EVS 1st UNIT PDF

# Environmental Awareness ## B.B.A (Sem - 1^st) ## Unit - I - Introduction - Environmental studies Definition, scope, importance, and need for public awareness (Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies) - Environmental Pollution - Definition, Causes, effects on human, water, so...

# Environmental Awareness ## B.B.A (Sem - 1^st) ## Unit - I - Introduction - Environmental studies Definition, scope, importance, and need for public awareness (Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies) - Environmental Pollution - Definition, Causes, effects on human, water, soil, air (Mother Earth) Air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, maritime pollution, noise pollution, thermal pollution, nuclear hazards. ## Environmental Awareness Environmental awareness is the understanding that the natural environment needs to be sustainable for human survival. It also involves being informed about how to make choices that benefit the planet. ## Environmental studies Definition The science of Environmental studies is a multidisciplinary science. It comprises various branches of studies like chemistry, physics, medical science, life science, agriculture, public health, sanitary engineering etc. It is the science of physical phenomena in the environment. It studies the sources, reactions, transport, effect, and fate of physical and biological species in the air, water, and soil and the effect of human activity upon these. When we talk about the conditions in which living organisms are found, such as air, water, and land, we also include the biological components. This includes things like plants, animals, and individual microbes. - **From Ecology perspective:** The environment refers to the surroundings conditions. This includes both components, such as air, water, soil, plants, animals. - **From a Geographical Perspective:** This includes not only natural elements like climate and landscapes but also human environments, such as cities, infrastructure in which people live. - **From Business and Economics Perspective:** Environment can refer to the external factors that business or the economic conditions. This includes political, economic, social, and technological factors that impact the business or economic activities. ## Scope of Environmental Studies - Understanding Ecological Systems: Environmental studies understand the connections between living organisms and their surroundings. - Climate Change and Global Warming: Environmental studies address the challenges of climate change, exploring the scientific aspects, socio-economic impacts. - Analysing environmental issues: Researching and analyzing environmental policies, regulations, and impact Assessments. - Human- Environment Interactions: This involves examining how human activities, lifestyles, and societal choices impact the natural world. - Research and Innovation: Conducting research to generate new knowledge. This includes developing technologies, methodologies, and best practices for environmental management - Improving environmental quality: Working to improve the health of air, water, soil, and climate - Pollution and Environmental Hazards: Environmental studies investigate various forms of pollution, such as air, water, and soil pollution, as well as the impact of environmental hazards, such as industrial accidents, chemical spills, and nuclear incidents. - Social Issues and Solutions: It addresses societal challenges, such as overpopulation, health, and hygiene, highlighting the role of arts, science, and technology in mitigating these issues. - Practical Application of Knowledge: The study of theoretical knowledge with practical application, showcasing the multiple uses of the environment and encouraging individuals to implement sustainable practices in their daily lives. ## Important of Environment Studies - Health Impacts of Pollution: Pollution and environmental degradation have detrimental impacts on the health of all living beings. - Climate Change Awareness: Its help to a better knowledge of the causes, and potential solutions to the various difficulties that the global community is currently facing as a result of climate change. - Need for Education in Biodiversity Conservation: Education and training are crucial in addressing biodiversity loss and preventing species extinction. - Expanding Protected Areas for Wildlife Conservation: The number and area of protected zones must increase to ensure the preservation of wildlife. - Understanding Environmental problem: Environmental studies empower fostering awareness and understanding. This knowledge ate for balanced and sustainable development, promoting harmony between human activities and the natural world. - Motivating Student Engagement: Environmental studies inspire students to engage in community action and environmental projects. - Multidisciplinary Approach of Environmental Studies: Environmental studies embrace a multidisciplinary approach, amalgamating humanities, social sciences, biological sciences, and physical Sciences. - Innovation and Technology: Environmental studies drive innovation and the development of technologies that promote sustainable practices, renewable energy, and environmental monitoring. ## Need of Environment Studies The need for public awareness in this subject is broad and involves the following major elements. - Understanding Environmental Issues: Public awareness that understand environmental challenges, such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity. - Promoting Sustainable Behaviors: This includes