CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

What do we mean by Environment ????

Environment is what surrounds us !!

It is the sum total of all social, economical , biological , physical and

chemical factors which constitute the surroundings of humans, who
are both the creators and moulders of the environment.
Environment is of two types:

Natural Environment

Man - Made Environment

Components such as air, water, soil, land, forest, wildlife, flora ,
fauna, etc. constitute the Natural Environment

Alteration of the natural environment to serve specific uses by the

human beings is termed as Anthropogenic Environment. For eg
agricultural field is an anthropogenic environment and so are the
gardens and aquaculture farms.
Polling Question
Question:- Anthropogenic Environment and Man made environment are same
Answer:- 1) True
2) False
What does each type of environment comprise of ?

There are two main components of Environment

Biotic Components- Living components of the system such as microbes, plants,

animals and human beings.

• Autotrophs- or producers- green plants and bacterias

• Heterotrophs- or consumers- animals (herbivorous,
carnivorous, omnivorous), fungi and some bacteria.

Abiotic Components-
Non-living things eg. Air, water, soil, rocks
Biotic Components
Polling Question
Question:- Autotrophs and Heterotrophs both terms are similar.
Answer:- 1) True
2) False
Abiotic Components
Do the terms “Ecology” and “Environmental Studies” mean the
same ?

The two terms are used commonly but differ with respect to their
scope and objectives

Environmental Studies refers to the study of environment. There are

a number of programs under Environmental Studies
Multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies is a multidisciplinary subject that includes all

other disciplines such as humanities, commerce, metrology,
climatology, geography and other disciplines.
Environmental Studies
It is a broad interdisciplinary field of study which studies the
interaction of human beings with the environment.

Environmental Science
It is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physical and
biological sciences to address the environmental problems.

Environmental Engineering
It is the application of science and engineering principles to improve
the quality of environment to provide healthy living conditions.
Polling Question

The term environment refers to an aggregate of

A. Existence,
B. Growth
C. Welfare
D. All the above
2nd Lecture
Importance of “Environmental Studies”
To get basic knowledge of our surroundings.

To develop skills for identifying and solving environmental

problems in our surroundings.

To maintain ecological balance.

To educate people for their duties towards environmental

protection.

• World population is increasing at an alarming rate especially in

developing countries.

• The natural resources endowment in the earth is limited.

•The methods and techniques of exploiting natural resources are
advanced.

• The resources are over-exploited and there is no foresight of leaving the

resources to the future generations.

• The unplanned exploitation of natural resources lead to pollution of all

types and at all levels.

• The pollution and degraded environment seriously affect the health of

all living things on earth , including man.

• The people should take a combined responsibility for the deteriorating

environment and begin to take appropriate actions to space the earth.
• Education and training are needed to save the biodiversity and species
extinction.

• The urban area, coupled with industries, is major sources of pollution.

 Earth’s resources are dwindling and our environment is being
increasingly degraded by human activities and hence
something needs to be done.

 Government alone cannot perform all the clean-up functions.

 Individual/group efforts in their own every possible way has

to be made to protect our environment.

 Mass public awareness: newspapers, radio, television strongly

influences public opinion on conserving our environment.
 Environmental education
 Through media
 Through organizing seminars & conferences
 Entertainment
 Science centers
 Involvement of youth
 Through print, broadcast and internet
 Natural resource conservation
 Environmental pollution control
 Environmental management
 Industry
 Research and development
 Social development
 Environmental journalism
 Environmentalist
 Green advocacy
 Green marketing
Related Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvXrL5shxO4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G3eXI_DPn8
 1. The term environment refers to an aggregate of
C Qs Existence,
M
Growth
Welfare
All the above
 
2. Biotic components DONOT include
Air
Plants
Animals
Human beings
 
3. Producers DONOT include
Lions
Ferns
Evergreen trees
Fir trees
 
4. Environmental problems are not confined to one component because of
Constant mass and energy transfer between components
Ocean currents
Soil formation
Animal migrations
 
5. Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies refers to the
Many different disciplines that affect the environment
All components are affected by each other
All animals affect each other
Animals and plants affect each other
 Sustainable development can be defined as “meeting the
needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs.”

