Notes - 22447
Notes - 22447
Notes - 22447
The environment can be divided into four segments, also known as "spheres", each
representing a different part of the planet. These spheres interact with each other, and
changes in one can affect the others. The four segments are:
1. Atmosphere: This is the layer of gases that surrounds the Earth, held in place by
gravity. It is composed mostly of nitrogen and oxygen, but also contains smaller amounts
of other gases like carbon dioxide and argon. The atmosphere plays a crucial role in
supporting life on Earth, protecting it from extreme temperatures and harmful solar
radiation, and facilitating the water cycle and weather patterns.
2. Hydrosphere: This includes all of Earth's water, found in oceans, seas, lakes, rivers,
underground as groundwater, in the atmosphere as water vapour, and locked in ice caps
and glaciers. About 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, with the vast
majority being salt water in the oceans. The hydrosphere plays a vital role in supporting
life, as water is essential to all known forms of life.
3. Lithosphere: This comprises the Earth's outer solid shell, including the crust and the
uppermost part of the mantle. It ranges from about 5 kilometres in depth in the oceanic
crust to about 70 kilometres in the continental crust. The lithosphere is broken up into
large pieces called tectonic plates, whose movements can cause earthquakes, volcanic
activity, and the creation of mountain ranges.
4. Biosphere: This is the part of the Earth where life exists, from the deepest parts of the
oceans, to the highest mountains, to the skies above. It encompasses all living
organisms, including humans, and the physical environments they inhabit. The
biosphere a complex, interconnected web of life, and changes in one part of the
biosphere can have far-reaching effects on other parts.
These segments of the environment are not isolated from each other; they interact in
numerous ways for instance, the water cycle is a constant exchange of water between
the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere. Similarly, living organisms in the
biosphere affect and are affected by conditions in the other three spheres. The study of
these interactions and their impacts is a central part of environmental science.
1. Greenhouse Effect: The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases in
Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space,
much like the glass walls of a greenhouse. This helps keep the Earth warm enough to
support life. However, human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels and
deforestation, have increased the concentration of these greenhouse gases (carbon
dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, etc.) leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect and
global warming.
4. Acid Rain: Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that begins when compounds like
sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the air and react with water,
oxygen, and other chemicals to form more acidic pollutants, often referred to as "acid
rain". Industrial burning of coal and other fossil fuels are the main sources of these
gases. Acid rain can damage forests and other vegetation, acidity bodies of water,
deteriorating water quality, and can also corrode buildings and monuments
5. Ozone Layer Depletion: The ozone layer is a layer of ozone high up in the Earth's
atmosphere (stratosphere), which shields life on earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet
(UV) radiation. Certain human- made chemicals containing chlorine and bromine (like
CFCs - chlorofluorocarbons), primarily used in air conditioners, refrigerators, and aerosol
propellants, can destroy ozone molecules when they reach the stratosphere. This has
caused the thinning of the ozone layer, famously known as the "ozone hole."
The concept of the 4Rs-Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover is a fundamental guideline
for sustainable waste management, aiming to optimize the use of resources and
minimize waste. Here's a more detailed look at each of the 4Rs:
1. Reduce: This is the most effective of the 4Rs and involves cutting back on the amount
of waste we produce. This can be achieved in numerous ways, such as buying
products with less packaging, choosing reusable products over disposable ones, and
maintaining and repairing products to extend their life.
2. Reuse: This entails using items as many times as possible before discarding them.
For example, a glass jar can be cleaned and used for storage instead of being thrown
away after its initial use. Reusing items not only reduces waste but also saves the
resources and energy that would otherwise be spent on producing new items.
3. Recycle: When items can no longer be reused, recycling is the next best option.
Recycling involves converting waste materials into new products. This can reduce the
consumption of raw materials, save energy, and decrease pollution. Commonly
recycled items include paper, glass, metal, and certain types of plastic.
In addition to the 4Rs, some sustainability advocates also include a fifth R, "Refuse', which
involves declining products that generate waste, particularly single-use items
Implementing the 4Rs in our daily lives can have a significant positive impact on the
environment by conserving resources, reducing pollution, and decreasing the amount of
waste that ends up in landfills. They form an essential part of any effort to create a more
sustainable and environmentally friendly society.
5. Education and Advocacy: When individuals are aware of environmental issues, they
can educate others and advocate for the environment in their communities, workplaces,
and social circles.
Raising public awareness about the environment can involve a variety of strategies,
including public education campaigns, social media outreach, environmental
documentaries and films, news reporting on environmental issues, and including
environmental education in school curricula. While increasing public awareness is a
critical step, it must also be coupled with tangible actions and systemic changes to
effectively address environmental challenges.