practices, such as conserving energy and water, and making eco-friendly choices, contributing to overall environmental conservation. - Waste Reduction and Recycling: This knowledge encourages waste reduction, proper waste disposal, and participation in recycling programs. - Advocacy for Environmental Policies: It is for environmental policies and regulations. This collective voice puts pressure on governments and industries to implement protect the environment. - Reduces pollution: Public awareness can help reduce pollution by encouraging people to make lifestyle changes. - Supports government policies: Public awareness and access to information can help support government policies and laws. - Protects future generations: Public awareness can help ensure that natural resources are available for future generations. ## Multidisciplinary Nature of Environment Studies The following pointers demonstrate the multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies. - **Ecology:** Ecology is the scientific study of interactions among organisms and their environments. It provides functioning of ecosystems, the relationships between living organisms. - **Biology:** It is understanding the impacts of environmental changes on living organisms. This includes the study of ecosystems, wildlife conservation & the effects of pollution on biological systems. - **Geography:** Geography provides a spatial perspective on environmental issues, studying the distribution of natural resources, land use patterns. - **Geology:** Geology helps in understanding the Earth's structure, processes, and the formation of natural resources. - **Engineering:** Solution to environmental problems, such as water treatment, waste management, and infrastructure development. - **Law:** Environmental law is essential providing regulations and legal structures environment and preserve natural resources. - **Political Science:** Political science examines the environmental issues, including coition on environment environmental issues, including governments in addressing environmental challenges. ## Environment Pollution Our environment faces several problems with bringing us into a time of a true environmental crisis. Environmental pollution is increasing day by day and imposing severe and irreversible damage to the world. It is of different types: air, water, soil, noise, light, etc. Common Types of environment pollutions are: - **Air Pollution:** Air Pollution steams from industries activities, Vehicle, Nitrogen oxide, Sulfur oxide. These harmful to human health and the environment - **Water pollution:** Water pollution emerges from industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, improper waste disposal, and industrial discharges oil spills, contaminating water bodies. This detrimentally impacts ecosystems and human health. - **Soil Pollution:** Soil pollution arises, such as chemicals, heavy metals, and waste, infiltrate the soil. Major sources of soil pollution include the deposition of hazardous chemicals, heavy metals, and waste on land. - **Noise Pollution:** It arises unwanted sound in the environment, due to industrial activities, transportation, urban development. It can have negative effects on human health and disrupt wildlife. - **Plastic Pollution:** Plastic Pollution stems from improper disposal of plastic waste, rivers, and various environments. This poses severe threats to marine life and ecosystems, water quality, and the overall health of the planet. ## Causes of Environmental Pollution - **Industrial Activities:** Factories, power plants, and manufacturing facilities release pollutants such as chemicals, heavy metals, and particulate matter into the air, water, and soil. - **Transportation:** Vehicles burning fossil fuels emit pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution - **Waste Disposal:** Improper disposal of solid waste, including plastics, electronics, and hazardous materials, leads to pollution of land and water bodies. - **Deforestation:** Clearing forests for agriculture, urban development, and disrupts ecosystems but also releases carbon dioxide stored in trees, contributing to climate change. - **Population Growth:** The increasing human population puts pressure on natural resources and ecosystems, pollution as demands for food, water, and energy rise. - **Construction:** Construction projects can lead to soil erosion and sedimentation of water bodies. Dust from construction equipment also contributes to air pollution. - **Energy Production:** Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas for electricity generation and heating releases greenhouse gases and air pollutants, contributing to and air pollution. - **Urbanization:** Rapid urbanization leads to increased demand for resources, land conversion, and pollution from vehicles, industries, and waste generation. Urban areas often suffer from air and water pollution, noise pollution. ## Effects of Environmental Pollution on Mankind - **Climate Change:** Pollution, particularly greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel, contributes to climate change, with far-reaching consequences for human health and livelihoods. Example: Rising temperatures. - **Respiratory Problems:** Air pollution, caused by emissions from vehicles, industries, and other sources, can lead respiratory issues such as asthma, and Lungs Infection disease etc). - **Psychological Effects:** Living in polluted environments can contribute to stress, depression, and used quality of life due to concerns about health risks. - **Cardiovascular