Environmental Studies · 2021. 1. 13. · 4 Soil Pollution 13-18 5 Noise Pollution 19-20 6...

Page 1 of 31 Environmental studies

Prepared and Written by :- Suman Kumari Deptt. App. Science

Environmental

Studies

Prepared and written

By

Suman Kumari (Department Applied Science)

BKN Govt. Polytechnic, Narnaul (Hr.)

Email- [email protected]

For 1st year Diploma students common to all

branches



Sr. No. Title Page No.

1 Introduction of environment 3-5

2 Air Pollution 6-7

3 Water Pollution 8-12

4 Soil Pollution 13-18

5 Noise Pollution 19-20

6 Environmental Legislation 21-27

7 Impact of Energy usage on Environment 28-31



Unit-1 Introduction of environment

Environment:-

The sum total of all surroundings of a living organism, including natural

forces and other living things, which provide conditions for development and

growth as well as of danger and damage.

Environment science:-

The scientific study of basic components of our surroundings and their

interactions.

Environmental education:-

Educating people about environment and its problems is called environmental

education.

Ecology:-

The term ecology was coined by Earnst Haeckel in 1969

Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with one another and with their

physical environment.

The distribution and abundance of organisms on Earth is shaped by both biotic

(living-organism) related and abiotic ( nonliving ) or physical factors.

Ecosystem:-

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms in conjunction with the

nonliving components of their environment, interacting as a system. These

biotic and abiotic components are linked together through nutrient cycles and

energy flows.

Abiotic component or non living component :-



Abiotic components:-

Include physical conditions and non-living resources that

affect living organisms in terms of growth, maintenance, and reproduction.

Physical component:-

Light, air, soil, and nutrients, etc. form the abiotic components of an ecosystem.

Chemical component:-

The inorganic components of an ecosystem are carbon dioxide, water, nitrogen,

calcium, phosphate.

Biotic component or living component:-

Biotic components, or biotic factors, can be described as any living

component that affects another organism or shapes the ecosystem. This includes

both animals that consume other organisms within their ecosystem, and the

organism that is being consumed.These groups are producers or autotrophs,

consumers or heterotrophs, and decomposers or detritivores.

Importance of ecosystem:-

Ecosystem services are the benefits to people from nature.

These benefits include food, water purification, carbon sequestration, soil

stabilization, recreation, cultural values, among others.

Sustainable development:-

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present

without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Using recycled materials or renewable resources when building is an example

of sustainable development.

To obtain sustainable development, the flowing strategies be observed.

1. Control the population growth.

2. Reduce the wastage matter and energy resources.

3. Conserve natural resource eg. Water, soil, forest etc.

4. Emphasis on pollution prevention and waste reduction.



5. Make things that last longer and can be easily reused, recycled and

repaired.

Renewable resource:-

A renewable resource is one that can be used repeatedly and does not run out

because it is naturally replaced. A renewable resource, essentially, has an

endless supply such as solar energy, wind energy, and geothermal pressure.

Non Renewable resource:-

A non-renewable resource is a natural resource that cannot be readily replaced

by natural means at a quick enough pace to keep up with consumption. An

example is carbon-based fossil fuel.

Advantage of renewable source of energy:-

1. Renewable energy won't run out.

2. Maintenance requirements are lower.

3. Renewable save money.

4. Renewable energy has numerous health and environmental benefits.

5. Renewable lower reliance on foreign energy sources.

6. Higher upfront cost.

Disadvantage of renewable source of energy:-

Higher upfront cost While you can save money by using renewable energy, the

technologies are typically more expensive upfront than traditional energy

generators.

Intermittency.

Storage capabilities.

Geographic limitations.



Unit-2 Air pollution

Air pollution:-

Air pollution refers to any physical, chemical or biological change in

the air. It is the contamination of air by harmful gases, dust and smoke

which affects the plants, animals, and humans drastically.

