ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Dr. Nayan Biswas

Assistant Professor,
Faculty of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences
University of Patanjali
 What is Pollution ?

“Pollution is the introduction of substances (or energy) that

cause adverse changes in the environment and living entities .”
 What is air pollution?
• Air pollution refers to any physical, chemical or biological change in
the air. It is the contamination of air by harmful gases, dust and
smoke which affects plants, animals and humans drastically.
• There is a certain percentage of gases present in the atmosphere. An
increase or decrease in the composition of these gases is harmful to
survival. This imbalance in the gaseous composition has resulted in
an increase in earth’s temperature, which is known as global
warming.
 Types of air pollutants

Origin :-
According to their origin, pollutants are considered as either
primary or secondary contaminants. Primary pollutants like Sulphur
oxides (SO), Nitrogen oxides (NO), and Hydrocarbons (HC) are emitted
directly to the atmosphere and these are found in the form in which they
were emitted. Secondary pollutants, such as, Ozone (0 3) and Peroxyacetyl
nitrate (PAN) are formed in the atmosphere by photochemical reaction.
 Types of air pollutants

Chemical composition :
Pollutants whether primary or secondary, may be further classified according
to chemical composition as either organic or inorganic. Organic compounds
contain carbon and hydrocarbon and may also contain elements, such as, oxygen,
nitrogen, phosphorus, and Sulphur, hydrocarbons or organic compounds containing
only carbon and hydrogen. Inorganic compounds found in contaminated
atmosphere that include carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (C02 ), carbonates,
Sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, ozone, hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen chloride.
 Types of air pollutants
State of matter :
Pollutants can also be further classified as particulate or gaseous. The
following table shows the classification of pollutants.
 Types of air pollutants

Particulates :
Air quality parameters fall into two broad categories, particulate matter
which may be liquid or solid, and gases matter. Particulates are any dispersed
matter, solid or liquid, in which the individual aggregates are larger than a
single small molecule (about 0.002 um) but smaller than about 500 um.
Particulates may be classified and discussed according to their physical,
chemical, or biological . characteristics. Physical characteristics include size,
mode of formation, settling properties and . optical qualities. Chemical
characteristics include organic or inorganic composition and biological
characteristics related to their classification as bacteria, viruses, spores etc.
 Oxides of sulphur
• The oxides of sulphur (SOx) are probably the most widespread and the most intensively
studied of all anthropogenic air pollutants. They include six different gaseous compounds
namely sulphur monoxide (SO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), sulphur trioxide (SO3),sulphur
tetroxide (SO4), sulphur sesquioxide (S2O3) and sulphure heptoxide (S2O7), sulphur
dioxide and sulphur trioxide are two . oxides of sulphur of most important in the study of
air pollution. Sulphur dioxide is colourless , nonflammable, and non-explosing gas with a
suffocating odour. It has taste threshold of 784 g/m3 (0.3 ppm) and an odour threshold of
1306 g/m3 (0.5 ppm).
• It is estimated that SO2 remains airborne for average of 2 to 4 days. During this duration it
may be Transported as far as 1000 km. Thus the problem of SO2 pollution is not local but
regional one and sometimes international.
 Oxides of nitrogen
• Oxides of nitrogen are the second most abundant atmospheric contaminants in many cities ranking next to
sulphur dioxide. Generally highest contributor of the nitrogen oxides is industries which are producing it or
using it in manufacturing processes. The next highest contributor is transport sector, and then comes large
power plants. Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) includes six gases compounds namely nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen
dioxide (N02), nitrogen oxide (N2O), nitrogen sesquioxide (N2O3), nitrogen tetroxide (N203)and
nitrogenpentoxide (N2O5),Nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) are the two oxides of nitrogen of
primary concern in air pollution.
• At high temperatures, nitrogen and oxygen in the air react to form nitric oxide. NO is further oxidised in the
atmosphere to nitrogen dioxide. NO dissolves in water to give HNO 3 . atmospheric HNO3 is also formed by
reaction of water vapour with N2O5 produced by the oxidation of NO2 by ozone. Out of all the oxides of
nitrogen, nitrous oxide, (N20) is the most stable in troposphere (estimated lifetime 4000 days at 10 km);
however, it may be photo dissociated at higher levels (estimated lifetime 20 days at 40 km). The average
residence time o f NO2 n the atmosphere is also about 2 months because it is readily washed down as nitrate
by rain. Nitric oxide is also synthesized in the atmosphere during thunderstorms.
 Ozone (photochemical oxidants)
• High emission of hydrocarbons and NOx during bright sunshine causes chemical
reactions in the atmosphere producing photochemical oxidants. The photochemical
processes are complex, it takes place over several hours and result in the formation of
ozone (O3),nitrogen dioxide (NO2), peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), a variety of the gaseous
compounds that are poorly defined, and very fine particulate matter. Ozone is the
strongest of the photo chemically formed oxidants that are stable enough to be identified
and measured.
• Ozone exists in great abundance under natural conditions in the stratosphere (upper
atmosphere). Photochemical air pollution occurs predominantly in highly motorized areas
and where inversion conditions prevail. Photochemical smog is formed due to oxidation
of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. It has been found that at the time of photochemical
smog formation, there is considerable increase in amount of ozone and oxidant materials
at troposphere (lower atmosphere)
 Ozone (photochemical oxidants)
• In troposphere, ozone is not found in appreciable amounts at night, but only during
the day it begins to form. These facts clearly indicate that photochemical formation of
ozone or oxidant from impurities takes place due to the action of sunlight. The most
important ozone reaction in the troposphere that involves NO 2 is described below:
• NO2 NO +O
• O2+O O3
• O3 + NO NO2+O2
• Thus, any activity that increases atmospheric nitrogen dioxide concentration would
generate more ozone. This is particularly so in a polluted atmosphere containing
nitrogen oxides. The residence time of ozone in the troposphere is one to two months.
 Oxides of carbon
• Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are the principal air pollutants. Main
anthropogenic source of these pollutants are fossil fuels. Forest fire and volcanoes are
natural sources of these pollutants. During complete combustion of fossil fuels, carbon
atoms in the fuel combine with oxygen molecules to form CO2 , high level of CO2 in air
may cause difficulty in breathing and respiration.
• The process of combustion is rarely complete, the incomplete combustion may occur
when the oxygen supply is insufficient, combustion temperature is too low or when
residence time in combustion chamber is too short. Carbon monoxide (CO) is product of
incomplete combustion. It is completely invisible, it is colorless odourless and tasteless
gas.
• Almost 70 per cent of carbon monoxide emission comes from automobiles sector. It is
also a principal component of "photochemical smog".
 Sources of air pollution