Diseases:** Exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases as heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension. - **Developmental Impacts:** Exposure to environmental pollutants during pregnancy and early childhood can impair fetal development and lead to birth defects, low birth weight, and developmental delays, affecting the long-term health. - **Waterborne Diseases:** Waterborne illnesses including cholera, typhoid fever, Malaria can be brought on by water pollution from sources like untreated sewage, agricultural, and industrial discharge. - **Reproductive Health Issues:** Environmental pollutants can disrupt hormone function and reproductive health, miscarriages, birth defects, and developmental abnormalities in offspring. ## Air Pollution Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the air that can pose risks to human health, the environment, and the climate. These pollutants can be from vehicles, industrial activities, and agricultural practices. ## Types of Air Pollution - **Particulate Matter (PM):** Fine particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers that can enter the lungs and bloodstream. - **Nitrogen Oxides:** Produced by burning fossil fuels (e.g. in cars, power plants). They contribute to the formation of smog. - **Sulfur Dioxide:** Emitted from industrial processes, especially the burning of coal and oil. SO2 contributes to acid rain. - **Ozone:** A secondary pollutant formed when sunlight reacts with pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. Ground-level ozone is a key component of smog. ## Source of Air Pollution - **Transportation:** Cars, trucks, buses, and aircraft emit large amounts of Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon Monoxide, and particulates. - **Industrial Activities:** Factories and power plants produce sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter - **Agriculture:** Use of fertilizers, pesticides, and livestock emissions contribute to ammonia and methane pollution. - **Household Activities:** Use of fuels for heating or cooking, as well as products, such as paints and aerosols, release pollutants. ## Effect of Air Pollution - **Health Effect:** Air Pollution can have severe health impacts, including asthma, lung cancer, premature death, etc. Long-term exposure is linked to heart attacks, strokes. Air pollution can impair lung development - **Environment Effect:** Air Pollution can harm ecosystems, soil quality, water bodies, vegetation, and wildlife. It contributes acid rain, climate changes. ## Controlling of Air Pollution - **Public Awareness and Policy:** Governments and organizations should promote air quality monitoring, stricter air quality regulations, and public awareness campaigns and use cleaner industrial technologies. - **Urban Planning:** Encourage green spaces ## Water Pollution Water pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the air that can pose risks to human health, the environment, and the climate. These pollutants can be from vehicles, industrial activities, and agricultural practices. ## Types of Water Pollution - **Heavy Metals:** When heavy metals enter water systems through industrial discharges, and agricultural runoff. - **Biological:** Cholera, and typhoid fever bacteria can enter water bodies from untreated sewage, animal waste, and industrial discharge. - **Sediment:** Soil erosion, often caused by deforestation or construction activities, can lead to sedimentation in water bodies, which reduces water quality and harms aquatic life. - **Ozone:** A secondary pollutant formed when sunlight reacts with pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. Ground-level ozone is a key component of smog. ## Source of Water Pollution - **Industrial Discharges:** Factories and power plants release chemicals, heavy metals, and other pollutants into water bodies. - **Plastic Pollution:** Improper Disposal of plastic wastes in water bodies contributed plastic pollution - **Oil Spills:** Oil leaking from ships, pipelines, and offshore drilling rigs can spread over water surfaces, causing significant harm to marine life and ecosystems. - **Sewage & Wastewater:** Untreated or poorly treated sewage from households, industries, and wastewater treatment plants can release harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemicals into water sources. ## Effect of Water Pollution - **Ecosystem Damage:** Water pollution harms aquatic ecosystems by reducing oxygen levels, killing fish and other organisms, and disrupting food chains. - **Human Health Risks:** Polluted water can cause a wide range of health problems, including gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections, neurological damage, and reproductive issues.. ## Controlling of Water Pollution - **Reducing Plastic Waste:** Reducing single-use plastics, improving recycling efforts, and cleaning up plastic waste in oceans and rivers can reduce pollution. - **Pollution Cleanup:** Using technologies, such as bioremediation, which involves using bacteria or plants to clean up polluted water, can help restore polluted water bodies. ## Soil Pollution Soil pollution is often caused by several human activities, such as industrial processes, agricultural practices, inappropriate waste disposal, mining activities, and urbanization. ## Types of Soil Pollution - **Chemical Pollutants:** Lead, mercury, and other chemicals can accumulate in soil due to industrial activities and improper disposal of waste. These metals are toxic to plants, animals, and humans. - **Biological Pollutants:** Bacteria, viruses, and