 Sustainable development is the effective use of resource for

economic development while preserving the environment and
ecosystem so that not only the needs of presents are fulfilled
but also for the future generations.

 Sustainable development also interlinks the development and

carrying capacity of environment and ecosystem.

 economic development that is conducted without depletion of

natural resources.
 Using appropriate technology
 3-R Approach (reduce, reuse, and recycling)
 Promoting environmental education
awareness
 Population stabilization
 Conservation of nonrenewable resources
 Usage of renewable resources
The following four rules can be defined as the key mantras of sustainability.
These four rules are
 Reduce our dependency on heavy metals and fossil fuels such as coal,
oil and natural gas.

 Reduce our dependency on synthetic chemicals.

 Reduce our destruction of nature - includes clearing of forest and

natural habitats for human needs.

 Ensure that we don’t stop people from meeting their needs in order to
achieve environmental sustainability. We must maintain a balance
between environmental and economic sustainability.
 Place more emphasis on pollution prevention and waste reduction.

 Recycle and reuse as many waste products and resources possible.

 Make more goods that last longer and easy to use, recycle and repair.

 Depend on renewable source of energy, sun wind, biomass, flowing water, geo

thermal and tidal.

 Use potentially renewable resources such as wastes, soil, plants, animals no faster

than they are renewed.

 Earth Degrading activities should be discouraged

 Reduce poverty and rate of population growth

 Disagreement between stakeholders: each stakeholder has
different priorities and hence it is extremely difficult for all to agree upon
common goal of sustainable development.

 Consumption and lifestyle

 Arguments over cause and responsibility
NATURAL RESOURCES AND THEIR CONSERVATION
Natural Resources

Natural resources are the substances which are inherent

to earth and obtained from nature and utilized to create
products and services which are useful for human
beings. Forests, water, air, soil , etc. are natural
resources.
Renewable and Non Renewable Natural Resources

The resources that can be harvested continuously with

proper planning and management are called renewable
resources. Example: plants, animals, solar energy , wind
energy, etc.

Non Renewable resources are natural resources which are

limited in supply and cannot be replenished by natural
means. Once exhausted, they have very little chance of
recovery or resynthesis. Coal, minerals, petroleum, etc. are
Non Renewable resources.
 Chief Natural Resources
Forests Resources

Water Resources

Land Resources

Mineral Resources

Energy Resources

Food Resources
 Environmental Science and Sustainability 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEFwaQej_0E
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnYHFRq7-5s
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvP7474y8Jw
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk5ELLPsD80
 1. studies helps in maintaining

Q s a. Ecological balance

MC
b. Protect biodiversity
c. Achieve sustainable development
d. All the above
  
2. Environment impact assessment is important for
a. Industries and government bodies
b. Plants and animals
c. Forest fires
d. Predicting disasters

3. Sustainable development looks to balance

a. Competing social needs
b. Social awareness
c. Conservations
d. Environmental awareness
  
4. Sustainable development DOES NOT involve
a. Effective population control
b. Following the reduce, reuse, and recycling approach
c. Promoting environmental awareness through education
d. Consideration of one driving need
  
◦ 5. One of the main problems in sustainable developments are
a. Arguments over cause and responsibility
b. Technical knowledge and understanding
c. Finances
d. Innovation
Land resources
‘The solid portion of the earth’s surface’.

The science dealing with land is known as pedology .