CHAPTER 2
ENERGY RESOURCES
1. Forest Resources: Forests are a vital resource providing a range of products including
timber, fruits, and medicinal plants. They also have critical non-material benefits,
such as carbon sequestration, soil conservation, water cycle regulation, and
providing habitats for many species. Forests are renewable if managed sustainably.
2. Water Resources: Water is essential for life, and is used for drinking, irrigation,
industry, transportation, and generating power. It's a renewable resource but
availability can be limited depending on geographical location and climatic
conditions.
4. Land Resources: Land is a fundamental resource for producing food and providing
space for human settlements and economic activities. Land also supports wildlife,
natural vegetation, and the natural flows of water systems.
1. Renewable Resources: These are resources that can be replenished naturally within
a short period relative to a human lifespan. Renewable resources include things like
solar energy, wind energy, and biomass. Biological resources, such as forests, fish,
and animals, are also considered renewable, provided they are managed sustainably
(meaning we do not consume them faster than they can regenerate). The advantage
of using renewable resources is that they are less likely to run out compared to non-
renewable resources.
3. Cyclic Resources: Cyclic resources are a subset of renewable resources that are
replenished or recycled through natural cycles. For instance, water goes through a
cycle of evaporation and precipitation, making it a cyclic resource. The air we
breathe is also considered a cyclic resource because it is constantly being recycled in
the atmosphere, with plants producing oxygen and animals producing carbon
dioxide.
While these categorizations can help us understand the implications of using different types
of resources, it's important to note that any resource can be exhausted if it's not properly
managed. Therefore, sustainable and responsible use is key to ensuring these resources are
available for future generations.
4. Pollution: Pollution can contaminate resources, making them unfit for consumption.
For example, water pollution can make freshwater supplies unusable.
4. Health Problems: Depletion of resources like clean water and air can lead to a range
of health problems in human populations.
Energy sources can be broadly classified into two categories: conventional and non-
conventional (often referred to as renewable).
1. Conventional Energy Sources: These are traditional energy sources that have
been used for many years and form the majority of our current energy mix. They are
usually non-renewable and include:
Fossil Fuels: This includes coal, oil, and natural gas. These fuels are formed
from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. They
are burned to produce heat, which can be used directly or converted into
electricity.
Solar Energy: This is energy from the sun. It can be harnessed using solar
panels, which convert sunlight directly into electricity.
Wind Energy: This is generated by converting the kinetic energy of wind into
electrical energy using wind turbines.
Tidal and Wave Energy. These are forms of hydropower that convert the
energy of bides and ocean waves into electricity
The global energy landscape is dominated by conventional sources, primarily fossil fuels,
which include coal, oll, and natural gas. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA),
these accounted for about 84% of the world's total primary energy supply in 2020. The rest
was made up by nuclear power (about 4%) and renewables (about 12%), including
hydropower, wind, solar, and bioenergy. Several factors contribute to the increase in future
energy demand:
While these factors suggest that overall energy demand will increase in the future, the mix
of energy sources used to meet this demand is expected to shift significantly.
Driven by concerns about climate change and air pollution, many countries are making
efforts to transition to cleaner, renewable sources of energy, Advances in technology are
making renewable energy sources like wind and solar more cost-effective, and
improvements in energy storage technologies are helping to address the intermittent nature
of these sources.
Energy conservation refers to the practice of reducing the amount of energy consumed
while achieving a similar outcome of end-use. This can be achieved through efficient energy
use, in which case energy use is decreased while not impacting the outcome, or by reduced
consumption of energy services. Energy conservation is a critical component of energy
policy as it helps reduce energy demand, thereby decreasing the reliance on non-renewable
resources and mitigating environmental impacts.
1. Improving Energy Efficiency: This includes using appliances that are designed to
use less energy, such as Energy Star-rated appliances, LED lights, high-efficiency
heating and cooling systems, and electric vehicles.
2. Behavioural Changes: Simple changes in behaviour, such as turning off lights and
electronics when not in use, adjusting the thermostat, and washing clothes in cold
water can significantly reduce energy use
1. Biodiversity Loss: Overexploitation of resources like forests, water, and soil can lead to
loss of biodiversity. Deforestation, for example, destroys the habitats of numerous species,
leading to a reduction in wildlife populations, and potentially causing extinction of species.
Overfishing can deplete fish stocks and disrupt aquatic ecosystems.
2. Soil Degradation: Overuse of land for agriculture can lead to soil degradation, reducing
the fertility of the soil and impairing its ability to support crops. This can result in lower
agricultural productivity and even desertification in extreme cases.
