ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERINGSCIENCE & ENGINEERING

GE2211

Prepared byJhansirani.R AP/ECE

UNIT IUNIT IENVIRONMENT, ECOSYSTEM & ENVIRONMENT, ECOSYSTEM &

BIODIVERSITYBIODIVERSITYDefinition, scope and importance of

environmentNeed for public awarenessConcept of an ecosystemStructure and function of ecosystemProducers, consumers and decomposersEnergy flow in the ecosystemEcological successionFood chains, food webs and ecological

pyramidsJhansirani.R AP/ECE

Introduction, types, characteristics features, structure and function of the ◦ (a) forest ecosystem◦ (b) grassland ecosystem◦ (c) desert ecosystem◦ (d) aquatic ecosystem (ponds, streams,

lakes, rivers, oceans, estuaries)Introduction to bio diversity definition.Genetic, species and ecosystem

diversityBiogeographical classification of IndiaValue of biodiversity: consumptive use,

productive use, social ethical, aesthetic and option values.

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Bio diversity at global, national and local levels

India as a mega diversity nationHot spots of biodiversityThreats to biodiversity: habitat loss,

poaching of wildlife, man wildlife conflictsEndangered and endemic species of IndiaConversation of biodiversity: In-situ and

ex-situ conservation of biodiversity.

Field study of common plants, insects, birds

Field study of simple ecosystem pond, river, hill slopes, etc..,

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INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONEnvironment means “ to encircle or

surroundings”All the biological and non-biological

entities around us is called as environment

DEFINITIONEnvironment is defined as “sum total of water, air and land and the inter-relationships that exist among them and with the human beings, other living organisms and materials”

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Environmental scienceIt is the study of the environment, its biotic

and abiotic components and their interrelationship.

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Environmental engineeringIt is the application of engineering

principles to the protection and enhancement of the quality of the environment and to the enhancement and protection of public health and welfare.

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Environmental studies or Environmental education

The process of educating the people for preserving quality environment.

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Types of environment

Natural environmentMan made environment

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Natural environmentNatural environment is characterized by

natural components. All biotic (living) and abiotic components (non living) are created through natural process.

Eg: soil, water, air, trees, radiations, etc.,

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Man made environmentMan modifies the environment using modern

technologies according to his needs to a great extent.

Eg: house, road, schools, railway lines, parks, etc.,

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Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Life sciencesBiology, Biochemistry,Microbiology, Bio-tech, etc.,

Mathematics, statistics, Computer science, etc.,

Physical sciencesPhysics, chemistry, earth science, atmospheric science, oceanography, geography, etc.,

Civil engg, chemical engg, hydraulics, nano technology, etc.,

Economics, sociology, law, education, management, mass communication, etc.,

Basic and applied studies

Modeling

Management and awareness

Technology

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Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studiesLife science:

Botany Zoology Microbiology Genetics Biochemistry Helps in understanding biotic components

& its interactions. Genetics Bio-technology

Used for finding solutions to environmental problems.

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Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studiesPhysical sciences:

Physics Chemistry Geology Atmospheric science Oceanography Geography

Used to understand the physical and chemical structure of abiotic components of environment along with mass and energy transfer.

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Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studiesMathsStatisticsComputer science

used as a effective tool in environmental modeling.

Economics Management Sociology

for dealing socio-economic aspects associated with various development activities.

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Lawsprovides guidelines and legal measures for effective management and protection of environment.

Civil engineeringHydraulicsChemical engineeringNano technology

provides technical solutions to environmental pollution control and waste treatment for protection of environment.

Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies

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Environmental educationMass communication

used in disseminating environmental awareness.

Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies

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Scope Scope EVS has wide scope in large number of

areas and aspects which may be summarized as followsNatural resources their conservation &

managementEcology & BiodiversityEnvironmental pollution and controlSocial issue in relation to development and

environmentHuman population and environment

These aspects of environmental studies have direct relevance to every section of the society.

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Scope Scope Many career options have emerged

in this field that are broadly categorized as

Research & development (R&D) in environment

Green advocacyGreen marketingGreen mediaEnvironment consultancy

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Research & development in Research & development in environmentenvironment

Environmental scientistsExamines environmental

problems in a scientific mannerCarry out R&D activities for

developing cleaner technology and promoting sustainable development.