 Soil horizons are the layers in a soil profile used to classify soil
types.
 Horizons based on color, texture, roots, structure, rock
fragments, and any unique characteristic worth noting.
 Master Soil Horizons are depicted by a capital letter in the order
(from top down): O, A, E, B, C, and R
 Role in nutrient cycles
 In agriculture
 Regulate the water
 Regulate the emissions of gases
 Degrade pollutants and filter ground water
 Producing clay
 Provide the structural material as brick,

cement etc…
 Sequester carbon as organic matter.
Land Degradation

The fertility of land supports the growth and

productivity of natural vegetation and agricultural
crops. A number of natural and man-made factors
lower the quality of land. This is commonly
referred to as land degradation.
Causes of land degradation

Natural factors
•Heavy rains
•High speed wind and storms
•Natural disasters like earthquakes ,floods, prolonged
drought, etc.
•Overgrazing, soil erosion ,etc..

Anthropogenic factors
•Mining.
•Urbanization
•The indiscriminate and uncontrolled removal of trees
•Excess use of fertilizers
•industrial discharges
Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is removal of top soil from its resting place

by various physical agencies like wind and water. It can
be defined as “the detachment and transport of the
fertile layer of soil by water or air.” It is also known as
the creeping death of land.
Causes of Soil Erosion

Large scale deforestation

Floods

Overgrazing

Large Violent Winds

Improper agricultural techniques

 Effects:
 Decrease in productivity of land
 Desertification of land
 Deposition of soil in water bodies
 Reduction of agricultural land at the banks of river

 Methods to control:
 Stubble mulching and reduce tillage in mild
sloped areas.
 Contour bunding, Vegetative bunds and
contour cultivation in gentle sloped areas.
 Methods to control Soil Erosion

Contour bunding
Strip cropping

Construction of small check dams

Afforestation Terracing

A desert is a barren area of land where little precipitation
occurs and consequently living conditions are hostile for
plant and animal life.

Causes of desertification:

 Natural factors
• very low rainfall
• Excessive evaporation
• High salinity of soils

Anthropogenic Factors
• excessive use of fertilizers
• Excessive plugging
• Overgrazing
• Over irrigation
• deforestation
Effects
 Rapid soil erosion
 Poor soil quality
 Low water table.

Controls
 Promoting plantation
 Changing agriculture practices
Importance of forests
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdeBW_Z-6ug
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4osIBchx7k

Desertification: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRJBuM7qjQ0

Deforestation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VgybjZOLnc
Causes and impacts due to mining: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0S8iayJDhQ

Soil profile https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zigo6T7fZ88

 Q s 1. The importance of land is because it gives us
MC a. Food
b. Mineral deposits
c. Shelter
d. All the above
 
2. Soil profile is a vertical cross section
a. From surface down to the parent rock
b. The plants species present in the soil
c. The animal species present in an area
d. Water bodies present in a park
 
3. The main layers/horizons for the soil profile are
a. Top soil, Subsoil and Parent material
b. Subsoil and parent material
c. Subsoil and bed rock
d. Parent material and bed rock
 
4. Land degradation affects the quality of land by
a. Lowering its fertility
b. Increasing its fertility
c. Replacing the soil
d. None of the above
 
5. Soil erosion can be caused by
a. Heavy floods in rivers
b. Overgrazing by cattle
c. Dry violent winds
d. All the above
Forest Resources

A forest , a biotic community with

predominance of trees is an
important Renewable natural
resource.
Benefits of Forests
Protective Function
Forest Provide protection against Soil erosion, Droughts,
floods, noise, radiations

Productive Function
Forest Provide various products like, gum resins, medicines,
Katha, honey, pulp, bamboo, timber, and fruits

Regulative Function
The Forest regulates the level of Oxygen and carbon dioxide
in atmosphere. The forests also help in regulating
temperature conditions

Accessory Function
Forest provides aesthetics, habitat to various flora and
Uses of Forest Resources

Direct Uses

Indirect Uses
Over-Exploitation of Forest:

Deforestation
Deforestation is removal or reduction in forest cover.