3. Water Scarcity: Overuse of water resources can lead to water scarcity. This is especially a
concern in areas that depend on finite sources of fresh water, like underground aquifers,
which can take thousands of years to replenish. Water scarcity chan compromise access to
clean drinking water, impact agriculture, and disrupt ecosystems.
4. Climate Change: Overuse of fossil fuels has led to an increase in greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere contributing to global warming and climate change. The burning of fossil fuels
releases carbon dioxide a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to
rising global temperatures.
5. Pollution: Overuse and improper disposal of resources can lead to pollution. For instance,
mining and burning of fossil fuels can contaminate air, water, and soil. Plastic pollution is
another significant issue, as plastics are derived from petroleum and can take hundreds of
years to decompose posing threats to wildlife and ecosystems.
6. Resource Depletion: Overuse of non-renewable resources like minerals and fossil fuels
can lead to the depletion, making them unavailable for future use. This can have significant
economic and societal impacts, as our society relies heavily on these resources
CHAPTER: 3
ECOSYSTEM AND BIODIVERSITY
1. Biotic: These are the living components, including plants, animals, and
microbes that interact in various ways within the ecosystem.
2. Abiotic: These are the non-living components, like sunlight, temperature, wind
patterns, soil, and water, which influence the living organisms and their
interactions.
Division of Ecosystem: Ecosystems can be divided based on their nature and the organisms
they encompass. The two main types are:
5. Change Over Time: Ecosystems are dynamic and change over time in response
to natural and human- induced disturbances.
Functions of Ecosystem: Ecosystems provide a range of services that support life on Earth:
1. Supporting Services: These include nutrient cycling, soil formation, and the
provision of habitat.
2. Provisioning Services: These are the products obtained from ecosystems, such
as food, freshwater, wood, and medicinal plants.
4. Cultural Services: These are non-material benefits that people obtain from
ecosystems, such as aesthetic inspiration, cultural identity, recreation, and
spiritual experience.
Understanding ecosystems and how they function is crucial for managing them in a
sustainable way, and for conserving biodiversity.
Levels of Biodiversity:
Value of Biodiversity:
Biodiversity presents a lot of value, both directly and indirectly. This includes:
3. Cultural Value: Many cultures around the world place spiritual and cultural
value on biodiversity.
Loss of Biodiversity:
Unfortunately, biodiversity is currently being lost at an unprecedented rate due to human
activities. The main drivers of this loss include habitat destruction (e.g, deforestation),
overexploitation (eg, overfishing) invasive species, pollution, and climate change.
The loss of biodiversity can have significant impacts. It can reduce the productivity and
stability of ecosystems, disrupt ecosystem services, and reduce the ability of ecosystems to
recover from disturbances or adapt to changes. All of these can have direct impacts on
human well-being. Therefore, conserving biodiversity is critical for maintaining the health of
our planet and for our own survival and quality of life.
3. State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs): Every state in India has an SBB, responsible
for advising the government on matters relating to conservation, sustainable
use, and equitable sharing of benefits from biodiversity.
5. National Biodiversity Targets: In line with the global Aichi Biodiversity Targets,
India has adopted 12 national targets for better biodiversity management.
These targets are set for the period 2011-2020.
6. Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI): These are
two key government organizations involved in the taxonomic study of flora and
fauna in India, respectively,
7. Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and Project Tiger: This landmark legislation has
provisions for protection of wildlife and to control poaching and illegal trade in
wildlife products. Project Tiger, started in 1973, has led to the establishment of
several tiger reserves across India to protect tiger habitats.
1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: This is mainly due to human activities such as
deforestation, urban development, agriculture, and mining. Loss and
fragmentation of habitats can lead to a significant loss of species.
3. Invasive Species: Invasive species can out-compete native species for resources,
leading to declines in native populations.
4. Pollution: Different types of pollution, including water, air, and soil pollution,
can have detrimental effects on biodiversity.
Biodiversity Hotspots:
A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region with a significant reservoir of biodiversity
that is under threat from human activities. To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region
must meet two strict criteria:
1. Preserving Biological Diversity: Ensuring the survival of a wide range of species and
maintaining the diversity of habitats and ecosystems.
2. Maintaining Ecological Processes: Ecosystems provide a variety of vital services,
such as nutrient cycling, climate regulation, and pollination. Conserving biodiversity
helps to maintain these processes.
1. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Provides for protection to listed species of
flora and fauna and establishes a network of ecologically-important protected
areas.
4. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Aims to conserve India's biological diversity,
sustainably use its components, and ensure equitable sharing of benefits arising
out of the use of biological resources and knowledge.
