discharge the heated water back into water bodies. The heated
water disturbs the normal temperature of natural water bodies.
➢ Human waste, household & personal care products – These products go into sewage
water which pollutes the water in ponds, seas and other water bodies.
➢ Deforestation & soil erosion – Soil erosion makes natural water bodies to rise beyond
their normal level. Thus, they get more exposed to sunlight. Hence, the temperature of
water rises. Deforestation disturbs the natural cycle and increase temperature of water.
➢ Natural Geo-thermal activities – Natural geothermal activities can stimulate lava and can
cause a rise in water temperature, making way for thermal pollution.
➢ Unawareness among people – Growing thermal pollution is also the result of
unawareness among people. Even after knowing the hazardous effects of thermal
pollution on environment, there are abundant industries which are continuously using
ways that encourage this pollution.
Effects of Thermal pollution:-
➢ T hermal shock resulting in rise in temperature of water bodies – When industries and
factories dispose the used hot water into water bodies the temperature suddenly raises to
an abnormal level. It acts as a thermal shock for aquatic life.
➢ Depleted level of oxygen in natural water –The used warm water of industries when
mixed with water bodies causes an unusual growth of plants and expansion of algae. The
algae expansion in water reduces the level of oxygen in water.
➢ Contamination of water – Thermal pollution also results in contamination of water of
rivers, ponds, lakes, etc by the mixing of various chemicals and other wastes released by
factories. This contamination of water may cause shortage of fresh water.
➢ Adverse effect on water plants –More and more aquatic plants are depleting each day
because of thermal pollution caused by variation in temperature.
Environmental Studies, 3rd Semester, Diploma Engineering
➢ A dverse effects on water animals –The contaminated water makes the natural water
poisonous and has an adverse effect on animals living in it. Also, the reduced level of
oxygen makes it difficult for water animals to survive.
➢ E ffect on population of water animals – When the temperature in natural water bodies
gets disturbed due to thermal pollution, the cycle of animal population gets disturbed.
➢ Unexpected Migration of Water Animals – When water animals find it difficult to survive
in the changed water because of thermal pollution, they start for an unexpected migration,
making way for a disturbed ecosystem.
Control of Thermal pollution:
The following methods can be employed to control the thermal pollution:
➢ Use less electricity – The use of less electricity will lead to less workload on power plants
and these plants will not have to use their machines too much and there will be controlled
use of water as coolant.
➢ Use of Better Technologies – Use of better technologies is strongly recommended for
solving the problem of thermal pollution.
➢ Holding back the water for good – After using the water as coolant, factories should store
that water somewhere else for a temporary period instead of discharging back the heated
water into water bodies. This water can be used for various other purposes.
➢ P lantation of more trees upon the banks of rivers, seas & other water bodies – Plantation
around sources of water help in absorbing the sun rays and prevent them from falling
directly upon the water. This helps in prevention of heating of water bodies. Planting
more trees also helps in controlling the problem of soil erosion.
➢ R ecycling used water – If people start working upon the ideas of recycling the used water
in plants and factories, the problem of thermal pollution will definitely be lessened to a
significant extent.
➢ S preading awareness among people –Making more and more people aware about the
problem of thermal pollution will be very beneficial in the long run. Groups of people
can initiate a discussion with different industries to reduce the thermal pollution.
Nuclear hazard can be defined as the Risk or danger to human health or the environment posed
by radiation generating from the atomic nuclei of a given substance, or the possibility of an
uncontrolled explosion originating from a fusion or fission reaction of atomic nuclei.
Sources of Nuclear Hazards:
The sources of radioactivity are both natural and man-made.
The natural sources include:-
➢ Cosmic rays from outer space.
➢ Emissions from radioactive materials from the Earth‘s crust.
Man-made sources include:
➢ Mining and processing of radioactive ores.
➢ Use of radioactive material in nuclear power plants.
➢ Use of radioactive isotopes in medical, industrial and research applications.
➢ Use of radioactive materials in nuclear weapons.
Earthquake Management:
There is no effective warning system for earthquakes, which makes preliminary precautions even
more critical. Still we can manage the earthquakes by following the methods described below.
Before an Earthquake:
➢ Install latches on cupboard doors to prevent them from opening during a quake.
➢ Store heavy items or glassware in lower cabinets so they do not become dangerous
projectiles.
➢ Update home insurance policies to adequately cover building costs, possession
replacement, and injury deductibles and Take clear photos of valuables as a record for
insurance purposes.
➢ Secure large appliances such as refrigerators, water heaters, air conditioners and other
bulky items with straps, bolts, and other stabilizing methods.
➢ Be sure both old and new buildings meet earthquake construction requirements.
