Module 11 Environmental Resources and Technology PDF

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science Figure 6.1Google Earth Image of Common Tree Planting site of the De La Salle Philippines in 2010 (photo below) at Mts. Palay-palay National Park, Cavite, PH (photo above)....

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science Figure 6.1Google Earth Image of Common Tree Planting site of the De La Salle Philippines in 2010 (photo below) at Mts. Palay-palay National Park, Cavite, PH (photo above). Module Authors: Airill L. Mercurio, Ph.D. and Mario S. Torres, Ph.D Biological Sciences Department College of Science & Computer Studies De La Salle University - Dasmariñas 1  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Sub-Topic Page 11.0 Gospel Reading and Reflection 3 11.1 Learning Outcomes 4 11.2 Non-Renewable Energy Sources 4 11.3 Renewable Resources 6 11.4 Energy Conservation 9 11.5 Renewable Energy Act 10 11.6 What is Envirotech? 10 11.7 Biotechnology and Genetically Modified Crops 12 11.8 Geographic Information System 13 11.9 Greening the Environment 14 11.10 Associated Issues of Environmental Technology 14 11.11 Key Takeaways 15 11.12 References 16 11.13 Formative Assessments 17 11.14 Summative Assessment 21 2  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science 11.0 GOSPEL READING and REFLECTION Read the passage of the gospel according to Colossians 1:16-17 "For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Reflect on the message of the gospel Relate the aforecited passage with the topic on environmental resources and technology. Write you short reflection on the space provided below. ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ 3  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science 11.1 LEARNING OUTCOMES The carbon-based economy is dependent with the use of fossil fuels as source of energy at present. Unprecedented economic development also has shaped the production and consumption of envirotech (technology-based products or processes). However, there is a need to shift to renewable energy sources and envirotech should be utilized with precautionary measures since some of them potentially pose both benefits and risk to environment and human health. At the end of this module, you should be able to: 1. Cognitive Objective: Understand the difference between renewable and non- renewable resources and enumerate emerging environmental technologies. 2. Affective Objective: Follow along the claim that most environmental technologies are eco-friendly 3. Psychomotor Objective: Identify practical ways to do energy conservation and output synthesizing a governance system on hazardous waste 11.2 Non-renewable sources Fossil fuels are non-renewable sources which comes from remains of organisms, compressed in oxygen free environment. Fossil fuels are being formed million years ago as product of photosynthesis with the aid of solar energy. Although photosynthesis is a natural process , formation of fossil fuels is slower than it is being used. It is being formed after dead plants are being decomposed by bacteria and fungi. It include petroleum, natural gas and coal. Petroleum or crude oil. It is considered as the largest source of commercial energy in the world. It is known as “light oil“ which comes form the ground as black colored liquid which is consist of hundreds of different combustible hydrocarbons along with small amounts of sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen impurities. Crude oil is being deposited within the earth’s crust or under the sea floor. In order to extract the oil, developers tend to drill wells in the deposit and is drawn out of rock pores, flows into the bottom of the well and is pumped into the surface. After it is being extracted, oil is not ready for use, it has to be transported to a refinery to be heated in a process known as refining. Some of the products of crude oil distillation are called petrochemicals such as gasoline, diesel fuel and furnace oils. It has been projected by geologists that crude oil will be depleted sometime in 2050 and 2100 depending on humans’ consumption rates. One of the major problem associated with crude oil is with regards to its transportation. Usually oil is being transported throughout the globe through supertankers and 4  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science sometimes results to leaks and spills. Oil spills result to water pollution just like what happened in Guimaras which resulted to death of phytoplankton, corals and fishes. Oil spills on land can contaminate the soil and underground water. Evaporation of oil products and incomplete combustion of oil fuels results to air pollution. Natural gas. It is a mixture of gases of which 50-90% is methane (CH4) and contains small amount of hydrocarbons such as propane and butane. Natural gas lies above most reservoirs of crude oil in the earth’s crust or in the deep sea. The extraction process to yield natural gas is similar to oil. When natural gas is being tapped, propane and butane gases are liquefied and removed as Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Natural gas when being burned produces carbon dioxide and water. Carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases which in high levels results to global warming. However, as compared to coal and oil, it produces less carbon dioxide. Accidents which may result to explosion or fire when being transported by ships or tankers is one of the common problem. Coal. It is a hard black mineral consisting mainly of carbon. It comes from remains of plants and animals that were buried million years ago. It is burned in power plants to generate about 40% of the world’s electricity. It is the world’s most abundant fossil fuel. There are two ways in which coal is being extracted: either through surface