Sources of air pollution can be broadly classified as:

• Natural sources; and
• Anthropogenic (man-made) sources.
 Natural sources
• The natural sources of air pollution occur naturally. As man cannot control nature, therefore air
pollution by natural sources cannot be controlled.
A few natural sources are presented below:
• Volcanic eruptions : Eject pollutants like particulate matter, dust, fly ash along with various
gases, such as, sulphur dioxide (SO2)
• Process of pollination : This process is carried out by plants with the help of wind. In this
case the pollen grains are carried away by wind as pollutants.
• Desert storms or dust storms : In the deserts or arid or semi-arid areas, the sand or dust
particles are carried by wind as pollutants. This is due to absence of moisture in the soil.
• Forest Fires : These fires are caused due to friction of trees or grass against each other or by
lightning striking on them the pollutants obtained from forest fires are Carbon monoxide (CO),
Carbon dioxide (CO2 ), particulates, Hydrocarbons (HC), Oxides of Nitrogen (NO), etc.
 Anthropogenic .Sources

Air pollution caused by human activities are termed as anthropogenic pollution,

it is further classified as :
I) Stationary sources : Various stationary sources include industrial and
commercial process, generation of heat or power (electricity), stationary
engines, home heating, cooking, refuse burning, incineration, and use of
solvents/ aerosols.
II) Mobile sources are :
Line source: highway vehicles, trains, and channel vessels.
Area source: railway yards, port vessels. Junctions, and aerodrome.
 Effects of air pollution
 Diseases :
Air pollution has resulted in several respiratory disorders and heart diseases among humans.
The cases of lung cancer have increased in the last few decades. Children living near polluted areas
are more prone to pneumonia and asthma. Many people die every year due to the direct or indirect
effects of air pollution.
 Global warming :
Due to the emission of greenhouse gases, there is an imbalance in the gaseous composition
of the air. This has led to an increase in the temperature of the earth. This increase in earth’s
temperature is known as global warming. This has resulted in the melting of glaciers and an
increase in sea levels. Many areas are submerged underwater.
 Acid rain :
The burning of fossil fuels releases harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides
in the air. The water droplets combine with these pollutants, become acidic and fall as acid rain
which damages human, animal and plant life.
 Effects of air pollution

Ozone layer depletion :

The release of chlorofluorocarbons, halons, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons
in the atmosphere is the major cause of depletion of the ozone layer. The
depleting ozone layer does not prevent the harmful ultraviolet rays coming from
the sun and causes skin diseases and eye problems among individuals.
Effect on animals :
The air pollutants suspend in the water bodies and affect aquatic life.
Pollution also compels the animals to leave their habitat and shift to a new place.
This renders them stray and has also led to the extinction of a large number of
animal species.
 Air pollution control
 Avoid using vehicles
People should avoid using vehicles for shorter distances. Rather, they should
prefer public modes of transport to travel from one place to another. This not only
prevents pollution, but also conserves energy.
 Energy conservation
A large number of fossil fuels are burnt to generate electricity. Therefore, do not
forget to switch off the electrical appliances when not in use. Thus, you can save the
environment at the individual level. Use of energy-efficient devices such as cfls also
controls pollution to a greater level.
 Use of clean energy resources
The use of solar, wind and geothermal energies reduce air pollution at a larger
level. Various countries, including india, have implemented the use of these
resources as a step towards a cleaner environment.
 Air pollution control