Causes:

•Encroachment of forest land for agricultural purposes

•Expansion of cities.
•Construction of dams, canals and highways
•Establishment of industrial areas
•Demand for firewood
•Mining
•Shifting Cultivation
•Forest Fires
Effects of Deforestation

Large scale of destruction of forests leads to a number of

adverse environmental effects.

•Loss of natural habitat of wild animals and plants

•Increased intensity and frequency of natural disasters
•Land Degradation
•Loss of forest products
•Change in climatic conditions
•Siltation of rivers and canals
•Loss of revenue
•Change in water cycle and reduced rainfall
•Increase socio economic problems
Control of Deforestation

•Mining activities should be prohibited

•Bane on cutting of trees
•Environmental laws and legal provisions should be
strictly enforced
•Public awareness regarding medicinal, economical
environmental importance of forest
• Life began with water and it is the basic component of
every living cell.
•Two kinds of water: Salt water and fresh water
•Water moves through different biotic and abiotic
components of the earth in a water cycle known as
hydrological cycle.
•Also classified as hard water and soft water.
•Hard water consists Ca and Mg salts and is unsuitable
for bathing, drinking, washing and cooking.
•Major requirement for agriculture.
•Use in industries for cooling purposes.
•Provides habitat to aquatic animals.
Related links

Importance of forests

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdeBW_Z-6ug
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4osIBchx7k

Deforestation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VgybjZOLnc

Causes and impacts due to mining

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0S8iayJDhQ

Control.

http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-sustainable-forest-management
-definition-and-examples.html

Sustainable Forest Management

http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-sustainable-forest-management
-definition-and-examples.html
 Q s
MC
1. Conversion of bare or cultivated land into forest
(a)Deforestation (b) Afforestation (c) Farming (d) Soil erosion

2. Causes of Desertification are

(a)Continuous cutting of trees (b) Excessive evaporation (c) Overgrazing (d)All
of these

3. Deforestation is caused due to

(a)Soil formation (b) Plantation of trees (c) construction of roads (d) Rainfall

4. Which of the following is indirect function of Forests?

(a) Timber (b) Edible products (c) Medicinal plants (d) Regulating O2 in
atmosphere

5. Which of the following is responsible for desertification?

(a) Deforestation (b) Overgrazing (c) Mining (d) All of these
Water Resources
SOURCES OF WATER- Most important source of
water is rainfall.
Only 3 % of total reserved water is fresh which is also locked up
in polar ice caps.
Only 0.003 % is available to us as ground water and surface
water.

Ground water-
Most usable groundwater occurs upto a depth of 750 m.

Surface water-
After precipitation, the amount of water that does not
percolate down into the ground or does not return to the
atmosphere as evaporation or transpiration and enters the
rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, wetland etc constitutes the
surface water.
Water Calamities: Floods and
Droughts
Floods

Floods refer to the presence of unusually large

amount of water at any place or more water that
can be handled by the drainage of the area. The
various types of floods are

Flash Floods

River floods
Drought

A drought is a condition in which a region suffers from

a severe scarcity in its water availability.

The various kinds of drought are

Meteorological Drought- When actual rainfall in an area is

significantly less than climatological mean of that area. Country as a
whole may have normal monsoon but different meteorological districts
and subdivisions can have below normal rainfall. Eg Jaiselmer in INDIA
Hydrological Drought- When there is running down of surface
water leading to very low stream flow and drying of lakes , rivers and
reservoirs
Agricultural Drought- When there is inadequate soil moisture
resulting in acute crop stress and fall in agriculture productivity.
Water conflicts

More than 200 water bodies are shared by two or more countries.

Hotspots:

Nile Water Conflict: Egypt vs. Ethiopia, Brahmaputra Water Conflict:

China, India, Bangladesh etc.

Inter-state disputes (e.g., Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over Caveri water)

Industries vs. Communities (.........Coca-Cola Beaverage company in Kerala.......

