Unit-1 INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENT

Environment is a complex of many variables, which surrounds man as well as the

living organisms. Environmental studies describe the interrela onships among
organisms, the environment and all the factors, which influence life on earth,
including atmospheric condi ons, food chains, the water cycle, etc.

It is a basic science about our earth and its daily ac vi es, and therefore, this science
is important for one and all.

Scope of environmental studies

1. The study creates awareness among the people to know about various renewable
and non-renewable resources of the region. The endowment or poten al, pa erns of
u liza on and the balance of various resources available for future use in the state of
a country are analysed in the study.

2. It provides the knowledge about ecological systems and cause and effect
rela onships.

3. It provides necessary informa on about biodiversity richness and the poten al

dangers to the species of plants, animals and microorganisms in the environment.

4. The study enables one to understand the causes and consequences due to natural
and main induced disasters (flood, earthquake, landslide, cyclones etc.,) and
pollu ons and measures to minimize the effects.

5. It enables one to evaluate alterna ve responses to environmental issues before

deciding an alterna ve course of ac on.

6. The study enables environmentally literate ci zens (by knowing the environmental
acts, rights, rules, legisla ons, etc.) to make appropriate judgments and decisions for
the protec on and improvement of the earth.

7. The study exposes the problems of over popula on, health, hygiene, etc. and the
role of arts, science and technology in elimina ng/ minimizing the evils from the
society.

8. The study tries to iden fy and develop appropriate and indigenous eco-friendly
skills and technologies to various environmental issues.

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 9. It teaches the ci zens the need for sustainable u liza on of resources as these
resources are inherited from our ancestors to the younger genera ng without
deteriora ng their quality.

10. The study enables theore cal knowledge into prac ce and the mul ple uses of
environment.

Importance of environmental study

Environmental study aims to make the ci zens competent to do scien fic work and to
find out prac cal solu ons to current environmental problems.

The ci zens acquire the ability to analyze the environmental parameters like the
aqua c, terrestrial and atmospheric systems and their interac ons with the biosphere
and anthrosphere.

• The people should take a combined responsibility for the deteriora ng environment
and begin to take appropriate ac ons to space the earth.

• Educa on and training are needed to save the biodiversity and species ex nc on.

• The urban area, coupled with industries, is major sources of pollu on.

• The study enables the people to understand the complexi es of the environment
and need for the people to adapt appropriate ac vi es and pursue sustainable
development, which are harmonious with the environment.

• The study mo vates students to get involved in community ac on, and to

par cipate in various environmental and management projects.

• Environmental studies take a mul disciplinary approach to the study of human

interac ons with the natural environment. It integrates different approaches of the
humani es, social sciences, biological sciences and physical sciences and applies
these approaches to inves gate environmental concerns.

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Ecosystem

An ecosystem is a structural and func onal unit of ecology where the living organisms
interact with each other and the surrounding environment. In other words, an
ecosystem is a chain of interac ons between organisms and their environment. The
term “Ecosystem” was first coined by A.G.Tansley, an English botanist, in 1935.

Structure of the Ecosystem

The structure of an ecosystem is characterised by the organisation of both biotic and

abiotic components. This includes the distribution of energy in our environment. It
also includes the climatic conditions prevailing in that particular environment.

Biotic Components
Biotic components refer to all living components in an ecosystem. Based on
nutrition, biotic components can be categorised into autotrophs, heterotrophs
and saprotrophs (or decomposers).

 Producers include all autotrophs such as plants. They are called autotrophs as
they can produce food through the process of photosynthesis. Consequently, all
other organisms higher up on the food chain rely on producers for food.

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 Consumers or heterotrophs are organisms that depend on other organisms for
food. Consumers are further classified into primary consumers, secondary consumers
and tertiary consumers.
 Primary consumers are always herbivores as they rely on producers for food.
 Secondary consumers depend on primary consumers for energy. They can
either be carnivores or omnivores.
 Tertiary consumers are organisms that depend on secondary consumers for
food. Tertiary consumers can also be carnivores or omnivores.
 Quaternary consumers are present in some food chains. These organisms prey
on tertiary consumers for energy. Furthermore, they are usually at the top of a food
chain as they have no natural predators.
 Decomposers include saprophytes such as fungi and bacteria. They directly
thrive on the dead and decaying organic matter. Decomposers are essential for the
ecosystem as they help in recycling nutrients to be reused by plants.

Abiotic Components
Abiotic components are the non-living component of an ecosystem. It includes air,
water, soil, minerals, sunlight, temperature, nutrients, wind, altitude, turbidity, etc.

Functions of Ecosystem
The functions of the ecosystem are as follows:

1. It regulates the essential ecological processes, supports life systems and renders
stability.
2. It is also responsible for the cycling of nutrients between biotic and abiotic
components.
3. It maintains a balance among the various trophic levels in the ecosystem.
4. It cycles the minerals through the biosphere.
5. The abiotic components help in the synthesis of organic components that involve
the exchange of energy.
So the functional units of an ecosystem or functional components that work together
in an ecosystem are:

 Productivity – It refers to the rate of biomass production.

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 Energy flow – It is the sequential process through which energy flows from one
trophic level to another. The energy captured from the sun flows from producers to
consumers and then to decomposers and finally back to the environment.
 Decomposition – It is the process of breakdown of dead organic material. The top-
soil is the major site for decomposition.
 Nutrient cycling – In an ecosystem nutrients are consumed and recycled back in
various forms for the utilisation by various organisms.

