Introduction to Environmental Science and Engineering PDF

Introduction to Environmental Science and Engineering Prepared by: Dr. Antoniette T. Mollejon  Objective: Definition of Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering Functions of Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering Global Issues Concerning Environmental Science a...

Introduction to Environmental Science and Engineering Prepared by: Dr. Antoniette T. Mollejon  Objective: Definition of Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering Functions of Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering Global Issues Concerning Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering Winning Entry of Frank Brabante during the 2021 A Call to Restore our Earth Through Art poster making contest sponsored by European Union-Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (EU- ASEP). Source: dttps://www.eeas.europa.eu  Environment Environment refers to the natural surroundings in which living organisms, including humans, exist and interact. It encompasses the physical, chemical, and biological factors that shape and sustain life on Earth. It is a complex and interconnected system that includes both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components, each playing a crucial role  Environmental Science Environmental science is the multidisciplinary study of all aspects of the Earth’s physical and biological environments. It encompasses environmental chemistry, soil science, ecology, climatology, vegetation cover, marine and freshwater systems, as well as environmental remediation and preservation, and agriculture and land use. https://www.nature.com/subjects/environmental-sciences  Environmental science is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physics, biology, and geography to the study of the environment, and the solution of environmental problems. Wikipedia Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field of study that focuses on understanding the natural world, the interactions between living organisms and their environments, and the impact of human activities on the environment. It draws from various scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, geology, ecology, and social sciences, to analyze and address complex environmental issues. Environmental science is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by human activities and their impact on the natural world. It seeks to balance economic development and human well-being with the need to protect and sustain Earth's ecosystems for current and future generations.  Environmental Engineering Environmental engineering is a professional discipline concerned with protecting people from adverse environmental effects as well as protecting ecosystems and improving the quality of the environment. It is a branch of engineering that focuses on applying scientific and engineering principles to address environmental issues and challenges. Environmental engineers work to design, develop, implement, and improve systems, technologies, and processes that aim to protect the environment and promote sustainability. What is the difference between environmental science and environmental engineering?  Environmental science focuses on understanding natural environment (processes, interactions and how human activities impact it. Environmental engineering focuses on designing and implementing technical solutions to the environmental problems ENVIRONMENTAL U A D DEVELOP PROBLEMS UNDERSTAND THE APPLY WHAT YOU PRACTICAL ENVIRONMENT HAVE SOLUTION UNDERSTOOD  Environmental Engineering Water quality and treatment Air pollution control Waste management Environmental Remediation Renewable Energy Sustainable and green design Environmental impact assessment Climate change mitigation and adaptation Regulatory compliance  Environmental engineering combines elements of various engineering disciplines with a deep understanding of environmental science to tackle the complex challenges of preserving and improving the environment. The field is essential for promoting sustainable development and finding innovative solutions to environmental problems.  Environmental Science Functions Environmental science is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses a wide range of functions aimed at understanding, preserving, and improving the environment. 1. Environmental Research Environmental scientists conduct research to investigate various aspects of the environment, including ecosystems, climate, pollution, and biodiversity. This research helps expand our knowledge of environmental systems (Levin, 2018). 2. Data Collection and Analysis They collect and analyze environmental data to assess the state of the environment and its changes over time. This includes monitoring air and water quality, tracking wildlife populations, and studying land use patterns (Miller et al., 2020).  Environmental Science Functions 3. Environmental Monitoring Environmental scientists are responsible for the ongoing monitoring of environmental conditions, such as temperature, rainfall, and pollutant levels. This data aids in identifying trends and potential environmental issues (EPA, 2021). 4. Policy Development Environmental scientists contribute to the development of environmental policies and regulations by providing scientific evidence and expertise. They work closely with governments and organizations to shape environmental legislation (Lachapelle et al., 2015).  Environmental Science Functions 5. Public Education and Outreach They play a critical role in educating the public about environmental issues, raising awareness of conservation practices, and advocating for sustainable lifestyles (Stern et al., 2016). 6. Conservation and Restoration Environmental scientists engage in conservation efforts to protect natural resources and ecosystems. They work on habitat restoration projects and wildlife conservation initiatives (Sala et al., 2020).  Environmental Science Functions 5. Climate Change Research Climate change is a major focus of environmental science. Scientists study the causes and impacts of climate change and propose mitigation and adaptation strategies (IPCC, 2021).  Environmental Engineering Functions Environmental engineering is a specialized field of engineering focused on addressing environmental challenges and improving sustainability. 1. Designing Environmental Infrastructure Environmental engineers are responsible for designing and planning infrastructure systems that manage and protect the environment. This includes designing wastewater treatment plants, solid waste management facilities, and air pollution control systems (Metcalf & Eddy, 2013). 