➢ Do not put heavy artwork, mirrors, or shelves over beds.
➢ Firmly secure bookcases, artwork, mounted televisions and other objects to withstand as
much shaking as possible.
➢ Keep cell phones charged and emergency kit ready with non-perishable food, bottled
water, copies of important documents, flashlights, first aid materials, blankets, spare
glasses, and other essential items.
➢ Plan alternative commuting routes in case an earthquake damages roads.
➢ All family members must learn about basic first aid; how to behave during a quake and
what to do after a quake.
During an Earthquake:
➢ Immediately seek a safe location during the earthquake.
➢ Cover the back of your head and your eyes to minimize injury from flying debris.
➢ Do not take elevators during an earthquake.
➢ If cooking, turn off heating elements immediately.
➢ If outdoors, stay in open areas away from buildings, power lines, trees, and other
potential hazards.
➢ If driving, stop quickly but safely and stay in the vehicle. Do not stop near power lines,
bridges, overpasses, or other potentially dangerous locations.
➢ Stay calm and brace yourself to keep your balance, sitting if possible.
After an Earthquake:
➢ Be prepared for aftershocks.
➢ Tend injuries immediately and take emergency assistance if necessary.
➢ Check for structural damage, but do not enter a building that shows damage.
➢ Wear shoes at all times to avoid stepping on broken glass.
Environmental Studies, 3rd Semester, Diploma Engineering
➢Turn off gas, electricity, and water if damage is suspected or if advised to do so by
authorities.
➢Be cautious opening cabinets, cupboards, and closets in case items may be poised to fall.
➢Keep phone lines clear for emergency use.
➢Be patient. It may take hours or days to restore all services depending on the severity of
the quake.
Flood Management:
Before a Flood:
➢ Avoid building in a floodplain.
➢ Construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering your
home.
➢ Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
➢ If a flood is likely in your area, listen to the radio or television for information.
➢ Be prepared! Pack a bag with important items in case you need to evacuate.
➢ If advised to evacuate your home, do so immediately.
➢ If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.
➢ Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect
electrical appliances.
During and after a Flood:
➢ Do not walk through moving water.
➢ If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check
the firmness of the ground in front of you.
➢ Do not drive into flooded areas.
➢ Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
➢ Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to
drink.
➢ Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage.
Water may also be electrically charged.
➢ Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded.
➢ Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
➢ Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
➢ Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
➢ Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as
possible.
➢ Clean and disinfect everything that got wet.
Water Conservation:
Now a day‘s water is a major factor for the society. So, water conservation is necessary for the
future use. So it is the responsibility of each and every human being to store the water. The
following are control measure for water conservation which is very necessary.
➢Turn off the Water tap after each activity.
➢Reduce over water usage in home.
➢Don‘t waste water anyway. Reuse Wastewater Where Possible.
➢Check Faucets and Pipes for Leaks.
➢Use Your Water Meter to Check for Hidden Water Leaks.
Rainwater harvesting:
It is the process of collecting rainwater and putting it to good use. Rainwater harvesting
refers to the trapping and storing of rainwater so that it can be used at a later time when the need
arises.
Methods of Rainwater Harvesting:
➢Surface Water Collection Systems:- Surface water collection systems enable the
collection of ground surface rainwater before it flows to other locations. Examples of
such systems include rivers, ponds, and wells.
➢Rooftop system:- Rooftops can be used to direct rainwater that falls on the roof of a
building into containers or tanks.
Environmental Studies, 3rd Semester, Diploma Engineering
➢3. Dams:- These are barriers that are designed to trap water. Rainwater can accumulate
directly in them or drainage systems can be created to direct water into them. Water
collected in dams is mostly used for irrigation purposes or for domestic use.
➢
Underground Tanks:- These are constructed by digging into the ground and creating a
space which is then cemented to reduce water infiltration. The top is also sealed and
water is obtained through pipes directed into the tank. To get water out, pumps are used.
➢Reservoirs:- Water collected through this method is not really clean and may be
contaminated. However, it can still be used for crop irrigation.
➢Barrage: A barrage is a dam that has several openings which can be closed or opened to
control the quantity of water that passes through it. It is usually large and can be used to
collect a lot of water.
Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting:
Rainwater harvesting is beneficial because it provides a source of water for domestic use,
industrial use, building and construction works, irrigation etc.
Climate Change:
Global warming:
Global warming is defined as the increase in the temperature on earth's surface due to various
reasons. The reasons include both by human and natural but the major contribution towards the
global warming is from human and his activities. The natural causes include volcanic eruptions
and other natural hazards. Due to volcanic eruption there is a production large amount of heat
and this heat will transmitted to the atmosphere and there will be a increase in the atmospheric
temperature. The other reasons are the activities of human that lead to the global warming.