Types of Ecosystem
An ecosystem can be as small as an oasis in a desert, or as big as an ocean, spanning
thousands of miles. There are two types of ecosystem:

 Terrestrial Ecosystem
 Aquatic Ecosystem
Terrestrial Ecosystem Terrestrial ecosystems are exclusively land-based ecosystems.
There are different types of terrestrial ecosystems distributed around various
geological zones. They are as follows:

1. Forest Ecosystem
2. Grassland Ecosystem
3. Tundra Ecosystem
4. Desert Ecosystem
Forest Ecosystem
A forest ecosystem consists of several plants, particularly trees, animals and
microorganisms that live in coordination with the abiotic factors of the environment.
Forests help in maintaining the temperature of the earth and are the major carbon
sink.

Grassland Ecosystem
In a grassland ecosystem, the vegetation is dominated by grasses and herbs.
Temperate grasslands and tropical or savanna grasslands are examples of grassland
ecosystems.

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Tundra Ecosystem
Tundra ecosystems are devoid of trees and are found in cold climates or where
rainfall is scarce. These are covered with snow for most of the year. Tundra type of
ecosystem is found in the Arctic or mountain tops.

Desert Ecosystem
Deserts are found throughout the world. These are regions with little rainfall and
scarce vegetation. The days are hot, and the nights are cold.

Aquatic Ecosystem

Are ecosystems present in a body of water. These can be further divided into two
types, namely:

1. Freshwater Ecosystem
2. Marine Ecosystem
Freshwater Ecosystem
The freshwater ecosystem is an aquatic ecosystem that includes lakes, ponds, rivers,
streams and wetlands. These have no salt content in contrast with the marine
ecosystem.

Marine Ecosystem
The marine ecosystem includes seas and oceans. These have a more substantial salt
content and greater biodiversity in comparison to the freshwater ecosystem.

Energy Flow in Ecosystem

 The energy flow of an ecosystem means the pathway energy takes to move
from one organism to another in an ecosystem. The energy flow of an ecosystem is a
fundamental concept of ecological studies.
 The energy flow of an ecosystem is unidirectional and is typically in the form of
food flow from one trophic level to another.
 The energy flow of the ecosystem harnesses the energy
uses the energy that
flowing cascades through
through
the food chain and food webs.
 The energy flow of the ecosystem helps us to understand how different species
of various trophic levels interact with each other.
 Energy flow is the phenomenon that is responsible to sustain life on this planet.

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 All the biotic components in this ecosystem need energy for their survival. If
the energy flow in an ecosystem is disturbed, then it leads to ecological imbalance.
 This energy flow occurs on the Earth through the biogeochemical cycle.

Laws of Thermodynamics in Ecosystem

First Law of thermodynamics

It states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but it keeps changing from
one form to the other. Similarly in an ecosystem, the main source of energy is the
sun, and this energy from the sun is transferred from one level to the other.

Second Law of thermodynamics

It states that when energy transforms from one form to another, some part of it is
lost as heat to the surroundings. Thus the energy at one level is never completely
transferred to the other.

Direction of Energy Flow

 The direction of the energy flow in an ecosystem is unidirectional. It flows from
the primary source of energy i.e. the sun’s light energy to producers or autotrophs
which then transferred to the consumers.
 The producer uses the solar energy to produce organic food which flows
through a series of trophic levels.
 Each trophic level captures a portion of this energy for its metabolic needs,
while the rest is passed to the next level.
 The flow of energy follows the following pathway;

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Solar Energy –> Producer (autotrophs) –> Consumer (herbivores) –>

Consumer (carnivores) –> Consumer (higher levels of carnivores)

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In the above food chain:
1. In the first stage, plants are eaten by herbivores such as grasshoppers.
2. Then herbivores such as deer are consumed by carnivores such as lions, tigers, etc.
3. On the death of carnivores, they are consumed by scavengers such as eagles and
vultures.
4. When vultures die, their bodies are broken down by bacteria and fungi to
nutrients.
5. These nutrients are again used by the plants for their growth.

Significance of Energy Flow in Ecosystem

Following are some of the significances of Energy Flow in an Ecosystem;
1. It is vital for all living things in ecosystem to survive and function properly.
2. It helps us to understand who eats whom in nature.
3. It helps us to see how human ac on are affec ng the ecosystem.
4. It shows how all creatures in an ecosystem depend on each other and how
changes can affect each other.

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Importance of Biodiversity

Biodiversity and its maintenance are very important for sustaining life on earth. A few
of the reasons explaining the importance of biodiversity are:

 Ecological Stability

Every species has a specific role in an ecosystem. They capture and store energy and
also produce and decompose organic matter. The ecosystem supports the services
without which humans cannot survive. A diverse ecosystem is more productive and
can withstand environmental stress.

 Economic Importance

Biodiversity is a reservoir of resources for the manufacture of food, cosmetic

products and pharmaceuticals.
Crops livestock, fishery, and forests are a rich source of food.
Wild plants such as Cinchona and Foxglove plant are used for medicinal purposes.
Wood, fibres, perfumes, lubricants, rubber, resins, poison and cork are all derived
from different plant species.
The national parks and sanctuaries are a source of tourism. They are a source of
beauty and joy for many people.

 Ethical Importance

All species have a right to exist. Humans should not cause their voluntary extinction.
Biodiversity preserves different cultures and spiritual heritage. Therefore, it is very
important to conserve biodiversity.

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THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY
Though the rate of loss of species has been a slow process in the past, the process of
extinction has become fast in recent years. It has been reported that approximately
10,000 species become extinct every year. This raises an alarm regarding the threat
to biodiversity. If this trend continues 1/3 or 2/3 of our current biodiversity would
become extinct by the middle of the 21st century.
Factors causing loss of biodiversity

• Loss of Habitat
 Destruction of habitats due to clearing of forests and grasslands for agricultural
lands, pastures, settlement areas or project development leads to loss of habitat.
These factors are responsible for the disappearance of thousands of species.
 The wetlands, mangroves and estuaries with rich biodiversity are under threat.
They are destroyed, as if they have no value.