mining or underground mining. It is consisting of large percentage of carbon, small amounts of sulfur which upon combustion is being released as sulfur dioxide (SO 2) in the atmosphere. Burning of coal also releases particulates or soot. Coal burning power and industrial plants are major emitters of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2). Burning of coal also emits trace amount of toxic and indestructible mercury and radioactive materials in the air which contributes to acid rain and human health diseases. Mining as a method of extraction of coal results to several environmental problems such air, water, noise and land pollution. Large waste such as acid mine tailings are being disposed into bodies of water such as rivers and streams. Large amount of coal dusts is being released into the air and can cause health problems not only to the miners but also to other people when being inhaled. Many miners suffer from respiratory diseases or black lung diseases that results from accumulation of fine coal-dust particles in the lungs. Burning of coal also results to acid rain due to sulfur dioxide since coal as fossil fuel contains sulfur. Carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide that are being released into the air contributes to global warming. 5  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science Nuclear energy. It is considered to be one of the cheapest source of electricity. It involves changes in the nucleus of the atoms. Atoms are smallest component of non- living matter. An atom is composed of positively charged protons, negatively charged electrons , electrically neutral neutrons and a central region called the nucleus. There are two nuclear reactions which take place to release energy : these are fission and fusion. During fission, larger atoms of certain elements are split into two smaller atoms of different elements. During fusion, two smaller atoms are combined to make one larger atom of different element. The nuclear reactions produce smaller amounts of energy in the form of heat which is converted to electricity. The problem with nuclear energy are accidents at nuclear facilities, terrorist use of neuclear materials, safety concern among worker and public exposure to ratdiation and nuclear waste disposal. One of the accident occured on nuclear plant was the Chernobyl nuclear accident which happened in 1986. The nuclear power plant explode and it took 10 days to control the burning reactor. Several people were affected with radiation related diseases such as thyroid cancer and abnormalities among developing babies. In the Philippines, the Bataan Nuclear Power plant was completed at Morong Bataan but did not operate. 11.3 Renewable energy sources Solar Energy. Energy from the sun is an inexhaustible source of energy. Sun which is a star is composed of 72% of hydrogen and 28% of helium gases which upon nuclear fission will emit an enormous amount of energy known as electromagnetic radiation. Only 66% of its total emission is capable of reaching the earth’s surface, while the remaining 34% is being dissipated to space. Solar energy comes directly from the sun. Solar energy can be converted to electrical energy by photovoltaic (PV) cells, or commonly termed as solar cells. Usually solar cells are made up of thin silicon with trace amount of metals that allows them to act as semiconductors to generate electricity. When sunlight strikes the solar cells, electrons will be emitted and many cells that are wired together in a panel can produce electrical power. The cells can be connected to electrical grid systems or batteries that store the electrical energy until its usage. Solar cells produce no pollution or greenhouse gases when being used. However, solar panels are quite expensive. In the Philippines, there are solar power plants such as those located in Calatagan Batangas, Citicore Power in Cebu, and San Carlos Sun Power Plant in Negros Occidental. 6  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science Wind energy. Wind is produced by uneven heating of earth’s surface and earth’s rotation. Radiant energy from the sun is converted to mechanical energy which is the movement of air molecules. Wind turbines tend to capture the wind on land and at sea and convert into electrical energy. Since wind varies, so is the amount of electricity that is generated by each wind turbine. Usually wind turbines are installed on rural areas with continual wind scuh as coastal areas, islands, mountain passes or grasslands. Wind energy produce very low environmental impact, no emissions of waste and is a clean source of energy. It produces no emissions of carbondioxide (CO 2), ,sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NO2). It has low electricity cost and moderate capital cost. However, wind turbines can kill birds and bats, interfere with flights of migratory birds, and require large areas with steady winds. In the Philippines, there are several wind farms such as Burgos wind farm at Ilocos Norte and , Philippine Windfarm at Puerto Galera Mindoro at Pilila Rizal. Hydropower energy. Hydropower uses kinetic energy of flowing and falling water to produce electricity. The most common approach in utilizing hydropower is to build high dam across a large river or reservoir. The potential energy of held back by the dam is converted to kinetic energy as the water falls down as penstock where it turns turbines that generate electicity. Building of dam can cause flooding of large areas of land and destroy organisms such as plants and animals. Dams may also disrupt the the migration of spawning fishes. Waterborned diseases may also result from construction of dams. There are many hydropower electric plants in the Philippines which are located in various countrysides of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Examples