6. National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP). The main goal of the NBAP is to
conserve biodiversity. sustainable use of biological resources, and equitable
sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resources
These laws and regulations are aimed at protecting India's rich biodiversity and ensuring
that biological resources are used in a sustainable and equitable manner. However, effective
implementation and enforcement of these laws are crucial for their success
CHAPTER: 4
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
1. Natural Pollution: This refers to pollutants that are naturally occurring or the result
of natural processes for example, wildfires can release large amounts of particulates
and gases into the atmosphere, volcanic eruptions can eject pollutants into the air
and water, and certain types of rocks can leach heavy metals into the soil or
groundwater. While natural pollution can have significant effects, ecosystems are
generally adapted to handle such events, and they tend to be infrequent or localized.
2. Artificial (Man-Made) Pollution: This refers to pollution that results from human
activities. It's typically more continuous and widespread, and ecosystems are less
adapted to it. Types of man-made pollution include:
Air Pollution: This includes the release of chemicals and particulates into the
atmosphere. Common gaseous pollutants include carbon monoxide, sulphur
dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and nitrogen oxides produced by
industry and motor vehicles.
Noise Pollution: This involves exposure to levels of sound that are harmful to
human health or that interfere with people's daily activities.
The effects of pollution on the environment and human health can be severe, and
preventing or reducing pollution is a major focus of environmental protection efforts
worldwide.
2. Agricultural Practices: The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides can lead to
soil pollution. These substances can accumulate in the soil and negatively affect
soil health and productivity.
4. Deforestation: Removing vegetation can expose the soil to erosion and loss of
nutrients, leading to degraded soil.
5. Mining Activities: Mining involves the extraction of valuable minerals from the
Earth, which often leads to the contamination of the soil in the surrounding
areas.
1. Reduced Soil Fertility: Contamination can disrupt the natural balance of the
soil, leading to reduced fertility and making it less productive for agriculture.
2. Damage to Flora and Fauna: Pollutants in the soil can harm or kill plants and
animals, leading to reduced biodiversity.
Preventive Measures:
Several measures can be taken to prevent or reduce soil pollution:
3. Reforestation: Planting trees can help to protect the soil from erosion and
maintain its health
5. Public Education: Increasing public awareness about the causes and effects
of soil pollution, and how to prevent it, is crucial for promoting sustainable
practices.
1. Surface Water: This is water that is found on the Earth's surface in streams,
rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. It also includes rainwater runoff and snow
melt.
1. Industrial Waste: Factories often discharge waste into water bodies, which
can contain harmful pollutants like heavy metals, chemicals, and heated
water.
2. Agricultural Runoff: This can contain chemical fertilizers and pesticides, or
organic pollutants like animal manure, which can lead to nutrient pollution
and eutrophication.
5. Landfills: Leachate from landfills can contaminate both surface water and
groundwater.
Effects on Environment and Lives:
Preventive Measures:
2. Regulation and Enforcement: Governments can set and enforce standards for
water pollution, and penalize violators.
2. Sedimentation: Flocs are heavy, so they settle to the bottom of the water supply,
due to gravity
3. Filtration: The clear water on top then passes through different layers of sand,
gravel, and charcoal to remove even smaller particles.
Water Conservation:
This involves using water resources in a sustainable way to reduce waste and protect future
availability. Measures can include fixing leaks, installing water-efficient appliances, using
rainwater harvesting or greywater systems, and implementing efficient irrigation methods in
agriculture. It also involves protecting natural water resources from pollution and overuse.
4.4 Wastewater
Wastewater Generation (Domestic and Industrial):
2. Primary Treatment: Settling tanks allow suspended solids to settle out as sludge, and
oil and grease am skimmed off.
6. Discharge or Reuse: Treated water is discharged to a water body or reused for non-
potable application (e.g., irrigation, industrial cooling).
Note: The specific details of the treatment process and discharge standards can vary
depending on the nature of the wastewater, local regulations, and the specific design of the
treatment system. The above information should be used as a general guide. For a specific
case, you should consult with a local wastewater treatment professional or relevant
regulatory body.
3. Burning of Fossil Fuels: The burning of coal, oil, and gas for electricity and heat
is a significant source of air pollution, producing pollutants such as sulphur
dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
2. Environment: Air pollution can harm wildlife and damage forests and bodies of
water. It can also contribute to acid rain, which can damage soils and the built
environment
3. Climate Change: Many air pollutants, such as carbon dioxide and methane, are
greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and climate change.
1. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Using energy more efficiently and
shifting from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy, such as wind and solar,
can significantly reduce air pollution.