• Poaching of wild life

The illegal commercial hunting is called poaching. There are two types of hunting.
I) subsistence hunting (killing animals for food) and
II) sport hunting (killing animals to sell their meat, fur, horns, tusks etc.)

• Man-Animal conflicts
Sometimes, wild animals threaten human beings. This leads to conflict between wild
life and man.

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• When the habitats of wild animal are destroyed by man, the animals are forced to
come out of the forest in search of food to the nearby human settlements and attack
human beings when they come in contact with them accidentally.
• The weak and injured animals have a tendency to attack man. A tigress attacks man
in order to protect its cubs. Once a tiger tastes the flesh of a man accidentally, it
becomes a man-eater.
• When wildlife corridors are converted into human settlements, the path of wild life
is disrupted and animals attack the settlements.

Conservation of Biodiversity

Conservation is defined as ‘the management of human use of the biosphere so that it

may yield the greatest sustainable benefit to present generation while maintaining its
potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations’. Conservation of
our natural resources has the following three specific objectives:

1. To maintain essential ecological processes and life-supporting systems.

2. To preserve the diversity of species or the range of genetic material found in the
organisms on the planet, and
3. To ensure sustainable utilization of species and ecosystems which support
millions of rural communities as well as the major industries all over the world.
The wildlife conservation efforts are mostly centred on protecting plant and animal
life in protected habitats, such as – botanical gardens, zoos, sanctuaries, national
parks, biosphere reserves, etc.

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Methods of Conservation
There are two methods of conservation of biodiversity.
 In-situ conservation (within habitat)
 Ex-situ conservation (outside habitats)

In-situ conservation
 In-situ or on-situ conservation means conservation of species in its natural
ecosystem or even in man-made ecosystems (i.e. artificial ecosystems).
 This type of conservation applies only to wild fauna and flora, and not to the
domesticated animals and plants because conservation is possible by protection of
population in nature.
 In-situ conservation is a “protected area” ( an area of land and/ or sea specially
dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity and of natural
and associated cultural resources and managed through legal or other effective
means) , which involves setting aside large portions of earth’s surface for wildlife with
emphasis either to save the entire area or an endangered species.
 There are different categories of protected areas which are managed with
different objective. These include – national parks, sanctuaries, biosphere reserves,
etc.

The advantages of In-situ conservation are:

 In-situ conservation is the best strategy for the long term protection of
biodiversity.

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 Large pockets/ areas of protected zones are essential for not only conserving vast
number of species of living organisms but also provide opportunities to evolve.
Otherwise, man-made habitats (e.g. zoo, aquarium, etc.) may end-up with static
gene-pool.
 in-situ is cheaper to protect populations in their natural habitat than to reintroduce
captive-bred ones.

Ex-situ conservation
 Ex-situ conservation means conservation of species (sample of genetic diversity),
particularly of endangered species, away from their natural habitat under human
supervision.
 In-situ conservation is the best strategy for the long-term protection of
biodiversity; however, for many rare species or species having small remaining
population, it is not a viable option in the light of increasing human disturbances.
 Further, species may decline and go extinct in the wild due to genetic drift and
inbreeding, environmental and demographic variation, deteriorating habitat quality,
competition from exotic species, disease or over-exploitation.
 Under such circumstances, the only possible way a species can be prevented from
going extinct is to maintain individuals in artificial conditions under human care.
 In ex-situ conservation, the endangered species of animals are collected and bred
under controlled conditions in zoos, game farms, aquaria, etc., while plant species are
maintained in botanical gardens, arboreta and seed banks.

The advantages of ex-situ conservation are:

 The organism is assured of food, shelter and security, and hence can have longer
life-span and breeding activity. Thus, increasing the possibility of having a greater
number of off springs.
 Under human care and secure conditions, the chances of survival increase.
 Ex-situ conservation also provides the possibility of using genetic techniques to
improve the concerned species.
 Captive breeding can provide animals for possible reintroduction to the wild at a
later stage or for supplementing current populations with new stock.

Limitations and disadvantages of ex-situ conservation:

 Ex-situ conservation can be adopted only for a few selected species because of
limitations of space, finances and facilities in the institutions that undertake captive
breeding.

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 Ex-situ conservation, under a set of favourable environmental conditions, deprives
the organism the opportunity to adopt to the ever-changing natural environment. As
a result, new life-forms cannot evolve and the gene-pool gets stagnant.

Following are the important strategies for biodiversity conservation:

1. All the varieties of food, timber plants, livestock, microbes and agricultural animals
should be conserved.
2. All the economically important organisms should be identified and conserved.
3. Unique ecosystems should be preserved first.
4. The resources should be utilized efficiently.
5. Poaching and hunting of wild animals should be prevented.
6. The reserves and protected areas should be developed carefully. 7. The levels of
pollutants should be reduced in the environment.
8. Deforestation should be strictly prohibited.
9. Environmental laws should be followed strictly.
10. The useful and endangered species of plants and animals should be conserved in
their nature as well as artificial habitats.
11. Public awareness should be created regarding biodiversity conservation and its
importance.

Natural Resources and Associated Problems

Natural resources are the resources that exist without any actions or intervention of
human beings in nature. People cannot make natural resources; however, they can
collect them.

It consists of water, sunlight, atmosphere, land including all minerals along with all
the vegetation, crops, and animal life that naturally subsists on or within these known
and identified substances and characteristics.