2. Environmental Impact Assessment They assess the potential environmental impact of various projects, such as construction, industrial processes, or infrastructure development. Environmental engineers develop strategies to minimize or mitigate negative effects (Glasson et al., 2012).  Environmental Engineering Functions 3. Water Resource Management Environmental engineers work on projects related to the sustainable management of water resources. This includes designing and maintaining water supply systems, flood control measures, and watershed management strategies (Mays, 2011). 4. Waste Management They design and manage systems for the safe disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Environmental engineers also oversee recycling programs and resource recovery efforts (Tchobanoglous et al., 2014).  Environmental Engineering Functions 5. Air Quality Management Environmental engineers develop and implement strategies to improve air quality and reduce air pollution. This includes designing and operating air pollution control systems for industries (Cimorelli et al., 2005). 6. Sustainable Development Environmental engineers work toward promoting sustainable development by incorporating eco-friendly practices and technologies into their projects. They aim to balance human needs with environmental preservation (Kennedy et al., 2008).  Environmental Engineering Functions 7. Renewable Energy Integration In response to growing environmental concerns, environmental engineers are increasingly involved in integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, into energy systems (Holt et al., 2018).  Environmental Engineering Functions 7. Renewable Energy Integration How Nuclear Power Plants Work / Nuclear Energy (Animation) - YouTube  Environmental Engineering Functions 7. Renewable Energy Integration How Nuclear Power Plants Work / Nuclear Energy (Animation) - YouTube  Global Issues Concerning Environmental Science and Engineering 1. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Both environmental science and environmental engineering are deeply involved in addressing climate change. Environmental scientists study climate patterns, greenhouse gas emissions, and their impacts (IPCC, 2021). Environmental engineers work on projects like renewable energy development and climate-resilient infrastructure (Holt et al., 2018). 2. Biodiversity Conservation Environmental scientists study ecosystems and species to understand and conserve biodiversity (Sala et al., 2020). Environmental engineers may contribute to habitat restoration projects and sustainable land use planning to protect biodiversity (Zhang et al., 2019).  Global Issues Concerning Environmental Science and Engineering 3. Water Scarcity and Quality Environmental scientists monitor water resources and assess water quality (EPA, 2021). Environmental engineers design systems for safe drinking water supply (Mays, 2011) and wastewater treatment (Metcalf & Eddy, 2013). 4. Air Pollution Control Environmental engineers develop strategies to reduce air pollution (Cimorelli et al., 2005). Environmental scientists investigate the health and ecological impacts of air pollution (Dockery et al., 2019).  Global Issues Concerning Environmental Science and Engineering 5. Waste Management and Circular Economy Environmental engineers design waste management systems (Tchobanoglous et al., 2014). Environmental scientists study waste generation trends and assess the environmental impacts of waste (Hoornweg et al., 2013). 6. Sustainable Energy Environmental engineers work on renewable energy integration (Holt et al., 2018). Environmental scientists research energy consumption patterns and environmental consequences (Davis et al., 2010).  Global Issues Concerning Environmental Science and Engineering 7. Environmental Health and Pollution Both fields investigate the health impacts of environmental pollution, such as exposure to toxins in water and air (Landrigan et al., 2018). 8. Urbanization and Land Use Environmental scientists analyze land use changes and their effects on ecosystems (Foley et al., 2005). Environmental engineers contribute to sustainable urban planning and infrastructure design (Kennedy et al., 2008).  Global Issues Concerning Environmental Science and Engineering 9. Environmental Policy and Governance Environmental scientists and engineers provide data and expertise to inform policy development and regulatory frameworks (Lachapelle et al., 2015).  References EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). (2021). Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. [https://www.epa.gov/environmental-monitoring-assessment] IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. [https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/] Lachapelle, E., Borick, C. P., & Rabe, B. G. (2015). Public attitudes toward climate science and climate policy in federal systems: Canada and the United States compared. Canadian Public Policy, 41(3), 183-204. Levin, N. (2018). Environmental Science. Salem Press Encyclopedia of Science. Miller, G. T., Spoolman, S. E., & Berry, L. L. (2020). Environmental Science. Cengage Learning. Sala, O. E., et al. (2020). Global biodiversity monitoring: From data sources to Essential Biodiversity Variables. Biological Conservation, 248, 108292. Stern, P. C., et al. (2016). Information and incentives for environmental behavior: Where have we been and where could we go? Behavioral Science & Policy, 2(2), 29-43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UwexvaCMWA  References Cimorelli, A. J., et al. (2005). AERMOD: A Dispersion Model for Industrial Source Applications. Part I: General Model Formulation and Boundary Layer Characterization. Journal of Applied Meteorology, 44(5), 682-693. Glasson, J., Therivel, R., & Chadwick, A. (2012). Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment. Routledge. Holt, E., et al. (2018). Environmental Engineering and Renewable Energy. In Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology (pp. 1-17). Springer. Kennedy, C., et al. (2008). The changing metabolism of cities. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 12(6), 791-809. Mays, L. W. (2011). Water Resources Engineering. John Wiley & Sons. Metcalf & Eddy, Inc. (2013). Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Resource Recovery. McGraw-Hill Education. Tchobanoglous, G., et al. (2014). Integrated Solid Waste Management: Engineering Principles and Management Issues. McGraw-Hill Education. Thank you very much