Trained manpower is needed to deal with environmental issues

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Research & development in Research & development in environmentenvironmentEnvironmental management & environmental

engineering are emerging as new career for environmental protection & management

Pollution control laws being more stringent, industries are finding it difficult to dispose waste

To avoid litigation companies are trying to adopt green technologies which would reduce pollution

Cleaning up of the wastes produced is another potential market

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Green advocacyGreen advocacyIncreasing emphasis on implementing

various acts and laws related to environment, need for environmental lawyers has emerged who should be able to plead the cases related to

Water pollutionAir pollutionForestWildlife etc.,

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Green marketingGreen marketingQuality of the product is ensured

with ISO mark

Marketing goods that are eco friendly has ecomark or ISO 14000 certification.

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Green mediaGreen mediaEnvironmental awareness can be

spread amongst masses through mass media likeTelevisionRadioNewspaperMagazinesHoardingsAdvertisements etc.,

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Environment consultancyEnvironment consultancyMany non-government

organizations (NGO), industries and government bodies are engaging environmental consultants for systematically studying and tackling environment related problems.

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Importance of Importance of environmentenvironmentAny person will be affected by

environment and also he will affect the environment by his deeds

Air, water, food, and land are all contaminated by the industrial activities, because of the lack of self discipline

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Global Vs local nature of Global Vs local nature of environmentenvironmentEnvironment is global as well as local in

natureGlobal issues

Global warmingDepletion of ozone layerDwindling forestsEnergy resourcesLoss of global biodiversity etc.,

Affects the mankind globally for that we have to think and plan globally.

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Global Vs local nature of Global Vs local nature of environmentenvironmentLocal issues

Impact of mining or hydro-electric project in an area

Problems of disposal and management of solid waste

River or lake pollutionSoil erosionWater loggingSalinization of soilFluorosis problem in local populationArsenic pollution of ground water etc.,

for this we need to think and act locally.* It is very important to make everyone

environmentally educated.Jhansirani.R AP/ECE

Individualistic nature of Individualistic nature of environmentenvironmentEnvironment studies is very important since

it deals with most important problems of life where each individual matters like,Safe and clean drinking waterHygienic living conditionsClean and fresh airFertile landHealthy foodSustainable development

If we want to live in a clean, healthy, aesthetically beautiful, safe and secure environment for a long time and wish to hand over a clean and safe earth to our future it is most essential to understand the basics of environment. Jhansirani.R AP/ECE

Need for public awarenessNeed for public awarenessGoal of sustainable development cannot

be achieved by any government until the public has a participatory role in it.

Public participation is possible only when the public is aware about the ecological and environmental issues.

E.g.: A drive by the government to ban the littering of polythene cannot be successful until the public understands the environmental implications of the same.

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Need for public awarenessNeed for public awarenessThe public has to be made aware that

by littering polythene, we are not only damaging the environment, but posing serious threat to our health.

A Chinese proverb◦ “ If you plan for one year, plant rice, if

you plan for 10 years, plant trees and if you plan for 100 years, educate people”

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Contemporary Indian Contemporary Indian environmentalistsenvironmentalistsJustice – Kuldeep Singh – Green judgeM.C. Mehta – Green advocate

Contributed to environmentIn 1991, supreme court of our country issued

directives to make all curriculum environment oriented.

This directive was, in fact, in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by M.C. Mehta Vs union of India (1998) that prompted the apex court to give a mandate for creating environmental awareness among all citizens of India. Based on the judgment, environmental studies is being taught as a compulsory course to all students.

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Concept of Eco markConcept of Eco markIn order to increase consumer awareness

about environment, the government of India has introduced a scheme of eco-labeling of consumer products as ‘ eco mark’ in 1991.

Earthen pitcher is a symbol of eco friendly and our traditional heritage.

Eco mark is awarded to the product that is made, used and disposed off in a harmless manner.

To disseminate environmental awareness Eco clubs for children's Eco task force for army men Have been launched by the government.

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To sum up, it is essential to create environmental awareness because:

Environment belongs to all and participation of masses is a must for successful implementation of environmental protection plans.

Living in a technologically developing society, our lifestyles and attitudes have become self oriented. Environmental awareness is needed to change the mindset of modern society for an earth oriented approach

There is a need to make the public environmentally aware of the serious health impacts of environmental pollution and their right to live in a clean and healthy environment.

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There is a urgent need to create awareness among people that we have no other option but to follow sustainability principles. Only then life of mankind on this earth would be secure and our future generation would be safe.

“ what’s the use of a beautiful house if you don’t have a decent planet to put it on?”

Even if we begin today, the restoration is expected in the next 40-50 years.

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