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There are several problems that are attached to natural resources.

1. The irrational consumption and overuse of these natural resources have led to
several socio-economic and environmental problems.
2. Natural resources are available in a fixed quantity and are non-renewable.
3. There is an increasing scarcity of these natural resources as the population is
increasing day by day.
4. Non-renewable natural resources take millions of years to form.
5. Planning land use as a major resource, needed for not only for food production and
animal husbandry, but also for industry and growing human settlements. These
forms of intensive land use are frequently extended at the cost of ‘wild lands’, our
remaining forests, grasslands, wetlands and deserts.
6. The need for sustainable lifestyles, Human standard of living and the health of the
ecosystem are indicators of sustainable use of resources in any country or region.
Ironically, both are not in concurrence with each other. Increasing the level of one,
usually leads to degradation of other. Development policies should be formulated
to strike a balance between the two.

Classifications of Natural Resources

Depending upon availability of natural resources can be divided into two categories:

1. Renewable natural resources and

2. Non-renewable natural resources

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Renewable natural resources are the resources that can be generated again once
they are used. Renewable resources are in a way inexhaustible resources. They have
the ability to replenish themselves by means such as recycling, reproduction and
replacement.
Examples of renewable resources are sunlight, animals and plants,soil,water,etc.

Non-renewable natural resources are the ones that exhaust after their frequent
usage and sometimes it takes a really long time for them to regenerate. the resources
that cannot be replenished once used or perished. An example of this includes
natural gas, coal, minerals, fossil fuels, etc.

Natural Resources and their Conservation

It is highly important that we conserve these natural resources since they are getting
exhausted at an alarming rate. Apart from that, it has an adverse effect on the
environment that is indirectly causing harm to living beings. However, if we follow
some tips in our day to day lives, we can conserve these natural resources.
1. Use an alternative source of power like solar and wind energy
2. Plant more trees for preventing the soil erosion
3. Use pipelines for transporting oil
4. Treat the industrial sewage and wastage even before they get released into the
water bodies
5. Include the rainwater harvesting system in the house
6. Use biogas in the house

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7. Use biofuels instead of the conventional petroleum-based fuels
8. Ensure that the wastes are being recycled
9. Use electronic mails
10. Make use of the energy-saving tube lights and bulbs
11. Practice the method of crop rotation
12. Construct reservoirs

Forest

Forests are complex land ecosystems that support a wide variety of plants, trees and
animals. It provides a lot of resources like fruits, timber, firewood, honey, herbal
medicines etc. The forests also provide several raw materials for different
manufacturing industries.

Forest Resources
Forest is important renewable resources. Forest vary in composition and diversity and
can contribute substantially to the economic development of any country. Plants
along with trees cover large areas, produce variety of products and provide food for
living organisms, and also important to save the environment.

Significance of forests
Forest can provide prosperity of human being and to the nations. Important uses of
forest can be classified as under

 Commercial values
 Ecological significance
 Aesthetic values
 Life and economy of tribal

Commercial values
 Forests are main source of many commercial products such as wood, timber,
pulpwood etc. About 1.5 billion people depend upon fuel wood as an energy source.
Timber obtained from the forest can used to make plywood, board, doors and

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windows, furniture, and agriculture implements and sports goods. Timber is also a
raw material for preparation of paper, rayon and film.
 Forest can provide food, fibre, edible oils and drugs.
 Forest lands are also used for agriculture and grazing.
 Forest is important source of development of dams, recreation and mining.

Life and economy of tribal

Forest provides food, medicine and other products needed for tribal people and play
a vital role in the life and economy of tribes living in the forest.

Ecological uses
Forests are habitat to all wild animals, plants and support millions of species. They
help in reducing global warming caused by greenhouse gases and produces oxygen
upon photosynthesis.
Forest can act as pollution purifier by absorbing toxic gases. Forest not only helps in
soil conservation but also helps to regulate the hydrological cycle.

Aesthetic values
All over the world people appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of the forest because
forests have a greatest aesthetic value. Forest provides opportunity for recreation
and ecosystem research.

Deforestation
1. Forest are burned or cut for clearing of land for agriculture, harvesting for wood
and timber, development and expansion of cities .These economic gains are short
term where as long term effects of deforestation are irreversible
2. Deforestation rate is relatively low in temperate countries than in tropics If present
rate of deforestation continues, we may losses 90% tropical forest in coming six
decades

Effects of deforestation
Deforestation adversely and directly affects and damages the environment and living
beings. Major causes of deforestation are
 Soil erosion and loss of soil fertility
 Decrease of rain fall due to effect of hydrological cycle
 Expansion of deserts
 Climate change and depletion of water table
 Loss of biodiversity ,flora and fauna

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 Environmental changes and disturbance in forest ecosystems

WATER RESOURCES

Water is a very important source and essential for life because it has very unique
characteristic. It is the natural resource. There is an uneven distribution of water
resources, tropical rain forest are receiving maximum rainfall where as desert receive
only little rainfall.

Due to its unique properties water is of multiple uses for all living organisms. Water is
absolutely essential for all the living organisms. One can survive for weeks without
food but cannot survive more than a few days without water. Since the earliest days
of mankind water availability was the major factor to decide the place of human
settlements. Water dissolves nutrients and distributes them in different parts of
plants and regulates the temperature and removes the waste.

Water is the universal solvent and plays a key role in the existence of various forms of
life on the planet earth. It is widely used for various purposes such as washing,
bathing, cleaning, cooking, drinking, and other industrial and domestic uses.

There are various sources of water such as wells, rivers, ponds, lakes, oceans, big
dams, and streams. As we all know, nearly 70 to 80 percent of the Earth’s surface is
covered by water, among which only 1-2 per cent water is pure and suitable for
human use.