fungi from sewage, animal waste, and industrial effluents contaminate soil and harm both plant and animal health. - **Physical Pollutants:** Plastics, such as bags, bottles, and packaging materials accumulate in soil, affecting its structure and disrupting the natural processes. - **Oil Pollutant:** Oil spills, leaks from storage tanks, and improper disposal of petroleum-based products can lead to soil pollution. ## Source of Soil Pollution - **Industrial Activities:** Industrial processes often release pollutants such as heavy metals, petroleum, and chemicals into the soil through spills, leaks, and improper waste disposal practices. - **Agricultural Practices:** Improper disposal of animal waste and agricultural runoff can introduce harmful substances into the soil. - **Waste Disposal:** Improper disposal of household, industrial, and electronic waste can contaminate the soil with hazardous substances such as heavy metals, plastics, and electronic waste components. - **Urbanization & Construction:** Urban development and construction activities can disturb soil ecosystems and introduce pollutants such as construction debris, chemicals, and fuels into the soil. ## Effect of Soil Pollution - **Harm to Ecosystems:** Polluted soil can harm organisms that rely on it for food. When those organisms are consumed by larger animals, the pollutants can accumulate through the food web. - **Human Health Risks:** Soil pollutants, especially heavy metals and chemicals, can enter the human body through direct contact with soil, consumption of contaminated food, or inhalation of dust particles. ## Controlling of Soil Pollution - **Regulating Agricultural Practices:** Using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies helps minimize the use of harmful chemicals while controlling pests effectively. - **Proper Waste Disposal:** Establishing proper waste management systems, including recycling, composting, and safe disposal of hazardous materials, helps reduce soil pollution. ## Marine Pollution Marine pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances or pollutants into the ocean and other marine environments that cause damage to marine ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. ## Types of Marine Pollution - **Plastic Pollution:** Plastics are the most common marine pollutant, especially single-use plastics. They can enter the ocean through improper waste disposal, stormwater, or as waste from ships and fishing boats. - **Oil Pollution:** Oils and chemicals from vehicles, ships, and industrial activities can leak into oceans via urban runoff or wastewater discharges. - **Chemical Pollution:** Chemicals used in agriculture can wash into the oceans through runoff. These substances disrupt marine ecosystems, causing algal blooms, which deplete oxygen levels and harm marine life. - **Noise Pollution:** Noise from ships, boats, underwater construction can disrupt marine animals. ## Source of Marine Pollution - **Land-Based Sources:** Untreated or poorly treated wastewater from homes and industries often flows directly into the ocean. - **Shipping and Maritime Activities:** Ships often discharge waste, such as plastics, chemicals, and sewage directly into the ocean. - **Fishing Industry:** Lost or abandoned fishing nets and gear continue to capture and kill marine life. - **Industrial Discharges:** Factories and industrial plants release toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and untreated waste into rivers and oceans. ## Effect of Marine Pollution - **Damage to Marine Ecosystems:** Pollutants, such as plastics, chemicals, and heavy metals can harm or kill marine organisms. Marine animals may ingest, leading to death or injury. - **Economic Losses:** Marine pollution impacts industries, such as fishing, tourism, and shipping. Declining fish stocks, dirty beaches, and polluted waters can significantly reduce income and employment in coastal communities. ## Controlling of Marine Pollution - **Beach and Ocean Cleanups:** Volunteer-based and organized cleanup efforts help remove trash, plastics, and debris from beaches and oceans. - **Stronger Regulations:** Governments must enforce laws to prevent pollution from ships, industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage. ## Noise Pollution Noise pollution is the harmful sounds in the environment that can disrupt human activities, harm wildlife, and negatively affect health. Noise pollution has become a significant issue, especially in urban areas where human activity is intense and infrastructure is dense. ## Types of Noise Pollution - **Continuous Noise:** Sound that occurs constantly over long periods, such as traffic noise, machinery, and factory operations. This can cause chronic stress and health issues. - **Intermittent Noise:** Occasional sounds, such as train horns, construction noises, or emergency vehicle sirens. While they may not be constant, they are still disruptive, especially during sleep hours. - **Impulse Noise:** Sudden bursts of sound, such as gunshots, bombs, or loud impacts. This can cause immediate hearing damage and stress. ## Source of Noise Pollution - **Transportation:** - **Road Traffic:** Car engine and brake sounds contribute to road traffic noise. The primary source of noise in urban environments. - **Air Traffic:** Aircraft engines produce high levels of noise that can affect people living near airports, especially during takeoff and landing. - **Railways:** Trains, especially freight trains, generate significant noise from the wheels on tracks, horns, and other mechanical sounds. - **Industrial