By minimizing and reducing the use of fire and fire products.
Since industrial emissions are one of the major causes of air pollution, the pollutants can
be controlled or treated at the source itself to reduce its effects. For example, if the
reactions of a certain raw material yield a pollutant, then the raw materials can be
substituted with other less polluting materials.
Fuel substitution is another way of controlling air pollution. In many parts of India, petrol
and diesel are being replaced by CNG – compressed natural gas fueled vehicles. These are
mostly adopted by vehicles that aren’t fully operating with ideal emission engines.
Although there are many practices in India, which focus on repairing the quality of air,
most of them are either forgotten or not being enforced properly. There are still a lot of
vehicles on roads which haven’t been tested for vehicle emissions.
 Air pollution control

Another way of controlling air pollution caused by industries is to modify and

maintain existing pieces of equipment so that the emission of pollutants is
minimized.
Sometimes controlling pollutants at the source is not possible. In that case, we
can have process control equipment to control the pollution.
A very effective way of controlling air pollution is by diluting the air pollutants.
The last and the best way of reducing the ill effects of air pollution is tree
plantation. Plants and trees reduce a large number of pollutants in the air. Ideally,
planting trees in areas of high pollution levels will be extremely effective.
 What is water pollution?
• Water pollution can be defined as the contamination of water bodies.
Water pollution is caused when water bodies such as rivers, lakes,
oceans, groundwater and aquifers get contaminated with industrial
and agricultural effluents.
• When water gets polluted, it adversely affects all lifeforms that
directly or indirectly depend on this source. The effects of water
contamination can be felt for years to come.
 Sources of water pollution

The key causative of water pollution in India are:

• Urbanization.
• Deforestation.
• Industrial effluents.
• Social and religious practices.
• Use of detergents and fertilizers.
• Agricultural run-offs- use of insecticides and pesticides.
 Water pollution – A modern epidemic
• One of the primary causes of water pollution is the contamination of water bodies
by toxic chemicals. The dumped plastic bottles, tins, water cans and other wastes
pollute the water bodies. These result in water pollution, which harms not just
humans, but the whole ecosystem. Toxins drained from these pollutants, travel up
to the food chain and eventually affect humans. In most cases, the outcome is
destructive to only the local population and species, but it can have an impact on a
global scale too.
• Nearly 6 billion kilograms of garbage is dumped every year in the oceans. Apart
from industrial effluents and untreated sewage, other forms of unwanted materials
are dumped into various water bodies. These can range from nuclear waste to oil
spills – the latter of which can render vast areas uninhabitable.
 Effects of water pollution
• The effect of water pollution depends upon the type of pollutants and their
concentration. Also, the location of water bodies is an important factor to determine
the levels of pollution.
• Water bodies in the vicinity of urban areas are extremely polluted. This is the result
of dumping garbage and toxic chemicals by industrial and commercial
establishments.
• Water pollution drastically affects aquatic life. It affects their metabolism, and
behavior, and causes illness and eventual death. Dioxin is a chemical that causes a
lot of problems from reproduction to uncontrolled cell growth or cancer. This
chemical is bioaccumulated in fish, chicken and meat. Chemicals such as this travel
up the food chain before entering the human body.
 Effects of water pollution

• The effect of water pollution can have a huge impact on the food chain. It
disrupts the food chain. Cadmium and lead are some toxic substances, these
pollutants upon entering the food chain through animals (fish when consumed
by animals, humans) can continue to disrupt at higher levels.
• Humans are affected by pollution and can contract diseases such as hepatitis
through faecal matter in water sources. Poor drinking water treatment and unfit
water can always cause an outbreak of infectious diseases such as cholera, etc.
• The ecosystem can be critically affected, modified and destructured because of
water pollution.
 Minamata Incident

• In 1932, a factory in minamata city, japan began dumping its

industrial effluent – methylmercury, into the surrounding bay
and the sea. Methylmercury is incredibly toxic to humans and
animals alike, causing a wide range of neurological disorders.
• Its ill effects were not immediately noticeable. However, this all
changed as methylmercury started to bioaccumulate inside
shellfish and fish in minamata bay. These affected organisms
were then caught and consumed by the local population. Soon,
the ill effects of methylmercury were becoming apparent.
 Minamata Incident
• Initially, animals such as cats and dogs were affected by this. The city’s cats
would often convulse and make strange noises before dying – hence, the term
“dancing cat disease” was coined. Soon, the same symptoms were observed in
people, though the cause was not apparent at the time.
• Other affected people showed symptoms of acute mercury poisoning such as
ataxia, muscle weakness, loss of motor coordination, damage to speech and
hearing etc. In severe cases, paralysis occurred, which was followed by coma
and death. These diseases and deaths continued for almost 36 years before
they could be officially acknowledged by the government and the organisation.
• Since then, various control measures for water pollution have been adopted by
the government of Japan to curb such environmental disasters in the future.
 Pollution of the Ganges