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Uses of Water

 The hydrological system forms rivers and lakes and support in a variety of
aquatic ecosystems.

 All aquatic ecosystems (well, lake, pond, river, etc.,) are used by a large number
of people for their daily needs such as, drinking water, washing, cooking, watering
animals, and irrigating fields.

 Many agriculturists use water to grow crops.

 Industries uses water their productivity.

 Paper industries use water for manufacturing paper.

Conservation of water

Conservation of water mainly refers to protect, preserve, and control the usage of
water and its resources. It is the system introduced to manage freshwater, reduce the
wastage and protect the water and its resources in order to reduce and to avoid the
scarcity. Conservation of water is very much essential as it saves life on earth.

 Keeping the tap closed when not in use.

 Check for the openings or leaks in water distribution pipes.

 Make sure to use collected rainwater for gardening or washing purpose.

 Do not run more water than necessary while washing and cleaning clothes,
utensils, etc.
 Do not prolong your bathing. Go for a quick shower rather than wasting buckets of
water
 Rainwater harvesting is one of the best methods used for conserving water. There
are different methods used to preserve rainwater instead of getting it wasted.

Mineral Resources

 A mineral is a naturally occurring substance, representable by a chemical

formula, that is usually solid and inorganic, and has a crystal structure.

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 Minerals are essential for the formation and functioning of organisms,
plant animals and human beings.

Environmental Impacts of Mineral Extraction

Extracting and use of mineral resources can affect the environment adversely.
Environmental affect may depend on factors such as mining procedures, ore quality,
climate, size of operation, topography, etc. Some of major environmental impacts of
mining and processing operations are as under
1. Degradation of land.
2. Pollution of surfaces and ground water resources.
3. Effect on growth of vegetation due to leaching out effect of minerals.
4. Surface water pollution and groundwater contamination lead to occupational
health hazards etc.
5. Air pollution due to emission of gases.
6. Deforestation affects flora and fauna.
7. Rehabilitation of affected population.

Conservation of Minerals
Conservation of minerals can be done in number of ways and these are as follows,
 Industries can reduce waste by using more efficient mining and processing
methods.
 Some mineral products can be recycled. Aluminum cans are commonly recycled.
Although bauxite is plentiful, it can be expensive to refine. Recycling aluminium
products does not require the large amounts of electric power needed to refine
bauxite.
 Products made from many other minerals, such as nickel, chromium, lead, copper,
and zinc, can also be recycled.
 Strict laws should be made and enforced to ensure efficient management of mining
resources.

Role and Responsibilities of engineer in environmental protection

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 Environmental engineers design the different processes to handle large
volumes of pollutants with the principles of optimization, socio- economic effects and
rapid treatment to convert any objectionable material to a less objectionable
material.
 Natural resources Environmental engineer also keep in mind to protect from
the effect of disposal of hazardous waste, toxic chemicals and radioactive waste.
 Environmental engineer has a special role of having good coordination with
other technocrats and engineers to make rapid advancement in cleaning up the
environment with eco-friendly techniques.
 The basic challenging role of an environmental engineer is to make public
aware about the environmental degradation and also to impart training in such a
way, so that people participate in the programs of keeping the environment clean.

Responsibilities of engineers in environment protection.

To derive solutions for:

 waste water management
 water and air pollution control
 recycling
 waste disposal
 public health

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To design:
 municipal water supply systems
 industrial wastewater treatment systems
 plans to prevent waterborne diseases
 improve sanitation in urban, rural and recreational areas
 Provide system and component design that reduce negative impact on
environment

To evaluate
 hazardous-waste management systems
 environmental impact of proposed construction projects
 Conduct research and technical audits on environmental impact of project,
analyse data and perform quality control checks
 Monitor progress and provide recommendations reports
 Document and maintain plans, requirement, protocols, permits and standard
operating procedures.

To advise on:
 treatment
 containment
 Achieving quality, sales, revenue and profitability goals

To develop:
 regulations to prevent mishaps
 resources management schemes
 Integrate latest technologies into systems
 Collaboration with scientists, planners and experts

To implement:
 environmental engineering law
 Jurisdictions about safety of environment and ecosystems

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Environment, health and safety
 Protecting the environment and maintaining health and safety at occupation.
 What organizations must do to make sure that their activities do not cause
harm to anyone.
 From a safety standpoint, it involves creating organized efforts and procedures
for identifying workplace hazards and reducing accidents and exposure to harmful
situations and substances.
 It also includes training of personnel in accident prevention, accident response,
emergency preparedness, and use of protective clothing and equipment.
 the development of safe, high quality, and environmentally friendly processes,
working practices and systemic activities that prevent or reduce the risk of harm to
people in general, operators, or patients.
 Ensures well-being through advanced technology and professional
development

Fire hazards, prevention and precaution.

Fire is an exothermic chemical reaction between oxygen and fuel. The effect of fire on
people takes the form of skin burns.

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HAZARD is a situation that possess a level of threat to life, health, property or
environment
Common fire hazards include faulty wiring, flammable materials, and electrical
appliances left unattended.

Fire Prevention Measures

 Safe Electrical Practices

Proper electrical practices are essential in preventing electrical fires. With the use
high-quality equipment.

 Safe Storage of Flammable Materials

Storage of flammable materials must be done cautiously. Keep them away from
sources of heat or open flames.

 Preparing for Fire Emergencies

i) Fire Extinguishers

Having the right type of fire extinguisher is vital. Use them effectively and keep them
accessible in case of emergencies.

ii) Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are first line of defence. Regularly test and maintain them to ensure
they are in working order.