Related links

Importance of water: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxqbpPWTl6A

Water cycle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al-do-HGuIk

https://pmm.nasa.gov/education/videos/water-cycle-animation

Sources of water : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4WBbSv_N7U

1.Use of surface and groundwater: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lK_fs3p7yc

2. Over-exploitation of surface and ground water:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1gsyhuHGgc

3. Floods
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPdT-osZNkE
http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-are-floods-causes-types-prevention.html

4. Droughts
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/101-videos/droughts?source=relatedvideo

5. Conflicts over water

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v8MEaejTok
 C Qs 1. Water resources are important because
M a. Water forms a large part of all living creatures
b. It is essential for agriculture
c. It is essential for all life
d. All the above

2. Where does the energy that powers the water cycle come from?
a. Plants
b. Animals
c. Electrical outlets
d. The sun
 
3. Most of the Earth's water is in this form.
a. Salt water
b. Ice
c. Rivers
d. Fresh water
 
4. All of the following are adverse consequences of groundwater overuse EXCEPT:
a. Increased agricultural production.
b. Reduced stream and spring flow.
c. Saltwater intrusion.
d. Increased Subsidence

5. The main reserve of fresh water on earth surface is

(a) Sea (b) Polar ice caps and glaciers (c) Lakes (d) Rivers
Effects of Over Utilization of Ground water
Reduced surface water flow
Sharp decline in water table
Loss of vegetation and wildlife habitat.
Salinity problems.
Ground subsidence.
Energy Resources

All living creatures on the earth, either it is a plant, an

animal or a microbe need energy to perform their vital
functions. The earth is a vast storehouse of energy. The
fossil fuels beneath its surface, the wind and water on
its surface, the plants growing on it, the sunlight falling
upon it, these are all sources of energy.
Use of alternative energy resources
 Alternative Energy Sources
90% of the energy used today is in the form of fossil
fuels.

Forms of energy OTHER than fossil fuels are termed

“alternative” energy sources.
Alternative energy sources can be divided into
two main categories.

1) Non-renewable energy sources

-nuclear power
-geothermal power
Geothermal Energy: heat energy from the Earth

-the conversion of natural heat from the Earth’s

interior to heat buildings and generate electricity.

-considered a non-renewable source when

extraction rates are greater than supply.
High vs. Low temp Geothermal
Low Temp: Use of groundwater, Which is 55 F year round.

Deep wells (over 100 feet) are dug, and groundwater is used as a heat source in
winter, and as a coolant in summer.

Initial costs are higher, but cost to run is much lower, and uses little fuel.
Outlook: excellent, low temp geothermal is becoming much cheaper to install, and the
technology is already in place for it to become successful.

High Temp. Geothermal: using hot water from the Earth as an energy source.

-uses water heated from features such as geysers and

volcanoes
2) Renewable Energy Sources
-Solar power
-Wind power
-Hydropower
-Ocean currents/tidal
-Biomass energy
 Solar Energy
The amount of incoming solar energy is immense.

-in 10 weeks, the amount of incoming solar energy

would equal the energy of all known fossil fuel
reserves.

-Distribution is variable, due to climate,location on

Earth, etc…
-Active solar collection requires energy to run pumps for circulation of water or air, or to
move collectors orientation to follow the sun.

-water/air filled solar panels, with pumps

to move heat to where it is needed .

-The Luz Solar Electric generation system uses heated oil to generate
steam, which then generates electricity in a turbine. Located in the
Mojave Desert, U.S.
 Water Power: Hydro-power is a good
alternative energy source, because
it is essentially unlimited.
-Direct hydro-power: using moving
water to turn machinery, such as a mill.
-Hydro-electric power: using the power
of water to turn an electric generator,
such as in a dam.
 Hydroelectric Power Generation
Power is generated
by harnessing the
energy of falling
water.

