Introduction to Environmental
Geotechnology
Lecture 1 – ETG 2132 Environmental Geotechnology
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What is Environment?
Environment can be defined as a
sum total of all the living
and non-living elements and
their effects that influence
human life.
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Biosphere
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Atmosphere
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Geosphere
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Hydrosphere
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What is Environmental
Geotechnology?
Environmental Geotechnology
is an engineering philosophy
primarily focusing on
sustainability in geomaterial
cycles (including soils,
industrial byproducts, and
municipal solid waste),
incorporating advancements in
geotechnical engineering with
environmental Science (man-
made or natural).
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What Includes in Environmental Geotechnology?
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Components of Environment
Components of
Environment
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Environmental Geotechnology
Environmental
Geotechnology
Man-Made
Natural Environment Environmental Issues
• Atmosphere • Agricultural Wastes
• Biosphere • Human and Animal
• Oxygen Cycle Waste
• Carbon Cycle • Industrial Waste
• Nitrogen Cycle • Mine Waste
• Hydrosphere • Nuclear Waste
(hydrologic cycle) • Construction Effects
• Lithosphere • Deforestation
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Hydrologic Cycle (Water Cycle)
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Carbon Cycle
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Oxygen, Carbon and Water Cycle
Combined
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Nitrogen Cycle
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Concept of Sustainability
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability consists of fulfilling the needs of
current generations without compromising the
needs of future generations, while ensuring a
balance between economic growth, environmental
care and social well-being.
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Concept of Sustainability
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Sustainability: PROBLEMS
Depletion of finite resources
◦ fuels, soil, minerals, species
Over-use of renewable resources
◦ forests, fish & wildlife, fertility, public funds
Pollution
◦ air, water, soil
Inequity
◦ economic, political, social, gender
Species loss
◦ endangered species and spaces
Sustainability: SOLUTIONS
Cyclical material use
– emulate natural cycles; 3 R’s
Safe reliable energy
– conservation, renewable energy,
substitution, interim measures
Life-based interests
– health, creativity, communication,
coordination, appreciation, learning,
intellectual and spiritual development
Obsolescent “frontier” civilization:
ENERGY HEAT
NON-RENEWABLE CONSUMER HIGH
and RENEWABLE SOCIETY THROUGHPUT
CONVENTIONAL
URBAN SYSTEM WASTE &
MATERIALS
TOXINS
One-way flow of materials and
energy
Sustainable civilization:
Energy Efficiency
Low-quality
ENERGY
Heat Energy
LOW
RENEWABLE THROUGHPUT
CONSERVER
MATERIALS SOCIETY Low-volume
Nontoxic
Waste Minimization Waste
Toxics control Materials
•Cyclical flows of materials
•Appropriate energy usage
Questions ?
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Thank You…!
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