 Creating an Effective Evacuation Plan

Plan escape routes and ensure everyone knows them. Designate a meeting point
outside the building for accountability.

 Communication
Effective communication during a fire emergency is crucial.

 Fire Safety Equipment

 Fire Blankets

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Fire blankets can smother small fires. Have them readily available in the kitchen and
other high-risk areas.

 Fire Sprinkler Systems

Fire sprinkler systems can rapidly control and extinguish fires. They are highly
effective in commercial settings

 Importance of Fire Drills

Regular fire drills at home and in the workplace help people practice their escape
plans. The more you practice, the more prepared you'll be during a real emergency.

 Fire Safety in the Workplace

Employers are responsible for ensuring a safe working environment. Fire safety in the
workplace is not only a legal requirement but also a moral obligation.

Industrial hazards prevention and protection

INDUSTRIAL HAZARD may be defined as any condition produced by industries that
may cause injury or death to personnel or loss of product or property.
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY refers to the protection of workers from the danger of industrial
accidents.

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Air and noise pollution

Air and noise pollution is the type of pollution that may occur due to developmental
activities such as construction, transportation, and manufacturing.

Air and noise pollution in the environment occurs due to harmful ingredients and
unwanted noise, respectively. Air pollution can be due to harmful gases, solid
particles or colloidal particles present in the environment. But noise pollution is the
occurred due to unwanted noise in the surrounding.

Air pollutants are of two types

 suspended particulate matter, and

 gaseous pollutants like carbon dioxide (CO2), NOx, etc.

Protection from air pollution

1. Source Control Technology

 Air quality management sets the tools to control air pollutant emissions.
 Control measurements describe the equipment, processes, or actions used to
reduce air pollution.
 The extent of pollution reduction varies among technologies and measures.
 The selection of control technologies depends on environmental, engineering,
economic factors, and pollutant type.

2. Settling Chambers

 Settling chambers use the force of gravity to remove solid particles.

 The gas stream enters a chamber where the gas velocity is reduced. Large particles
drop out of the gas and are recollected in hoppers. Because settling chambers are
effective in removing only larger particles, they are used in conjunction with a more
efficient control device.

3. Cyclones

 The general principle of inertia separation is that the particulate-laden gas is

forced to change direction. As gas changes direction, the particles’ inertia causes
them to continue in the original direction and be separated from the gas stream.
 The walls of the cyclone narrow toward the bottom of the unit, allowing the
particles to be collected in a hopper.

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 The cleaner air leaves the cyclone through the top of the chamber, flowing upward
in a spiral vortex, formed within a downward moving spiral. Cyclones are efficient in
removing large particles but are not as efficient with smaller particles. For this
reason, they are used with other particulate control devices.

4. Absorption

 Removing one or more selected components from a gas mixture by absorption is

probably the most important operation in controlling gaseous pollutant emissions.
 Absorption is when a gaseous pollutant is dissolved in a liquid.
 As the gas stream passes through the liquid, the liquid absorbs the gas in much
the same way sugar is absorbed in a glass of water when stirred.
 Absorbers are often referred to as scrubbers, and there are various types of
absorption equipment.
 The principal types of gas absorption equipment include spray towers, packed
columns, spray chambers, and venturi scrubbers.

In general, absorbers can achieve removal efficiencies greater than 95 percent. One
potential problem with absorption is the generation of wastewater, which converts
an air pollution problem into a water pollution problem.

Protection from noise pollution

 Road traffic noise can be reduced by better design and proper maintenance of
vehicles.
 Noise abatement measures include creating noise mounds, noise attenuation
walls, well-maintained roads and smooth surfacing of roads.
 Air traffic noise can be reduced by appropriate insulation and introducing noise
regulations for the take-off and landing of aircraft at the airport.
 Industrial noises can be reduced by soundproofing equipment like generators and
areas producing a lot of noise.
 Power tools, loud music, land movers, public functions using loudspeakers, etc.,
should not be permitted at night. The use of horns, alarms, refrigeration units, etc., is
to be restricted. The use of noisy firecrackers that cause air pollution should be
restricted.
 A green belt of trees is an efficient noise absorber.

Environment Protection Acts

OBJECTIVES
 The act to provide for protection and improvement of environment

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  Prevention of hazards to human beings, other living creature’s plants and
property
 For prevention and control of environment pollution
 Laying standards for quality of environment
 Restriction of areas for location of industries
 Safeguards for handling hazardous substances
 Research relating to environmental pollution

 Water pollution and control of pollution act, 1947

 The air pollution control act, 1981
 The environment protection act,1986
 The Indian Forest act, 1972
 The wildlife act(protection) 1972 and 2003
 The public liability insurance act, 1991
 The national environment tribunal act,1995
 Biological diversity act, 2002

OBJECTIVES OF ENVIRONMENTALISSUES AND ACTS

1.Conservation and survey of flora, fauna (forests and wildlife)
2.Prevention and control of pollution
3.Afforestationand regeneration of degraded areas
4.Protection of environment5.Ensuring the welfare of animals

THE ENVIRONMENT(PROTECTION)ACT,1986
 Central govt. to take measures to protect and improve environment
 Govt. to make rules to regulate environment pollution
 To regulate the standards of quality of air, water or soil
 Safeguards for handling of hazardous substances
 Restriction on location of industries

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

 This Act provides for the protec on of the country’s wild animals, birds, and plant
species, in order to ensure environmental and ecological security.

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 The Act lays down restric ons on hun ng many animal species.