are Ambuklao in Benguet,Angat in Bulacan,Pantabangan Hydropower in Nueva Ecija and Agus in Lanao Del Norte. Biomass energy. Biomass is consisting of plant materials and animal waste that can be burned directly as a solid fuel or converted into gaseous or liquid biofuels. Biomass may come from plant materials such as sawdust, wood chips or firewood, charchoal and animal waste such as dung. It is possible to convert biomass particularly animal waste into biogas. Biogas is usually composed of mixture of gases (mostly methane) which is stored and transported like a natural gas. Biogas may be used for lighting and cooking. Solid remains from a biogas digester may also be used as fertilizer. Biomass may also be converted to liquid fuels such as methanol and ethanol. Biodiesel is made from plant and animal oils which can be used as an alternative fuel for vehicles. Biodiesel is more clean upon combustion as compared to an ordinary diesel. Biomass reduce burning of fossil fuels that emit huge amount of carbondioxide in the atmosphere. However, it requires land, water and energy. Crop residues which comes from cornstalks, wheat stalks and wood waste from paper mlls and saw mills may turned 7  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science into waste materials which will eventually decompose. Another issue related to biomass is the loss of biodiversity. Whenever natural ecosystems are transformed into single- species energy plantatios, biodiversity is being reduced making exosystems more susceptible to disease or pest attacked. In the Philippines, there are several Biomass power stations such as Clean Green Energy corporation in Bataan, Green Power in Bukidnon, Asea One Power in Panay and Aseagas Corporation in Lian Batangas. Geothermal energy. The natural heat within the Earth’s core where continental plates slide over one another and from the decay of radioactive elements is the primary source of geothermal energy. The heat comes from the Earth’s core and from the decay of radioactive elements. Countries which are located around the Pacific plate or “Ring of Fire” shave high geothermal source. It is usually associated wth volcanoes containing large underground heat reservoirs. Geothermal energy is tapped by drilling wellls to obtain the steam which is then used to power electrical generators. As compared to combustion of fossil fuels as source of electricity, it emits small fraction of air pollutants. Its common disadvantage is with regards to the steam that contains hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) that has a rotten egg smell and is a source of air pollution. The minerals in the steam also corrode pipes and equipment and is toxic to fishes. Since 2017, De La Salle University –Dasmarinas and other La Salle Schools are using 60% Geothermal energy advocating for green energy. In the Philippines, there are several geothermal power plants such as Tiwi Geothermal plant in Albay,Makiling Banahaw Geothermal plant in Laguna, and Mindanao Geothermal in Mt. Apo Kidapawan Cotabato Tidal energy. Tides which refers to the daily rise and fall of the ocean levels are produced from gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. In coastal areas whith high tides contains enormous amounts of potential energy as compared to low tide. Since 11th century, Englishmen use tides to turn waterwheels producin mechanical power. The energy is usually being captured with a dam across a bay or a turbine and is converted to electricity. Despite that tidal energy is considered renewable source of energy, tidal power is expensive. Dams needed to generate electricity may have negative impacts on aquatic organisms. In the Philippines, the first ocean tidal power plant will set up in the San Bernardino Strait between Sorsosgon and Northern Samar where the Pacific enters the sea surrounding Visayan islands. 8  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science 11.4 Energy conservation Energy conservation is not a method of producing energy but rather reducing the need of additional energy and saving money. There are techniques and technologies at present which can reduce energy consumption. More efficient and less energy- intensive industry, automobiles, buildings and household practices can help in reducing energy consumption. There are energy efficiency appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and airconditioners which have yellow tags containing energy guide which consume less amount of electricity. http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Admin/Pages/ReducingEnergyUseWorkgroup.aspx Improved automobile efficiency, better mass transit and increased railroads are means of transport energy conservation. In industry and household, the use of compact fluorescents (CFLs) bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs as source of lightings conserves energy. CFL’s utilize four times less energy and last eight times longer than incandescent light bulbs. The compact fluorescent will be more expensive to buy it will use less electricity. The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act ( NAECA) set national efficiency standards for appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, washing machines and clothes dryers to save energy and money. In many countries, efficiency rating labels are 9  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science mandatory on most appliances. These are are also high quality products that last longer, needless repairing and generate less noise. The use of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, biofuel can reduce energy and cost , utilization , pollution and greenhouses gases as compared with non-renewable sources. 