• Some rivers, lakes, and groundwater are rendered unfit for usage.
In india, the river ganges is the sixth most polluted river in the
world. This is unsurprising as hundreds of industries nearby
release their effluents into the river. Furthermore, religious
activities such as burials and cremations near the shore contribute
to pollution. Apart from the ecological implications, this river
poses a serious health risks as it can cause diseases like typhoid
and cholera.
 Pollution of the ganges
• Pollution of the ganges is also driving some of the distinct fauna to extinction. The
ganges river shark is a critically endangered species that belong to the
order carcharhiniformes. The ganges river dolphin is another endangered species of
dolphin that is found in the tributaries of the ganges and brahmaputra rivers.
• As per a survey, by the end of 2026, around 4 billion people will face a shortage of
water. Presently, around 1.2 billion people worldwide do not have access to clean,
potable water and proper sanitation. It is also projected that nearly 1000 children die
every year in india due to water-related issues. Groundwater is an important source
of water, but unfortunately, even that is susceptible to pollution. Hence, water
pollution is quite an important social issue that needs to be addressed promptly.
 Control measures of water pollution

Water pollution, to a larger extent, can be controlled by a

variety of methods. Rather than releasing sewage waste into water
bodies, it is better to treat them before discharge. Practising this
can reduce the initial toxicity and the remaining substances can be
degraded and rendered harmless by the water body itself. If the
secondary treatment of water has been carried out, then this can
be reused in sanitary systems and agricultural fields.
 Control measures of water pollution

• A very special plant, the water hyacinth can absorb dissolved toxic
chemicals such as cadmium and other such elements. Establishing these in
regions prone to such kinds of pollutants will reduce the adverse effects to
a large extent.
• Some chemical methods that help in the control of water pollution are
precipitation, the ion exchange process, reverse osmosis, and coagulation.
As an individual, reusing, reducing, and recycling wherever possible will
advance a long way in overcoming the effects of water pollution.
 Solid waste management

• The term solid waste management mainly refers to the complete

process of collecting, treating and disposing of solid wastes.
• In the waste management process, the wastes are collected from
different sources and are disposed of. This process includes
collection, transportation, treatment, analysis and disposal of
waste.
 Sources of solid wastes
• Solid domestic garbage.
• Solid waste material from various industries.
• Solid agricultural waste.
• Plastics, glass, metals, e-waste, etc.
• Medical waste.
• Construction waste, sewage sludge
 Disposal of waste
• The process of waste handling and disposal varies in different countries. In
india, the processes differ according to the source of solid waste. They can
be classified as:
⦁ Municipal solid waste.
⦁ Hazardous solid waste.
• Municipal solid waste can further be divided into biodegradable, recyclable
and hazardous domestic wastes. The biodegradable waste includes rotten
food, vegetable peel and mostly wet kitchen waste. Recyclable waste
includes plastic and hazardous wastes include, bulb, batteries, etc.
 Disposal of waste

• The industry generated waste from chemical factories, medical waste from
hospitals are considered as hazardous solid waste and they need special
settings to dispose of them.
• In any region, solid waste management is very important for the safe
disposal of wastes and to reduce environmental pollution and avoid any
health hazards that it may cause.
• Landfills are the most common method of disposing of solid wastes.
Modern-day landfills are designed by taking care of various environmental
factors and types of wastes, so as to minimise pollution and health risks.
 What is biomedical waste?
Biomedical waste is any waste containing infectious or potentially
infectious materials. These wastes are generated during the diagnosis,
treatment, and immunization of humans and animals.
Biomedical wastes can be in both solid and liquid forms. Examples of biomedical
wastes include:
• Waste sharps such as needles, lancets, syringes, scalpels, and broken glass
• Human tissues or identifiable body parts (as a result of amputation)
• Animal tissues and waste from veterinary hospitals
• Used bandage, dressings, gloves, and other medical supplies
• Liquid waste from infected areas
• Laboratory wastes
• Biomedical wastes are distinct from regular garbage and require particular disposal
and treatment.
 Types of biomedical waste
The world health organization (WHO) has categorized biomedical waste into
eight categories. They are:
1.Infectious waste – any biomedical waste that is infectious or contaminated.
2.Sharps – sharps objects like needles, scalpels, broken glass, and razors.
3.Pathological waste – body parts of humans or animals, including tissues, fluids, or
blood.
4.Pharmaceutical waste – unused drugs, medicine, or creams that are expiring.
5.Genotoxic waste – toxic drugs and hazardous toxic waste
6.Radioactive waste – any waste containing potentially radioactive materials
7.Chemical waste – liquid waste from machines, batteries, and disinfectants is
chemical.
 Types of biomedical waste