and Construction Activities:** - **Factories and Manufacturing:** Machines, heavy equipment, ventilation systems, and the movement of goods can produce constant noise in industrial areas. - **Construction Sites:** Construction work, including the operation of drills, jackhammers, cranes, and other machinery, generates loud, disruptive noise. ## Effect of Noise Pollution - **Physical Health Effects:** Loud sounds, such as music concerts, industrial machinery, or traffic can cause damage to the inner ear, increasing the risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Sleep disturbances and poor sleep quality negatively affect overall health. - **Impact on Wildlife and Disruption of Animal Behavior:** Many animals, including birds and mammals, experience disruptions in their behaviors, including difficulties in finding food and mates due to noise pollution. ## Controlling of Marine Pollution - **Regulation and Enforcement:** Governments and regulatory agencies can enforce noise regulations, setting limits on noise levels in various environments, including residential areas, workplaces, and public spaces. - **Noise Barriers and Soundproofing:** Building sound barriers along highways, railways, and infrastructure can reduce the impact of traffic and industrial noise. This can help protect residents from excessive noise, especially near airports, construction sites, etc. ## Thermal Pollution Thermal pollution refers to the degradation of water quality due to the discharge of heated water or air into a natural water body or the atmosphere. This process disrupts the natural temperature balance, potentially causing harmful effects on ecosystems and human health. ## Causes of Thermal Pollution - **Industrial Activities:** Industries, such as manufacturing and chemical production, often require large amounts of water for cooling purposes. After being used, the water is discharged into water bodies at elevated temperatures, contributing to thermal pollution. - **Power Generation:** Power plants, including coal, nuclear, and natural gas facilities, rely on water for cooling their equipment. This can lead to thermal pollution due to the resulting increased water temperature, particularly in the nearby water bodies. - **Waste Heat from Transportation:** Cars, trains, and planes generate heat, and in some areas, this excess heat can be indirectly transferred to water sources. ## Effect of Thermal Pollution - **Fish Mortality:** Species, such as trout and salmon, which require cooler water temperatures, can suffer from thermal stress or die when exposed to warm water. - **Reduced Water Quality:** Warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen. The decreased oxygen levels can also affect water quality, making it unsafe for human consumption and recreational activities. ## Controlling of Marine Pollution - **Vegetation Buffer Zones:** Planting trees or creating riparian buffer zones along water bodies helps reduce the temperature of runoff water by providing shade and slowing water flow. - **Alternative Cooling Methods:** Some industries are exploring air cooling systems, closed-loop cooling systems, or even renewable energy sources, such as geothermal cooling, to reduce the need for large water discharges. ## Nuclear Hazards Nuclear hazards are the potential risks and dangers associated with the use, production, and disposal of nuclear materials and technology. These hazards can affect human health, the environment, and wildlife, and can have long-term effects. ## Causes of Nuclear Hazards - **Radiation Exposure:** Radiation is the primary hazard of nuclear materials. Depending on its type, intensity, and duration, exposure to radiation can be harmful. - **lonizing radiation:** This includes alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and X-rays. Prolonged exposure can lead to DNA damage, cancer, radiation sickness, and other health problems. - **Acute radiation sickness:** This occurs when exposed to high doses of radiation in a short period. It can cause symptoms such as vomiting, fatigue, and in extreme cases, death. - **Long-term exposure:** Can lead to cancer, blood clotting, heart attack, and other health issues. - **Nuclear accident:** Accidents at nuclear power plants or other facilities can lead to the release of radioactive materials into the environment. - **Chernobyl (1986):** A catastrophic nuclear accident in Ukraine caused by a reactor explosion, releasing large amounts of radioactive particles into the atmosphere. This affected millions of people and caused long-term environmental damage. - **Fukushima (2011):** After an earthquake and tsunami damaged the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan, radioactive materials were released into the environment, leading to contamination and displacement of nearby residents. - **Nuclear Waste Disposal:** Nuclear waste consists of radioactive byproducts from nuclear reactors, medicine, and other industrial applications. Improper disposal or storage can lead to long-term environmental contamination and health risks. - **Radioactive waste:** This can be a byproduct of nuclear reactors, fuel processing plants, hospitals, and research facilities, It can also be created when decommissioning or dismantling nuclear facilities. - **Environmental Contamination:** Nuclear accidents, improper disposal of nuclear waste, and testing of nuclear weapons have long-term consequences for the environment. - **Soil and water contamination:** Radiation can contaminate ecosystems, making agriculture unsafe and polluting drinking water sources.