The greater the

difference in water
level, the more
energy
Outlook for Hydropower: The outlook
is generally good for hydro-power,
although there are a few drawbacks.

Dams prevent the migration of fish,

and also prevent the natural flows of
rivers, causing sedimentation behind
the dam.
 Water Flow

Water level

New level of Sediment

Dam

Original Level of Sediment

 Tidal/Current Power: generation of
electricity from movement of ocean
tides or currents.
Rising tides are trapped behind a dam,
then released to turn a generator.
Also some work on ocean buoys that
harness the movement of water to
generate electricity.
 Outlook: Generally good, but tidal
energy can only be used in areas
where tides are of sufficient height
to warrant an electrical station.
High costs may be associated.
Offshore buoys would need electrical
transmission lines along the ocean
floor.
Wind Power: generation of electricity
using wind to turn turbines.
Free energy, but needs to be in an
area that has constant winds with
enough velocity to warrant placing
windmills.
Best used in particular sites with a
good steady supply of wind.
 Outlook: Wind power will continue to
grow, but in limited areas. Some
disadvantages and concerns exist.
Windmills kill birds, and interfere with
migratory patterns.
Large windmill farms take up large
areas of land.
Windmills also produce noise, which
may be objectionable.
Biomass Energy: energy from organic
matter.
Probably the first source of energy for
man, this energy is renewable and
abundant.
Already in use in many places, such as
sugar plantations and saw mills.
Also includes the burning of urban
waste, in “trash to steam” plants.
 Outlook: Biomass fuel will continue
to be a large part of the alternative
energy picture. However:
Environmental degradation can and will
occur if the biomass is not harvested in
a renewable manner.
Burning biomass causes pollution,
especially air pollution, and leaves ash
behind. The ash can be very toxic.
The Future of Alternative Energy

Alternative energy sources will play larger roles in the future, but
each needs to be utilized in a manner which damages the
environment as little as possible.

Energy sources will need to be mixed, to use them to their

maximum potential.
 Energy recovery

 Reduced coal fired power plants

 Reduced airborne particles, Nox and CO2
 Improved air quality
 Slow climate change
 Longer availability of crude oil
 Reduction of waste volume by up to 90%
 Lower fuel bills on transport
 Energy requirements in urban area is many folds higher
than in rural areas

 Industries, institutions, transportation etc.

 High standard of living in urban areas

 demands more amount of energy.

Hence for the sustainable development to solve the energy

related problems
Solar energy devices and systems.
Energy recovery from urban and industrial waste.
Biomass energy and co-generation in industry
Renewable Energy Source
http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-renewable-energy-source-definition example-quiz.html
 
Non renewable energy sources
http://study.com/academy/lesson/renewable-non-renewable-resources-definition-differences.html

Use of alternate energy sources

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/alternative-energy?source=relatedvideo

Case studies: indias-rising-energy-needs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP0MuoYnMl0

Case Studies in Municipal Energy Conservation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da6DhVAeN9sJK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auBFn-u9b6A

Energy recovery.
http://www.energyrecovery.com/resource/2204/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEm6Dn47Z9c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPiT1AL4yZQ

 
 Q s 1. Which of the following is a nonrenewable energy resource?
a. Solar

MC b. Methane
c. Hydroelectric
d. Coal
  
2. Nuclear energy is derived from the
a. Combustion of atoms of U 235
b. Fission of atoms of U 235
c. Fusion of atoms of U 235
d. The burning of biomass
  
3. Limitations of alternative energy sources include
a. High installation costs
b. Unavailability of renewable sources of energy
c. Non-requirement of maintenance
d. Lowered dependence on fossil fuel
  
4. Which of the following energy sources does not produce carbon dioxide?
a. oil
b. Uranium
c. Coal
d. Natural gas
  
5. The benefits of energy recovery DO NOT include:
a. Longer availability of crude oil
b. Decrease in e waste
c. Reduced number of coal fired power plants
d. Extract energy from trash