• Further, the central pollution control board (CPBC) has designated separate
colour-coded bins to dispose of biomedical wastes as per their nature.
1. Yellow bin: for anatomical waste, chemical waste, soiled waste,
chemotherapy waste, discarded linen and medicines, and laboratory
waste.
2. Red bin: for contaminated plastic wastes
3. Blue bin: for glass waste and metallic implants
4. Black bin: for hazardous and other waste
• The wastes in each of the bins have different treatment and disposal methods.
 Effects of biomedical waste
• Exposure to hazardous biomedical waste can cause disease or injury to human health. HIV,
hepatitis B, and C are the three most commonly spread viruses worldwide due to improper
treatment of medical wastes. They are transmitted through injuries from contaminated
syringes and needles.
• Doctors, nurses, and sanitation workers are amongst the most vulnerable to the harmful
effects of biomedical waste.
• At a time of rapid emergence of new strains of the novel coronavirus, the importance of
appropriate treatment of medical wastes cannot be more emphasized. The various
technologies that can be used for treatment include:
 Incineration
 Chemical disinfection
 Wet thermal treatment
 Microwave irradiation
 Land disposal
 Biomedical waste in the indian context
• The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused an unmanageable growth of
biomedical waste.
• The central pollution control board (cpbc) has issued guidelines on
biomedical waste disposal. As per the guidelines, the biomedical wastes
are collected in yellow bags. The bags are then taken to common
biomedical waste treatment facility (CBWTF) or a waste-to-energy plant.
There they are incinerated, autoclaved, or burnt to produce energy.
• Currently, there are around 200 authorized common biomedical waste
treatment and disposal facilities in 28 states of india for the safe disposal
of biomedical waste.
 What is deforestation?

• Deforestation can be defined as the large-scale removal of

trees from forests (or other lands) for the facilitation of
human activities. It is a serious environmental concern since
it can result in the loss of biodiversity, damage to natural
habitats, disturbances in the water cycle, and soil erosion.
Deforestation is also a contributor to climate change and
global warming.
 Why are forests important?

• Forests combat climate change by absorbing greenhouse gases

(such as carbon dioxide) and acting as a carbon storehouse.
• They are a source of oxygen, food, clean water, and medicine.
• They play a vital role in the water cycle – they work to add
water to the atmosphere via the process of transpiration.
• Forests help mitigate the disastrous effects of floods by acting
as a floodwater sink. Therefore, deforestation also increases
the vulnerability of the landmass to certain natural calamities.
 Why are forests important?
• The large mass of trees in forest areas combats soil erosion by providing
mechanical support to the soil.
• Forests are home to over 50% of all known species on the planet. They
account for over 80% of the land-based biodiversity. Globally, forests are
home to approximately 30,00,00,000 human beings.
• They are also a source of raw material for many commercially important
products such as paper, wood, and fabric.
• Approximately 1.6 billion jobs are forest-dependent. Forests also account
for approximately 1% of the world’s GDP (gross domestic product).
 The data behind deforestation

• Forests cover approximately 31% of the total land surface of the earth.
• Tropical forests harbour over half of all land-based animal and plant species in
the world.
• Between the years 2000 and 2012, over 568 million acres of forest have been
claimed by deforestation.
• Approximately 9 million acres of virgin tropical forest were cut down in the year
2018.
• The amazon rainforest, which is the source of 20% of the world’s oxygen supply,
loses approximately 1.32 acres of its area every minute due to deforestation.
 Causes of deforestation

What are the human activities that cause deforestation?

• The primary anthropogenic activities (human activities) that
contribute to deforestation include:
• Agriculture – small-scale and large-scale farming
• Logging – cutting of trees for use as raw material
• Mining and urban expansion – clearing of forest area for the
construction of infrastructure.
 Causes of deforestation

• According to the secretariat of the

UNFCCC (united nations framework
convention on climate change), agriculture
is the root cause of 80% of deforestation.
Logging accounts for another 14% and the
cutting of trees for use as wood fuel
account for 5%. A pie-chart detailing the
driving cause of the deforestation of
tropical forests between the years 2000 and
2005 is provided below.
 Causes of deforestation