Example of pollutants:-

Soot, smoke, mold, pollen, methane, and carbon dioxide are a just few

examples of common pollutants.

Sources of air pollution:-

There are four main types of air pollution sources:

mobile sources – such as cars, buses, planes, trucks, and trains

stationary sources – such as power plants, oil refineries, industrial

facilities, and factories

area sources – such as agricultural areas, cities, and wood burning

fireplaces

natural sources – such as wind-blown dust, wildfires, and

volcanoes

Effect of air pollution:-

Effect on human health:- The immediate effects of air pollution are hard

to ignore. Watery eyes, coughing and difficulty breathing are acute and

common reactions. Children who breathe in higher levels

of pollutants also face a greater risk of short-term respiratory infections

and lung damage.

Effect on plants:- Air pollutants cause damage to leaf cuticles and

affect stomata conductance. They can also have direct effects on

photosynthetic systems, leaf longevity, and patterns of carbon allocation

within plants.

Effect on animal health:-



Air pollutants can poison wildlife through the disruption of endocrine

function, organ injury, increased vulnerability to stresses and diseases,

lower reproductive success, and possible death.

Economic effects of air pollution:-

The market impacts of outdoor air pollution, which include impacts on

labour productivity, health expenditures and agricultural crop yields, are

projected to lead to global economic costs that gradually increase to 1%

of global GDP.

Control of air pollution:-

o Riding a bike or walking instead of driving.

o Taking a bus or carpooling.

o Buying a car that has greater fuel efficiency.

o Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use.

o Using energy efficient light bulbs and appliances.

o Buying fewer things that are manufactured using fossil fuels.

o The technologies for several sources of alternative energy, including solar

and wind, are still being developed.

o Solar and wind are still expensive relative to using fossil fuels. The

technology needs to advance so that the price falls.

o Breaking down pollutants before they are released into the atmosphere.

Motor vehicles emit less pollution than they once did because of catalytic

converters. (Catalytic converters contain a catalyst that speeds up

chemical reactions and breaks down nitrous oxides, carbon monoxide,

and VOCs.

o Making a vehicle more fuel efficient. Lighter more streamlined

vehicles need less energy. Hybrid vehicles have an electric motor

and a rechargeable battery.

o Pollutants are removed from the exhaust streams of power plants

and industrial plants before they enter the atmosphere.



Unit -3 Water pollution

Water pollution:-

The addition of harmful chemicals to natural water. Sources of water

pollution in the United States include industrial waste, run-off from fields

treated with chemical fertilizers, and run-off from areas that have been mined.

Impurities in water:-

The types of impurities in water can include dust, dirt, harmful chemicals,

biological contaminants, radiological contaminants, and total suspended solids

(TSS).

Source of water pollution:-

There are many causes for water pollution but two general categories exist:

direct and indirect contaminant sources. Direct sources include effluent outfalls

from factories, refineries, and waste treatment plants etc. that emit fluids of

varying quality directly into urban water supplies.

This section gives information about the most significant sources of water

pollution.

o Sewage (Waste Water) is another name for waste water from domestic

and industrial processes.

o Agricultural Pollution.

o Oil Pollution.

o Radioactive Substances.

o River dumping.

o Marine Dumping.

Effects of water pollution on human health:-

Some of these water-borne diseases are Typhoid, Cholera, Paratyphoid Fever,

Dysentery, Jaundice, Amoebiasis and Malaria. Chemicals in the water also have

negative effects on our health. Pesticides – can damage the nervous system and

cause cancer because of the carbonates and organophosphates that they contain.

Toxins in industrial waste are the major cause of immune suppression,

reproductive failure and acute poisoning. Infectious diseases, like cholera,



typhoid fever and other diseases gastroenteritis, diarrhea, vomiting, skin and

kidney problem are spreading through polluted water. Insecticides like DDT

concentration is increasing along the food chain. These insecticides are harmful

for humans.