11.5 Renewable Energy Act (RA 9513) In order for our country the Philippines to promote the utilization of renewable sources of energy, the Republic Act 9513, known as Renewable Energy Act was enacted in December 16, 2008. The act aims to accelerate the exploration and utilization of renewable energy resources such as biomass, solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, ocean energy as well as hybrid systems. This is to reduce the country’s dependence on use of fossil fuels and to promote balance between economic growth and healthy environment. This act helps to address problems such an energy security and climate change. This act contains the following: Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) - All stakeholders in the electric power industry shall contribute to the growth of the renewable energy industry of the country Feed-In Tariff System - To accelerate the development of emerging renewable energy resources, a feed-in tariff system for electricity produced from wind, solar, ocean, run-of-river hydropower and biomass is hereby mandated. Green Energy Program – This program provides households the option to choose renewable resources as their sources of energy Net-metering for Renewable Energy – It is an incentive that allows excess power generated from renewable source to store energy in the electric grid and will be used to offset the end-user’s electricity consumption. It helps in generating savings on electricity bill and protects consumers from rising electricity prices. 11.6 What is envirotech? Envirotech or environmental technology refers to the application of environmental sciences in the development of new technologies which aim to monitor or reduce the harm humans regularly cause the environment while consuming its resources. Prominent examples of emerging envirotech include technologies such as alternative fuel vehicles, waste-to-energy conversion methods, and biotechnology producing genetically modified crops. 10  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) AFV refers to a vehicle that runs on a fuel other than conventional petroleum gas and diesel. Alternate fuels may include the following: electric, compressed air, hydrogen, propane, solar, biodiesel, ethanol, liquid natural gas and liquid petroleum. AFVs have either flex-fuel or dual fuel engine system. The former permits the vehicle to run on more than one type of fuel while the latter allows a combination of electric batteries and gasoline. AFVs have become increasingly popular over the past years as consumers and car manufacturers have become more concerned with energy conservation and the environmental effects of conventional fuels. Economy-wise, the flexibility of AFVs provides the vehicle owner a second option if one fuel is unavailable or has a sudden fuel price increase in the market. Can you name an AFV car model currently available in the country? What do you think is the general acceptance of AFV among vehicle buyers in relation to environmental protection? Waste-to-energy (WTE) Conversion Technologies WTE conversion technologies physically convert waste matter into more useful fuel forms that can be used to supply energy. Generally, these WTE processes include thermal conversions (e.g. incineration), thermochemical (e.g. pyrolysis, gasification), or biological (e.g. anaerobic digestion) treatments. Incineration is a thermal treatment technology utilizing combustion process that generally entails burning waste to boil water which powers steam generators that generate electric energy and heat. It employs the mass burn approach where wastes are burnt onsite as they are received thereby eliminating the need to process the material prior to burning. Gasification is a thermochemical treatment technology that converts solid wastes into a mixture of combustible gases. Steam or the oxygen in the air is reacted at high temperature with the available carbon in the waste material to produce gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane. The process produces a syngas (compound consisting of hydrogen and carbon monoxide) which is used for generating electric power. While the incineration converts the fuel waste into energy directly on-site, thermal gasification allows the production of a gaseous fuel that can be easily collected and transported. 11  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science Pyrolysis is a thermochemical treatment technology similar to gasification which involves the thermal degradation of organic waste in the absence of free oxygen to produce combustible gases such as syngas, and most recently cellulosic ethanol. A common byproduct of pyrolysis is a kind of fine-grained bio-charcoal called biochar, which retains most of the carbon and nutrients contained in biomass so it can be used as a soil enhancement to increase soil productivity. Anaerobic digestion is a form of biological treatment technology where organic material is treated, and the output biogas is rich in methane. The biogas can be cleaned and used, turned into heat and electricity, or used for methane. Anaerobic digestion deals with wet waste which normally may be difficult to dispose of. By far, incineration is still the most favored and popular WTE conversion technology being utilized in most countries, despite of its environmental degradation effect. Why do you think so? What about the environmental consequence of using other WTE conversion technologies? 