Constitutional Provisions for the Wildlife Act

 Ar cle 48A of the Cons tu on of India directs the State to protect and improve the
environment and safeguard wildlife and forests. This ar cle was added to the
Cons tu on by the 42nd Amendment in 1976.
 Ar cle 51A(g) imposes certain fundamental du es for the people of India. One of
them is to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes,
rivers, and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.

History of wildlife protection legislation in India

 The first such law was passed by the Bri sh Indian Government in 1887 called the
Wild Birds Protec on Act, 1887. The law sought to prohibit the possession and sale
of specified wild birds that were either killed or captured during a breeding session.
 A second law was enacted in 1912 called the Wild Birds and Animals Protec on Act.
This was amended in 1935 when the Wild Birds and Animals Protec on
(Amendment) Act 1935 was passed.
 During the Bri sh Raj, wildlife protec on was not accorded a priority. It was only in
1960 that the issue of protec on of wildlife and the preven on of certain species
from becoming ex nct came into the fore.

Need for the Wildlife Protection Act

1. A dras c decrease in the flora and fauna can cause ecological imbalance, which
affects many aspects of climate and the ecosystem.
2. There were only five na onal parks in India prior to the enactment of this Act.

Salient Features of Wildlife Protection Act

This Act provides for the protection of a listed species of animals, birds, and plants, and
also for the establishment of a network of ecologically-important protected areas
in the country.

 It helped India become a party to the Conven on on Interna onal Trade in

Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
 The Act prohibited the hun ng of endangered species.

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 The Act provides for licenses for the sale, transfer, and possession of some wildlife
species.
 It provides for the establishment of wildlife sanctuaries, na onal parks, etc.
 Its provisions paved the way for the forma on of the Central Zoo Authority. This is
the central body responsible for the oversight of zoos in India. It was established in
1992.
 The Act created six schedules which gave varying degrees of protec on to classes
of flora and fauna.
 Schedule I and Schedule II (Part II) get absolute protec on, and offences under
these schedules a ract the maximum penal es.
 The schedules also include species that may be hunted.

Protected Areas under the Wildlife Protection Act

There are five types of protected areas as provided under the Act. They are described
below.

1. Sanctuaries: “Sanctuary is a place of refuge where injured, abandoned, and abused

wildlife is allowed to live in peace in their natural environment without any human
intervention.”

1. They are naturally-occurring areas where endangered species are protected from
poaching, hun ng, and preda on.
2. Here, animals are not bred for commercial exploita on.
3. The species are protected from any sort of disturbance.
4. Animals are not allowed to be captured or killed inside the sanctuaries.
5. A wildlife sanctuary is declared by the State government by a No fica on.
Boundaries can be altered by a Resolu on of the State Legislature.
6. Human ac vi es such as mber harves ng, collec ng minor forest products, and
private ownership rights are permi ed as long as they do not interfere with the
animals’ well-being. Limited human ac vity is permi ed.
7. They are open to the general public. But people are not allowed unescorted. There
are restric ons as to who can enter and/or reside within the limits of the sanctuary.
Only public servants (and his/her family), persons who own immovable property
inside, etc. are allowed. People using the highways which pass through sanctuaries
are also allowed inside.
8. Boundaries of sanctuaries are not generally fixed and defined.

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9. Biologists and researchers are permi ed inside so that they can study the area and
its inhabitants.
10. Sanctuaries can be upgraded to the status of a ‘Na onal Park’.
11. Examples: Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary (Rann of Kutch, Gujarat); Vedanthangal Bird
Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu (oldest bird sanctuary in India); Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
(Karnataka).
2. National Parks: “National Parks are the areas that are set by the government to
conserve the natural environment.”

1. A na onal park has more restric ons as compared to a wildlife sanctuary.

2. Na onal parks can be declared by the State government by No fica on. No
altera on of the boundaries of a na onal park shall be made except on a resolu on
passed by the State Legislature.
3. The main objec ve of a na onal park is to protect the natural environment of the
area and biodiversity conserva on.
4. The landscape, fauna, and flora are present in their natural state in na onal parks.
5. Their boundaries are fixed and defined.
6. Here, no human ac vity is allowed.
7. Grazing of livestock and private tenurial rights are not permi ed here.
8. Species men oned in the Schedules of the Wildlife Act are not allowed to be
hunted or captured.
9. No person shall destroy, remove, or exploit any wildlife from a Na onal Park or
destroy or damage the habitat of any wild animal or deprive any wild animal of its
habitat within a na onal park.
10. They cannot be downgraded to the status of a ‘sanctuary’.
11. Examples: Bandipur Na onal Park in Karnataka; Hemis Na onal Park in Jammu &
Kashmir; Kaziranga Na onal Park in Assam. 3. Conserva on Reserves: The State
government may declare an area (par cularly those adjacent to sanctuaries or
parks) as conserva on reserves a er consul ng with local communi es.

3. Conservation Reserves.

4. Community Reserves: The State government may declare any private or community
land as a community reserve after consultation with the local community or an
individual who has volunteered to conserve the wildlife.

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5. Tiger Reserves: These areas are reserved for the protection and conservation of
tigers in India. They are declared on the recommendations of the National Tiger
Conservation Authority.

Schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act

There are six schedules provided in the Wildlife Protection Act.

Forest Conservation Act 1980

 The Forest Conservation Act 1980 is an important legislation enacted by the

Government of India to regulate the diversion of forestland for non-forestry
purposes.
 The Act was passed in response to the growing concern over the rapid depletion
of India’s forests, which had serious environmental and ecological
consequences.

Forest Conservation Act Objectives

 To conserve forests and ensure their sustainable management.