Some important terms:-

Dissolved oxygen ( D.O):- Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a measure of how

much oxygen is dissolved in the water - the amount of oxygen available

to living aquatic organisms. The amount of dissolved oxygen in a stream

or lake can tell us a lot about its water quality.

Biochemical oxygen demand( B.O.D):- Biochemical oxygen

demand (BOD) represents the amount of oxygen consumed by bacteria

and other microorganisms while they decompose organic matter under

aerobic (oxygen is present) conditions at a specified temperature.

Chemical oxygen demand (C.O.D):- The COD is the amount

of oxygen consumed to chemically oxidize organic water contaminants to

inorganic end products.

Water treatment: - Water treatment is any process that improves the

quality of water to make it appropriate for a specific end-use. The end use

may be drinking, industrial water supply, irrigation, river flow

maintenance, water recreation or many other uses, including being safely

returned to the environment.

The main objectives of water treatment

To reduce the strength of sewage to the extent 30% to 50%.

To remove settleable solids by 80% to 90%.

To reduce BOD by 30% to 35%.

To make the sewage fit for further treatment process.

The various water treatment processes: - The processes involved in removing

the contaminants include physical processes such as settling and filtration,

chemical processes such as disinfection and coagulation, and

biological processes such as slow sand filtration.

Sewage treatment: - Sewage treatment is the process of removing

contaminants from municipal wastewater, containing mainly household sewage



plus some industrial wastewater. Physical, chemical, and biological processes

are used to remove contaminants and produce treated wastewater that is safe

enough for release into the environment.

Classification of sewage treatment: - (1) primary sewage treatment (2)

Secondary sewage treatment

Primary treatment removes material that will either float or readily

settle out by gravity. It includes the physical processes of screening,

combination, grit removal, and sedimentation.

Primary sewage treatment diagram



Secondary sewage treatment processes use microorganisms to

biologically remove contaminants from wastewater.

Secondary sewage treatment diagram

Standards of water quality: - Physical properties of water quality

include temperature and turbidity. Chemical characteristics involve parameters



such as pH and dissolved oxygen. Biological indicators of water quality include

algae and phytoplankton.



Unit -4 Soil pollution

Soil pollution: - Contamination of soil by considerable quantity of chemicals or

other substances results in the reduction of its fertility with respect to qualitative

and quantitative yield of crops.

Sources of soil pollution

1. Industrial waste:- Disposal of Industrial waste is the important source of

soil pollution. Industrial pollutants are mainly discharged from chemical

industries, textile mills, Steel industries, pulp and paper mills oil

refineries, petroleum industries etc.

2. Agricultural waste: - Agricultural waste are the common pollutant of

soil pollution. Fertilizers, Pesticides, insecticides, weedicides etc. Cause

soil pollution and adversely affect the physical, chemical and biological

properties of soil.

3. Urban waste: - Urban waste consist of both commercial as well as

domestic waste which include plastics, glass. metallic can, fibers , paper,

leaves etc. and contribute to soil pollution.

4. Radioactive materials: - Radioactive materials resulting from explosion

in nuclear devices penetrate into the soil. Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which

were bombarded in second world war, are good example of radioactive

soil pollution.

5. Biological Agents: - Other important soil pollutant are Biological Agents

which include biological organisms from human and animal excreta.

Solid waste:-

Solid waste includes garbage, construction debris, commercial refuse, sludge

from water supply or waste treatment plants, or air pollution control facilities,

and other discarded materials. Solid waste can come from industrial,

commercial, mining, or agricultural operations, and from household and

community activities.

Classification of solid waste:-



Solid waste may be classified on the following basis:

1. Types of waste

A. Bio-degradable solid waste

B. Non biodegradable solid waste

2. Sources of waste

A. Municipal solid waste

B. Industrial solid waste

C. Bio-medical solid waste

A. Bio-degradable solid waste:- Biodegradable materials are those, which

degrade or break down in a natural manner. Example: - fruits, vegetables,

flowers, plants, animals, water, paper and more are examples of biodegradable

waste.