11.7 Biotechnology and Genetically Modified (GM) crops Biotechnology is the use of biology to solve problems and make useful products. Genetic engineering is the direct manipulation of an organism’s genome using biotechnology. It is a set of technologies used to change the genetic makeup of cells, including the transfer of genes within and across species boundaries to produce improved or novel GM organisms. Plants, animals, and microorganisms have all been genetically modified by various transformation methods for several purposes with environmental, along with medicinal and agricultural applications. GM crops can provide environmental benefits related to the following: Reducing greenhouse gas emission - herbicide-resistant corn and soybeans can allow farmers to manage weeds without relying on the traditional method of tilling fields. Generally, less tillage results in fewer tractor-related greenhouse gas emissions. Protecting food supply - pest-resistant corn controls insect pest populations so effectively that neighboring fields may experience less pressure from corn borers. Depending plants from disease – viral resistant papaya, potatoes, or cassava prevent devastating pathogens and viruses from diseases. 12  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science Maintaining biodiversity - GM crops, paired with advanced breeding techniques, can help increase productivity without expanding the footprint of a farm. By helping reduce the need to expand farmland, GM crops can help preserve native habitat, thus maintain biodiversity of the area. A significant part of envirotech is environmental monitoring to assess the quality of the environment. It is in this respect that the use of innovative system such as the geographic information system becomes associated with environmental technology. In addition, the integration of more environmentally friendly systems into one's environment is also an emerging trend parallel to the idea of environmental technology. The next paragraphs will focus on geographic information system and greening the environment. 11.8 Geographic Information System (GIS) GIS is a computer system used for capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on earth's surface which is essential in environmental planning and management. Further, GIS supports activities in environmental assessment, monitoring, and mitigation and can also be used for generating environmental models. The cited usage of GIS can be credited to its functionality. For instance, GIS allows better viewing and understanding physical features and the relationships that influence in a given critical environmental condition. Factors, such as steepness of slopes, aspects, and vegetation, can be viewed and overlaid to determine various environmental parameters and impact analysis. It can also display and analyze aerial photographs. Digital information can be overlaid on photographs to provide environmental data analysts with more familiar views of landscapes and associated data. GIS can provide a quick, comparative view of hazards (highly prone areas) and risks (areas of high risk which may occur) and areas to be safeguarded. On completion of data analysis, GIS can help in effective planning and managing the environmental hazards and risks. In order to plan and monitor the environmental problems, the assessment of hazards and risks becomes the fbasis for planning decisions and for mitigation activities. 13  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science Today, many businesses around the world are aware that indeed, climate change is a problem that affects them too. Because of this, many decision-makers are doing everything they can to help in solving this problem. One of the things they are doing is the implementation of a number of sustainable and eco-friendly technologies or projects designed for greening their respective spaces. 11.9 Greening the Environment (GTE) GTE is the process of transforming living environments or a lifestyle into a more environmentally friendly form. The act of greening generally involves incorporating more environmentally friendly systems into one's environment, such as the home, work place, and general lifestyle. The process is also associated with the appropriate selection and planting of plants on, in, or next to residential communities, buildings and in public parks. The goal of GTE is usually a combination of environmental benefits and improving the visual design of surfaces. Going green (see text on the next page) or adapting GTE means to pursue knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles which can help protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations. 11.10 Associated issues Together with the environmental technologies previously mentioned, there are many new developments in science and technology that are bound to pose both benefits and risks to the environment and human health. Examples include hazardous wastes (see text box on the next page) which may come from nanotechnology application, GMOs utilization, threats to food safety, or even the growing market for biofuels. We can always expect that longstanding challenges persist, including the preservation of ecosystems and endangered species and questions about human health. Many more developments will emerge. To deal with them in a responsible way, we must continue to research and become aware of the relationship between human health and the environment and hold fair and democratic public deliberations, such as community forums, academic conferences, and legislative debates, involving participants with diverse cultural, socioeconomic, philosophic, and scientific perspectives 14  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science 11.11 KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Energy sources may be categorized into renewable and non -renewable energy. Renewable energy which can be replenished while non-renewable energy sources are those which requires several years to be replaced. 2. Non-renewables sources include fossil fuels such as petroleum or crude oil, coal and natural gas. Fossil fuels comes from remains of plants which are compressed in oxygen free environment. 3. Renewable sources of energy include solar energy, wind, hydropower, nuclear, geothermal, biomass and geothermal. Solar energy comes from the sun and is considered inexhaustible source of energy. 