4. Public Events: Large public events like concerts, sports games, and festivals can
generate high noise levels.
1. Hearing Loss: Prolonged exposure to high levels of noise can lead to noise-
induced hearing loss.
2. Sleep Disturbances: Noise at night can disrupt sleep, leading to health effects
such as fatigue depression, cardiovascular problems, and poor cognitive
performance.
3. Stress and Other Health Problems: Chronic exposure to noise can lead to
increased stress hypertension, and heart disease.
1. Use of Noise Barriers: Noise barriers, such as walls and fences, can help to block
noise from highways and construction sites.
2. Regulation and Zoning: Governments can set noise limits and establish quiet
zones where noise pollution is particularly harmful, such as near hospitals and
schools.
3. Technology and Design: Quieter machinery and equipment can reduce noise at
the source. Soundproofing buildings can help to protect occupants from outside
noise.
4. Public Awareness and Behaviour Change: Public education can raise awareness
about the impacts of noise pollution and promote behaviours that reduce noise,
such as turning down music and using headphones.
Effects: if not properly managed, MSW can lead to pollution of the environment and
can be a public health hazard. It can lead to the contamination of soil and water
resources, release of greenhouse gases from decomposition, and can act as breeding
grounds for disease vectors such as rodents and insects.
Effects: Improper disposal of biomedical waste can pose serious threats to public
health and the environment. It can lead to the spread of infectious diseases and
can contaminate environmental resources.
E-Waste:
Effects: Improper disposal of e-waste can lead to serious environmental and health
problems. The hazardous materials can contaminate soil and water resources and
can pose risks to human health when they enter the food chain.
1. Article 48-A is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which, while not
enforceable in court, are considered fundamental in the governance of the
country. Article 48-A states: The State shall endeavour to protect and improve
the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country."
2. Article 51-A (g) is part of the Fundamental Duties of citizens. It states that it shall
be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural
environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion
for living creatures."
Environmental Protection and Prevention Acts:
1. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: This act was
established to prevent and control water pollution. It established the Central
Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).
2. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: This act aims to improve
air quality and prevent air pollution. It empowers the CPCB and SPCBs to regulate
air quality standards.
3. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: This act provides the framework for
coordination of activities of various central and state authorities established
under the previous water and air acts.
Role of NGOS:
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a significant role in environmental protection
and conservation. They often engage in a range of activities including:
1. Advocacy and Lobbying: NGOs often advocate for environmental policies and
regulations, and lobby government officials and businesses to take action on
environmental issues.
4. Direct Action and Conservation: NGOs may also engage in direct action to
protect the environment such as organizing clean-up activities, planting trees, or
establishing and managing protected areas.
Sustainable Development:
Sustainable development is a concept that involves meeting the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It aims to
achieve a balance between economic development and the preservation of the
environment. It is often visualized as the intersection of three components: economic
prosperity, social equity, and environmental protection.
Rainwater Harvesting: This is a technique used for collecting, storing, and using rainwater
for landscape irrigation and other uses. The rainwater is collected from various hard
surfaces such as rooftops and/or other types of man-made aboveground hard surfaces.
Groundwater Recharge: This is a process by which water moves downward from surface
water to groundwater. This process usually occurs in the vadose zone below plant roots and
is often expressed as a flux to the water table surface. Groundwater recharge also
encompasses water moving away from the water table farther into the saturated zone.
Green Belt Development: Green belts are areas of land where urban development is
restricted to protect the countryside, provide open spaces for urban residents, and maintain
the character of existing rural communities. This kind of development includes parks,
community gardens, and other green spaces that help to improve air and water quality,
reduce soil erosion, and provide habitat for wildlife.
Use of Renewable Energy; Renewable energy is energy that comes from resources that are
naturally replenished, like sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. Using
renewable energy over fossil fuels has a number of advantages, including reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, diversifying energy supplies, and contributing to energy security.
IT in Human Health:
1. Electronic Health Records (EHRS): EHRS allow doctors and other healthcare
professionals to access and share a patient's medical history, improving diagnosis
and treatment.
3. Wearable Technology: Devices like smartwatches can track health and fitness
data, helping individuals manage their health and alerting them to potential
health issues.
4. Health Information Systems: These systems can manage large amounts of data
to inform public health initiatives, track disease outbreaks, and improve
healthcare delivery.
5. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Al and machine learning can aid in
diagnosing diseases, personalizing treatment, and predicting health outcomes.
While IT has the potential to greatly benefit the environment and human health, it is also
important to consider the environmental impact of the IT sector itself, such as electronic
waste and energy use, and work towards sustainable IT practices.