B. Non biodegradable solid waste:- Non biodegradable materials are those

which can not be degraded by natural processes into usable forms. Example-

Glass, Metals like aluminium, copper, zinc, iron, Electronic devices, computer

parts, batteries, Medical waste, Plastic bags, plastic bottles etc.

2. Sources of waste:-

A. Municipal solid waste:-- Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)—more commonly

known as trash or garbage—consists of everyday items we use and then throw

away, such as product packaging, grass clippings, furniture, clothing, bottles,

food scraps, newspapers, appliances, paint, and batteries.

B. Industrial solid waste:- Industrial waste is the waste produced

by industrial activity which includes any material that is rendered useless during

a manufacturing process such as that of factories, industries, mills, and mining

operations. Industrial waste may be solid, liquid or gaseous. It may be

hazardous or non-hazardous waste.

C. Bio-medical solid waste: - Biomedical waste is defined as any waste, which

is generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunisation of human beings

or animals.



Effects of solid waste:-

1. It causes various diseases in human as bacillary dysentery, diarrhea

and amoebic dysentery, plague, salmonellosis, trichinosis, endemic

typhus, cholera, jaundice, hepatitis, gastro enteric diseases etc.

2. An inefficient municipal solid waste management system may

create serious negative environmental impacts like infectious

diseases, land and water pollution, obstruction of drains and loss of

biodiversity.

3. Soil, water and air pollution can all be a result of improper waste

disposal and occurs when either of them becomes contaminated

with hazardous materials.

4. Leachate produced as waste decomposes may cause pollution.

Badly-managed landfill sites may attract vermin or cause litter.

E-Waste:-

Electronic waste or e-waste describes discarded electrical or electronic devices.

Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines are common

electronic products. E-waste is electronic products that are unwanted, not

working, and nearing or at the end of their “useful life.” Computers, televisions,

VCRs, stereos, copier etc.

Effect s of E-waste on human health:-

o E-waste Negatively Impacts the Soil As e-waste breaks

down, it releases toxic heavy metals. Such heavy metals

include lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Thus, these toxins can

enter the human food supply, which can lead to birth defects

as well as a number of other health complications.

o E-waste contains toxic chemical elements like lithium,

mercury, lead, etc. which can leak into the environment



o E-waste to adverse effects on human health, such as

inflammation and oxidative stress

Methods of solid waste disposal:-

1. Landfilling:- A landfill site, also known as a tip, dump,

rubbish dump, garbage dump, or dumping ground, is a

site for the disposal of waste materials. Landfill is the

oldest and most common form of waste disposal,

Advantages of landfilling:-

Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Reduce Air Pollution by Offsetting the Use of Non-Renewable

Resources.

Create Health and Safety Benefits.

Benefit the Community and Economy.

Reduce Environmental Compliance Costs.

Disadvantages of landfilling:-

Landfills are Partially Responsible For Climate Change. One tonne of

biodegradable waste can produce about 400–500 cubic meters

of landfill gas.

Methane Lights up Easily.

Contaminate Soil and Water.

Landfills Affect Wildlife.

Accidents Can Happen. ...

Landfills Affect Human Health

2. Incineration:- Incineration is a waste treatment process that involves the

combustion of organic substances contained in waste materials. Incineration of

waste materials converts the waste into ash, flue gas and heat.

Advantages of incineration:-



The major advantage of incineration is that makes waste management

easier and more efficient, because incineration can burn up to 90% of the

total waste generated

Produces heat and electricity

It requires very little space.

It is safest from hygienic point of view.

Disadvantages of incineration:-

It is Expensive. The installation of an incineration plant is an expensive

process.

Pollutes the Environment. Incinerators produce smoke during the burning

process.

Ash Waste Can Potentially Harm People and the Environment.

3. Composting: - Composting is an aerobic method (meaning that it

requires the presence of air) of decomposing organic solid wastes.