• Slash-and-burn agriculture is one of the most destructive forms of

agriculture that results in large-scale deforestation. It involves the
burning of a large area of forest land and the subsequent plantation
of crops in the same soil (which is now fertilized by the ashes of
the burnt trees). Despite the practice being abandoned by several
developed countries, it is still followed in some southeast Asian
countries.
 What are the secondary factors that contribute to
deforestation?
• Illegal logging, which accounts for approximately 80% of all logging activities, involves the
harvesting and sale of timber in violation of the law. Corrupt government officials may accept
bribes from illegal loggers and offer access to protected forest areas in return. Therefore,
corruption can be viewed as an indirect cause of deforestation.
• Overpopulation and population growth increase the requirement for several resources such as food
and infrastructure. These requirements can, directly or indirectly, result in deforestation. For
example, a huge explosion in the population of a city can result in the deforestation of the
surrounding area for:
• The construction of homes and other buildings.
• Agriculture (to meet the increased demand for food).
• The construction of roads, dams, and other infrastructure.
• Military conflicts among humans can also result in deforestation. For example, the U.S. Military
made extensive use of agent orange (a defoliant that causes the leaves of trees to wither and fall
off) during the vietnam war (1955 – 1975).
 Can deforestation occur due to natural causes?
• In some relatively rare cases, the deforestation of forest areas can be traced to
natural causes. For example, volcanic eruptions can burn away the forest lands
surrounding the volcano. Other examples of natural deforestation include:
• Destruction of forests due to hurricanes, floods, and other natural calamities.
• Invasion of the forest ecosystem by parasites that destroy trees.
• Forest fires are sparked by lightning and other natural phenomena.
• It is important to note that natural factors have a very small stake in the overall
deforestation of the earth’s land surface (anthropogenic factors account for
almost all of it).
 How does deforestation affect the environment?
• Increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.
• Forests serve as a carbon sink by absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide
during photosynthesis. Since carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas,
deforestation is a direct contributor to the greenhouse effect and
(consequently) global warming.
• Apart from being responsible for allowing gaseous carbon dioxide to
linger in the atmosphere, deforestation also contributes to increased carbon
dioxide emissions. The CO2 emissions caused by deforestation account for
approximately 12% of all anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions.
 Deforestation and the water cycle
• Since trees play a vital role in the water cycle, deforestation can contribute
to significant disturbances in it.
• Trees and plants regulate the moisture content in the atmosphere via the
process of transpiration (they absorb groundwater through their roots and
release it into the atmosphere from their leaves and flowers).
• Also, their roots burrow into the soil and create macropores in it. These
macropores allow water to penetrate deeper into the soil, thereby increasing
the water-holding capacity of the soil.
• Dead plant material (such as leaves and twigs) that fall to the surface of the
ground impart several properties to the soil, such as increased water-
holding capacity.
 Deforestation and the water cycle

• Approximately 30% of the world’s freshwater supply can be

sourced from tropical rainforests.
• Deforestation is accompanied by reduced humidity, owing to
the absence of transpiring trees. The water content in the soil
and the groundwater levels also decline in the cleared land.
• It is not uncommon for deforested land to experience
extremely arid climates. In fact, deforestation has been linked
to desertification and droughts.
 Soil erosion as a consequence of deforestation
• Trees tend to bind their roots to the soil bedrock, thereby reinforcing the
soil. Additionally, the plant litter generated by trees offers protection to the
surface of the soil. In the absence of trees (as a consequence of
deforestation), the soil becomes vulnerable to erosion.
• Deforestation of sloped lands is often accompanied by landslides, which
can be explained by the loss of soil adhesion due to the absence of trees.
The extent of erosion is amplified by certain natural calamities such as
floods (note that the plant litter found on forest surfaces helps reduce the
amount of soil washed away).
• Since soil erosion is a direct contributor to eutrophication, deforestation
can be viewed as a contributor to other environmental concerns.
 Effects of deforestation on biodiversity
• Forests play host to a wide spectrum of wildlife. In fact, tropical rainforests are believed to be the
most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Deforestation poses a grave threat to this biodiversity. On
a local scale, the clearing of forest land can cause a decline in the population of certain species.
On a global scale, however, deforestation can result in the extinction of several desirable species.
• Approximately 50,000 species (consisting of plants, animals, and insects) are lost every year as a
consequence of deforestation. Studies suggest that over 40% of all plant and animal species in the
southeast asian region will undergo extinction over the course of the 21st century.
• The implications of large-scale biodiversity loss are difficult to predict, but it is highly probable
that it would have an adverse effect on the food web. Also, the extinction of one species may play
a leading role in the extinction of another via the phenomenon of co-extinction.
 Other effects of deforestation

How does deforestation affect the economy?

• Deforestation facilitates the generation of raw materials for a wide range of
industries. Examples include the agriculture industry, the wood industry, and the
construction industry.
• However, the overexploitation of wood and timber can have a negative impact on the
economy. The short-term economic gains made from deforestation are accompanied
by reduced long-term productivity.
• For example, overenthusiastic timber harvesting from a forest area may increase the
overall output temporarily, but the declining forest area will eventually cause the
harvest to decline. The overall forest output is greatly reduced by such practices.
 How does deforestation affect the economy?