They are listed below:
➢ Exhaust from vehicles, industries, jet plane and other commercial planes etc.
➢ Exhaust from various power plants mainly non conventional
➢ Green house gasses
➢ Gases released from mines
➢ Exhaust form domestic usage
Acid Rain:
Acid rain means the presence of excessive acids in rain water. Thermal power plants, industries
and vehicles release nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere by burning of coal
and oil. When these gases react with water vapour in the atmosphere, they form acids and
descend on Earth as "acid rain" through rain water.
Causes of Acid Rain
Both natural and man-made sources are known to play a role in the formation of acid rain. But, it
is mainly caused by combustion of fossil fuels which results in emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2)
and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
➢Natural Sources:- The major natural agent for acid rain is volcanic emissions. Volcanoes
emit acid producing gases to create higher than normal amounts of acid rain.
➢Man-made sources:- Human activities leading to chemical gas emissions such as sulphur
and nitrogen are the primary contributors to acid rain.
Effects of Acid Rain:
Acid rain has significant effects on the world environment and public health.
➢Effect on Aquatic Environment, Forests, Soil, Vegetation Cover and Plantations,
Architecture and Building, Public Health etc.
Ozone Layer Depletion:
Ozone layer is a deep layer in earth‘s atmosphere that contains ozone which is a naturally
occurring molecule containing three oxygen atoms. These ozone molecules form a gaseous layer
in the Earth‘s upper atmosphere called stratosphere. This lower region of stratosphere containing
relatively higher concentration of ozone is called Ozonosphere. The Ozonosphere is found 15-35
km (9 to 22 miles) above the surface of the earth.
Causes of Ozone Layer Depletion:
➢Natural causes of depletion of ozone layer:- Ozone layer has been found to be affected by
certain natural phenomena such as Sun-spots and stratospheric winds. But this has been
found to cause not more than 1-2% depletion of the ozone layer. It is also believed that
the major volcanic eruptions have also contributed towards ozone depletion.
In the past, population growth was a gradual phenomenon and the Earth‘s resources were
capable of adjusting to this increase. In the recent past, the rapid growth of human numbers has
become a major cause of our environmental problems. According to report by the United Nation
Population Fund (UNPF), total population is likely to reach 10 billion by 2025 and grow to 14
billion by next century. Both death rates and birth rates have fallen, but death rates have fallen
faster than birth rates.
Causes of population growth:
➢ Increase in food production and distribution.
➢ Improvement in public health
➢ Medical technology, along with gains in education and increase in standards of living
within many developing nations.
➢ People were able to fight and cure deadly germs that once killed them. In addition,
because of the technology people could produce more & different kinds of food gradually
over a period of time these discoveries and inventions spread throughout the world
lowering death rates and improving the quality of life for most people.
➢ Improvement in public health which lead to increased fertility rate and birth rate,
decreased mortality and morbidity rates.
➢ Medical technology, along with gains in education and increase in standards of living.
Human rights:
Human rights are those conditions that are considered indispensable for a person‘s all – round
development and welfare. These rights can be divided into two groups: legal rights and moral
rights. Legal rights come from the law. For example, people have a legal right to vote in India
once they are 18 years old. A person‘s wife or child has got a moral right to be taken care of by
him.
Several environmental issues are closely linked to human rights. These include:
➢ The equitable distribution of environmental resources
➢ The utilization of resources and intellectual property rights (iprs)
➢ Conflicts between people and wildlife especially around pas
➢ Resettlement issues around development projects such as dams and mines
➢ Access to health to prevent environment-related diseases
Value education:
Values are a set of principles or standards of behaviour that are regarded desirable, important &
held in high esteem by society. Value education is expected to bring about a new sustainable way
life. Education, both through formal and non-formal processes, must address understanding
environmental, natural and cultural values, social justice, human heritage, equitable use of
resources, managing common property resources and the causes of ecological degradation.
Value education aims to focus in the following key areas:
Environmental Studies, 3rd Semester, Diploma Engineering
➢Environmental values
➢Valuing nature
➢Valuing cultures
➢Human heritage
➢Equitable use of resources
➢Common property resources
➢Ecological degradation
➢Social justice
The understanding of environmental concerns and issues related to human health has exploded
during the last few years due to the sudden growth of information technology.
For bridging the gap between scientists and decision-makers for the purpose of environmental
policy-making is today more important than ever. Global Resource Information Database was
established by UNEP in 1985 to bridge this gap and to provide the global society with updated
and reliable environment information. Strategic tools to achieve this were geographical
information technology for the analysis and presentation of information and telecommunications
for the dissemination and exchange of information.
Role of Information Technology in Human Health:
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