 To regulate the diversion of forestland for non-forestry purposes, such as
mining, industrial projects, or infrastructure development.
 To ensure that any diversion of forestland is done only for a specific purpose and
with the prior approval of the central government.
 To compensate for any loss of forest cover that may occur due to such diversion
by undertaking afforestation and reforestation activities.

Forest Conservation Act 1980 Salient Features

 Salient features of the Forest Conservation Act 1980 aim to regulate the
diversion of forestland for non-forestry purposes.
 ensure the sustainable use of forest resources,
 promote afforestation and reforestation activities.

Forest Conservation Act 1980 Amendments

 Amendment in 1988-This amendment introduced the concept of “deemed

forest” and brought all forestland under the purview of the Act, regardless of its
legal classification.

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  Amendment in 1991 -This amendment made the central government’s approval
mandatory for the diversion of forestland for non-forestry purposes, even if it is
less than one hectare.
 Amendment in 2003 -This amendment made it mandatory for the user agency to
provide an undertaking to carry out compensatory afforestation before the
diversion of forestland.
 Amendment in 2015-This amendment introduced the provision for granting
forest clearance through a transparent online process, which is now known as
the Forest Clearance Portal.
 Amendment in 2017-This amendment allows state governments to carry out
compensatory afforestation activities on non-forest land with the approval of
the central government

Forest Conservation Act 1980 Limitations

While the Forest Conservation Act 1980 is an important piece of legislation that has
helped to protect India’s forests and regulate the diversion of forestland for non-
forestry purposes, it has certain limitations that have prevented it from achieving its
full potential. Some of the limitations are:

 Limited Implementation: Despite the Act’s provisions, forest diversion for non-
forestry purposes continues to take place, sometimes illegally. The
implementation of the Act has been weak in some areas, leading to the
degradation and loss of forest cover.
 Lack of Transparency: The decision-making process for forest diversion under
the Act lacks transparency, making it difficult for stakeholders to understand the
basis for the approvals.
 Limited Scope: The Act focuses primarily on the conservation of forests and the
regulation of forestland diversion but does not address issues such as forest
management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable use of forest resources.

Population growth aspects and importance and effects on environment.

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 Rapid population growth could lead to environmental deterioration. In many
developing countries, continued population growth has resulted in pressure on
land, fragmentation of land holding, collapsing of fisheries, shrinking forests,
rising temperatures, loss of plant and animal species.
 Severe pressure on forests due to rate of resource use and nature of use.
Adverse effects on species diversity.
 Conversion of habitat to some other land use such as agriculture, urban
development, forestry operation.
 In India, 70-80 per cent of fresh water marshes and lakes in Gangetic flood
plains had been lost in last 50 years.
 Tropical deforestation and destruction of mangroves for commercial needs and
fuelwoods is used.
 Poaching and illegal harvesting of wildlife which is a threat to ecosystem and
environment.
 Increase in agricultural area, high use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and
weedicides, water stagnation, soil erosion, soil salinity, and low productivity.
 Degradation of coastal and other aquatic ecosystems for domestic sewage,
pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial effluents.
 Environmental degrada on is a result of the dynamic interplay of socio-
economic, ins tu onal and technological ac vi es.
 Environmental changes may be driven by many factors including economic
growth, popula on growth, urbaniza on, intensifica on of agriculture, rising
energy use and transporta on.

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 Environmental pollu on is one of the serious problems faced by the people in
the country, especially in urban areas, which not only experiences a rapid
growth of popula on due to high fer lity, low mortality and increasing rural-
urban migra on, but also industrializa on which is accompanied by growing
number of vehicles.
 Popula on impacts on the environment primarily through the use of natural
resources and produc on of wastes and is associated with environmental
stresses like biodiversity, air and water pollu on and increased pressure on
arable land.
 Increase in the human popula on ac vity, pollute the environment and disturb
the ecosystem and above all and first one is the pollu on. Pollu on may be
found in air, water and soil, which directly imbalance the ecosystem and
environment.

Human health and human rights

 Human rights is defined as the supreme, inherent, and inalienable rights to life,
to dignity, and to self-development.
 Environmental rights are right to a clean, healthy environment; right to clean
air; right to safe drinking water; right to natural food; right to adequate
standard of living and adequate housing; right to a safe and healthy workplace;
freedom from pollu on; preserva on of unique site.
 Rights Access is available to all community members, who have the opportunity
to use their land in a sustainable manner.
 The community has the right to a sustainable, free of risks lifestyle. Research
and monitoring of the land are available so that best prac ce is enabled and the
land is conserved for future genera ons.
 Deforesta on rights It is the ci zens’ right to ask authori es to supervise all
ac vi es in the ecological reserva ons. Ci zens are en tled to take part in
poli cal decisions about the environment. It is advisable to preserve the
environment, especially if there is the risk of deforesta on.
 The government has the right to take measures a er any act that can harm the
environment.
 Toxic waste disposal rights responsibili es
Any ci zen is en tled to live in an environmentally safe community. All
informa on held by the governmental, environmental and commercial agencies
regarding the disposal of toxic waste and its effects on the environment must
be available to all ci zens. Ci zens can take part in the making of decisions
concerning the disposal of toxic waste in their community. The government is

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 en tled to require and supervise environmentally safe methods to treat toxic
waste in industries and communi es.
 Sustainable use of energy and resources
People have the right to live in clean areas surrounded by water, without
harmful chemical substances and radioac vity. Ci zens have the right to
demand the government to restrict industry and create a cleaner and safer
environment and to conserve resources and energy. Ci zens can ask the
government to be informed about the current condi on of pollu on including
water and air pollu on. Government and industry can be required to set up an
interna onal coopera on system to solve issues concerning the environment
and save resources and energy across the border.

Concept of Carbon Credits

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