• According to some reports, the global GDP may see a 7% decline by

the year 2050 due to deforestation and other factors.
• Therefore, a sustainable approach to the usage of forest resources is
ideal for the economy.
 Deforestation and human health
• Deforestation can, directly or indirectly, provide a channel for the
propagation of many infectious diseases. Since deforestation is often
accompanied by the loss of indigenous species, it is not uncommon for
new species to flourish in deforested lands.
• In malaysia, the geographic shift of the fruit bat population (as a
consequence of deforestation) facilitated the transmission of the nipah
virus. Fruit bats, which are known to be vectors of the disease, lost their
natural habitat due to deforestation and started feeding in the orchards
surrounding habited areas. Through proximity, the nipah virus spread
from fruit bats to pigs, and then to humans.
 Deforestation and human health

• Increased soil erosion (due to deforestation) can result in the

formation of pools of stagnant water. These pools serve as breeding
grounds for mosquitoes, which are vectors of several deadly diseases
such as malaria and yellow fever. Some theories also suggest that
deforestation has contributed to the propagation of the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
 How can deforestation be controlled?

Role of governments and other administrative authorities

• The following strategies can be implemented by governments to combat
deforestation:
• Implementation of security measures and strict laws to prevent illegal
logging.
• Increasing the count and range of forests under government protection.
• Carefully planning the construction of infrastructure (roads, dams, etc.) In
order to minimize the loss of forest area.
 Role of governments and other administrative authorities

• Investing in new technologies in the agricultural industry (such as hydroponics)

and helping farmers implement eco-friendly agricultural practices (such as cyclic
agriculture).
• Optimizing the management of forests by banning inefficient agricultural
practices (such as slash-and-burn agriculture).
• Facilitating the production and use of wood alternatives to reduce the demand for
timber. For example, bamboo can serve as an alternative to wood fuel.
• Launching new reforestation campaigns to restore deforested lands.
• Investing in forest plantations – forests planted with high yielding trees can offer
5 – 10 times the output (per hectare) of a natural forest.
 Role of individuals

• Every human on the planet shares the responsibility of

preserving its resources (for other humans, other species,
and for future generations). An individual can contribute to
the prevention of deforestation by implementing the 3R
(reduce, reuse, and recycle) principle in their daily lives.
 Role of individuals

• Reduce – reducing the amount of paper consumed by using

alternatives wherever possible.
• Reuse – avoid use-and-throw products to prevent wastage.
• Recycle – diligently recycle all used wood and paper products.
• Individuals can also combat deforestation by spreading
awareness about its negative consequences and participating in
tree-planting campaigns.
 What is global warming?
• Global warming is the phenomenon of a gradual increase in the
temperature near the earth’s surface. This phenomenon has been observed
over the past one or two centuries. This change has disturbed the climatic
pattern of the earth. However, the concept of global warming is quite
controversial but the scientists have provided relevant data in support of
the fact that the temperature of the earth is rising constantly.
• There are several causes of global warming, which have a negative effect
on humans, plants and animals. These causes may be natural or might be
the outcome of human activities. In order to curb the issues, it is very
important to understand the negative impacts of global warming.
 Causes of global warming
Man-made causes of global warming
• Deforestation
Plants are the main source of oxygen. They take in carbon dioxide and release
oxygen thereby maintaining environmental balance. Forests are being depleted for
many domestic and commercial purposes. This has led to an environmental imbalance,
thereby giving rise to global warming.
• Use of vehicles
The use of vehicles, even for a very short distance results in various gaseous
emissions. Vehicles burn fossil fuels which emit a large amount of carbon dioxide and
other toxins into the atmosphere resulting in a temperature increase.
 Causes of global warming
• Chlorofluorocarbon
With the excessive use of air conditioners and refrigerators, humans have been adding cfcs
into the environment which affects the atmospheric ozone layer. The ozone layer protects the
earth surface from the harmful ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun. The cfcs have led to ozone
layer depletion making way for the ultraviolet rays, thereby increasing the temperature of the
earth.
• Industrial development
With the advent of industrialization, the temperature of the earth has been increasing
rapidly. The harmful emissions from the factories add to the increasing temperature of the earth.
In 2013, the intergovernmental panel for climate change reported that the increase in the
global temperature between 1880 and 2012 has been 0.9 degrees celsius. The increase is 1.1
degrees celsius when compared to the pre-industrial mean temperature.
 Causes of global warming

• Agriculture
Various farming activities produce carbon dioxide and methane gas.
These add to the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and increase the
temperature of the earth.
• Overpopulation
An increase in population means more people breathing. This leads to an
increase in the level of carbon dioxide, the primary gas causing global
warming, in the atmosphere.
 Causes of global warming
Natural causes of global warming
• Volcanoes : Volcanoes are one of the largest natural contributors to global warming. The
ash and smoke emitted during volcanic eruptions goes out into the atmosphere and affects
the climate.
• Water vapour : Water vapour is a kind of greenhouse gas. Due to the increase in the
earth’s temperature, more water gets evaporated from the water bodies and stays in the
atmosphere adding to global warming.
• Melting permafrost: Permafrost is frozen soil that has environmental gases trapped in it
for several years and is present below earth’s surface. It is present in glaciers. As the
permafrost melts, it releases the gases back into the atmosphere, increasing earth’s
temperature.
• Forest blazes : Forest blazes or forest fires emit a large amount of carbon-containing
smoke. These gases are released into the atmo.
 Effects of global warming

