16 Questions
What is the origin of the word 'environment'?
Derived from the French word 'environner'
What is the core aspect of environment according to Albert Einstein?
Everything that isn't me
What is the focus of Environmental Engineering?
To care for and restore the natural environment
What is the primary goal of Environmental Engineering?
To improve public health and welfare
What are the main components of the environment?
Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere, and Biosphere
What is the scope of Environmental Engineering?
Air pollution control, hazardous waste management, wastewater treatment, and water treatment
What is the role of Environmental Engineering in the protection of public health?
To improve public health and welfare
What is the ultimate goal of Environmental Engineering?
To protect public health and welfare
When was the descriptive title of 'environmental engineer' first used?
1960s
What was the main reason for King Edward I's prohibition of burning sea coal in 1273?
Because of smoke and fog mixtures
What percentage of people in the third world do not have sanitary drinking water supplies or wastewater treatment?
More than ½
What was the significant increase in the 1950s to 1960s?
Quantity of wastes discharged to the environment
What is the primary goal of environmental engineering?
To ensure sustainable development and use of resources
When was the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created?
1970s
What is the estimated daily cost to provide world-wide sanitary services?
$80 Million
What is the main discipline that environmental engineering draws knowledge from?
All of the above
Study Notes
Definition of Environment
- The word "environment" is derived from the French word "environner," meaning "to surround."
- The environment is defined as the sum of water, air, land, and their interrelationships with humans, living organisms, and materials.
- The main components of the environment are:
- Atmosphere
- Hydrosphere
- Lithosphere
- Biosphere
Environmental Engineering
- Environmental engineering is the application of science and engineering principles to care for and restore the natural environment and solve environmental problems.
- It deals with air pollution control, hazardous waste management, wastewater treatment, and water treatment.
- Environmental engineering involves planning, design, construction, and operation of equipment, systems, and structures for environmental protection.
- The profession has a long history, with roots in civil engineering, public health, ecology, chemistry, and meteorology.
History of Environmental Engineering
- The descriptive title "environmental engineer" was not used until the 1960s.
- The roots of environmental engineering go back to ancient civilizations, including Crete and Assyria, which had sewer systems.
- Roman sewers were designed as storm sewers but used as sanitary sewers.
- In 1273, King Edward I prohibited the burning of sea coal due to smoke and fog mixtures.
- In the 1950s-1960s, there was a significant increase in waste discharge into the environment, and pesticide use increased without sufficient testing.
- The 1960s saw increased social awareness of environmental problems, leading to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970.
Goals of Environmental Engineering
- The goal of environmental engineering is to ensure sustainable development and the use of water, land, and air resources.
- It aims to provide sanitary drinking water supplies and wastewater treatment worldwide.
This quiz covers the introduction to environmental engineering, including the definition of environment, history and goals of environmental engineering, and types of environmental pollution.
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