4. Envirotech or environmental technology is the application of the environmental science to conserve the natural environment and resources, and to curb the negative impacts of human involvement. Popular envirotechs AFVs, WTE conversion methods, and GM crops, including GIS and GTE. 5. Breakthroughs and new developments in science and technology are bound to pose both benefits and risks to the environment and human health. In this respect, it is very important that the use technology should be done in the smartest and most responsible manner. 6. Local and international agreements and laws are generally drafted to regulate the management of the environment and the possible conflict that may arise from anthropogenic activities. 15  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science 11.12 REFERENCES On-site Books: Ching, JA, Mercurio, AL, Torres, MS. Environmental Science: an Integrated approach. Siam Rein Publishing House. 2018 Miller TG and Spoolman SE. Environmental Science. Brooks/Cole. Cengage Learning. 2010 Miller TG and Spoolman SE. Living in the Environment. Brooks/Cole. Cengage Learning. 2015 Raven PH, Berg LR, Hassenzahl DM. Environment. John Wiley & Sons Inc. 2010. Online References: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2008/12/16/republic-act-no-9513/ https://www.doe.gov.ph/net-metering-home https://www.gdrc.org/techtran/envi-tech/index.html https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/technology/intro https://www.senecacollege.ca/programs/fulltime/EMT.html 16  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science 11.13 FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS Activity 1: How Much is My Energy Consumption? 1. Select five household appliances at your home. Look for the wattage label at the back or base of the appliance. This label lists the maximum amount of power the appliance utilizes. Wattage is usually the maximum power the device operates. 2. Multiply wattage by hours used each day. For example, if an electric fan requires 80 watts and runs for an average of 3 hours per day, then it may be computed as Fans daily watt-hour is equal to: (80 watts) X (4 hours/day) = 320 watt hours per day 3. Usually in electric bill, electricity consumption is in kilowatt. Convert watt to kilowatt by dividing the result by 1,000 since a kilowatt is equivalent to 1,000 watts. Example: 320 hours) ÷ 1,000 = 0.32 kilowatt hours per day 4. Compute the total number of kilowatts generated per month. To calculate your kWH per month, just multiply it by the number of days per month. 5. Multiply the cost of electricity per kWh. Your electricity bill lists the cost per kilowatt hour. Multiply this number by the kWh to find the amount you are expected to pay. 6. Compute for the total price per appliances if 1 kilowatt = P 9.50 7. Compute for your total bill using all those 5 appliances for a month. 8. Complete “My Electric Consumption Table” on the next page. 9. Which among those 5 appliances consumes the largest and least amount of electricity? ________________________________________________________________ 10. List down two activities in which you can conserve energy at home. ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ 17  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science My Electric Consumption Table Total watts Total kilowatts Total kilowatts Price per Type of appliance Wattage per hour per day per month appliance Total Activity 2 : Question and Answer Answer the following questions in relation to the content of the module: 1. Recent research findings have found that even algae could be a potential future alternative fuel source for AFVs. Research about this finding and give your personal comment in relation to environmental protection. ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ 18  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science 2. Propose measures on how to properly manage the technotrash the eco-friendly way. ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ 3. Dozens of new and innovative envirotech emerge every year which are ultimately connected by the desire to provide sustainable tools for our collective use. Briefly describe a specific envirotech related to the following: Water recycling technology __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Solar and wind investing technology __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 19  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science LED and smart lighting __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Pollution control devices __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 20  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science 11.13 SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT Part 1. Table Completion. Fill in the information needed in the table below (10 points) Energy resource Advantages Disadvantages Solar Geothermal Nuclear Hydropower Coal Part 2. Essay Questions. Answer each item as indicated (10 points). 1. Briefly describe how GIS can be applied in the following environmental activities, provide examples whenever necessary: natural reserves management ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ 21  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ air quality monitoring ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ oil-spill management ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ sewage treatment ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ 2. Identify an example of a technology-based product or process that poses negative human health impact as an associated issue. Explain briefly. ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ 22  BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Learning Modules in Environmental Science ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ 23