• Rise in temperature : Global warming has led to an incredible

increase in earth’s temperature. Since 1880, the earth’s temperature has
increased by ~1 degrees. This has resulted in an increase in the melting
of glaciers, which have led to an increase in the sea level. This could
have devastating effects on coastal regions.
• Threats to the ecosystem : Global warming has affected the coral reefs
that can lead to the loss of plant and animal lives. Increase in global
temperatures has made the fragility of coral reefs even worse.
 Effects of Global Warming

• Climate change : Global warming has led to a change in climatic

conditions. There are droughts at some places and floods at some. This
climatic imbalance is the result of global warming.
• Spread of diseases : Global warming leads to a change in the patterns of
heat and humidity. This has led to the movement of mosquitoes that carry
and spread diseases.
• High mortality rates : Due to an increase in floods, tsunamis and other
natural calamities, the average death toll usually increases. Also, such events
can bring about the spread of diseases that can hamper human life.
 Effects of global warming

• Loss of natural habitat :A global shift in the climate leads to the

loss of habitats of several plants and animals. In this case, the animals
need to migrate from their natural habitat and many of them even
become extinct. This is yet another major impact of global warming
on biodiversity.
How to Control Global Warming ?

?
 Ozone layer and its depletion

Ozone layer definition

“The ozone layer is a region in the earth’s stratosphere that
contains high concentrations of ozone and protects the earth
from the harmful ultraviolet radiations of the sun.”
 What is an ozone layer?
• The ozone layer is mainly found in the lower portion of the earth’s
atmosphere. It has the potential to absorb around 97-99% of the harmful
ultraviolet radiations coming from the sun that can damage life on earth. If
the ozone layer was absent, millions of people would develop skin diseases
and may have weakened immune systems.
• However, scientists have discovered a hole in the ozone layer over antarctica.
This has focussed their concern on various environmental issues and steps to
control them. The main reasons for the ozone hole are chlorofluorocarbons,
carbon tetrachloride, methyl bromide and hydrochlorofluorocarbons.
 Ozone layer depletion
“Ozone layer depletion is the
gradual thinning of the earth’s ozone
layer in the upper atmosphere caused
due to the release of chemical
compounds containing gaseous
bromine or chlorine from industries
or other human activities.”
 What is ozone layer depletion?
• Ozone layer depletion is the thinning of the ozone layer present in
the upper atmosphere. This happens when the chlorine and
bromine atoms in the atmosphere come in contact with ozone and
destroy the ozone molecules. One chlorine can destroy 100,000
molecules of ozone. It is destroyed more quickly than it is created.
• Some compounds release chlorine and bromine on exposure to
high ultraviolet light, which then contributes to ozone layer
depletion. Such compounds are known as ozone depleting
substances (ODS).
 What is ozone layer depletion?
• The ozone-depleting substances that contain chlorine include chlorofluorocarbon,
carbon tetrachloride, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, and methyl chloroform. Whereas,
the ozone-depleting substances that contain bromine are halons, methyl bromide,
and hydro bromofluorocarbons.
• Chlorofluorocarbons are the most abundant ozone-depleting substance. It is only
when the chlorine atom reacts with some other molecule, it does not react with
ozone.
• Montreal protocol was proposed in 1987 to stop the use, production and import of
ozone-depleting substances and minimise their concentration in the atmosphere to
protect the ozone layer of the earth.
 Causes of ozone layer depletion
• Chlorofluorocarbons
• Chlorofluorocarbons or cfcs are the main cause of ozone layer depletion.
These are released by solvents, spray aerosols, refrigerators, air-conditioners,
etc.
• The molecules of chlorofluorocarbons in the stratosphere are broken down by
ultraviolet radiations and release chlorine atoms. These atoms react with ozone
and destroy it.
• Unregulated rocket launches
• Researches say that the unregulated launching of rockets results in much more
depletion of the ozone layer than the cfcs do. If not controlled, this might
result in a huge loss of the ozone layer by the year 2050.
 Causes of ozone layer depletion
• Nitrogenous compounds
• The nitrogenous compounds such as NO2, NO, N2O are highly responsible
for the depletion of the ozone layer.
• Natural causes
• The ozone layer has been found to be depleted by certain natural
processes such as sun-spots and stratospheric winds. But it does not cause
more than 1-2% of the ozone layer depletion.
• The volcanic eruptions are also responsible for the depletion of the ozone
layer.
 Ozone depleting substances (ODS)

“Ozone-depleting substances are the substances such as

chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride,
hydrofluorocarbons, etc. That are responsible for the
depletion of the ozone layer.”

How to Control Ozone

Depletion?
THANK YOU
Dr. Nayan Biswas
B.N.Y.S.
Assistant Professor,
BNYS & DNYT Coordinator
Faculty of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences
University of Patanjali
Haridwar – 249402
nayan.biswas@uop.edu.in ,
nayanbiswas29031997@gmail.com
+918871512273