The process involves decomposition of organic material into a

humus-like material, known as compost, which is a good fertilizer

for plants.

Advantages of composting:-

Adds nutrients to the soil. Compost is humus nutrient-rich soil.

Introduces valuable organisms to the soil. Microorganisms, such as

bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, decompose organic material.

Recycles kitchen and yard waste.

Good for the environment.

Disadvantages of composting:-

Compost has less nitrogen than bio solids from other stabilization

processes, due to the loss of ammonia during composting.

Windrow and aerated static pile composting require relatively large areas,

and odor control is a common problem.



4. Pulverisation: - Solid waste is pulverised in grinding machine to

reduce its volume and physical character.

5. Pyrolysis:- Pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of materials at

elevated temperatures in an inert atmosphere. It involves a change

of chemical composition



Unit-5 Noise pollution

Noise: - A loud, unwanted or unpleasant sound that cause discomfort.

Noise pollution: - The release of unwanted sound in the atmosphere.

The unit of sound level is decibel (dB)

Noise level can range from 0 to more than 120 dB

Source of noise pollution: - The main source of noise pollution is the

entertainment equipment in the house, namely the radio, record-players and

television sets. Domestic gadgets like the mixer-grinders, pressure cookers,

desert coolers, air- conditioners, exhaust fans, vacuum cleaners, sewing and

washing machines are all indoor sources of noise pollution.

Effect of noise pollution: - Exposure to prolonged or excessive noise has been

shown to cause a range of health problems ranging from stress, poor

concentration, and productivity losses in the workplace, and communication

difficulties and fatigue from lack of sleep, to more serious issues such as

cardiovascular disease

Noise pollution has an enormous environmental impact and does serious

damage to wildlife

Loud noises cause caterpillars' hearts to beat faster and bluebirds to have fewer

chicks. Animals use sound for a variety of reasons, including navigating, find

food, attract mates, and avoid predators

Control of noise pollution:-

1. we can turn off home and office appliances when not in use such as TV,

games, computers etc. it can create unnecessary stress on ears

2. We can listen to songs, radios, TVs in lower volume when listening from

headphones or speakers.

3. Proper lubrication & maintenance of machine can reduce noise pollution.

4. Noisy machine should be installed in sound –proof chamber.

5. Quieter machines should be fabricated to replace noisy ones.



6. There should be silence zone around residential areas , educational

institutions and hospital.

7. Noise producing industries, railway station, aerodromes etc should be

located away from human settlements.

8. Noise by motor vehicles on road can replaced by planting several rows of

coniferous trees,



Unit-6 Environmental legislation

Environmental legislation is a collection of many laws and regulations aimed

at protecting the environment from harmful actions.

Introduction to Air (prevention and control of pollution) act-1981

Industrialization and urbanization have resulted in a profound

deterioration of India's air quality. of the 3 million premature deaths in

the world that occur each year due to outdoor and indoor air pollution, the

highest numbers are assessed to occur in India. According to the World

Health Organization, the capital city of New Delhi is one of the top ten

most polluted cities in the world. Surveys indicate that in New Delhi the

incidence of respiratory diseases due to air pollution is about 12 times the

national average.

The Act provides for the prevention, control and abatement of air

pollution. It also provides for the establishment of Boards with a view to

carrying out the aforesaid purposes.

Decisions were taken at the United Nations Conference on the Human

Environment held in Stockholm in June, 1972, in which India

participated, to take appropriate steps for the preservation of the natural

resources of the earth which, among other things, include the preservation

of the quality of air and control of air pollution;

The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 extends to the

whole of India.

"Air pollutant" means any solid, liquid or gaseous substance present in

the atmosphere in such concentration as may be or tend to be injurious to



human beings or other living creatures or plants or property or

environment.

Functions: Central and State Boards:-

Central Board to exercise the powers and perform the functions of a

State Board in the Union territories.

No State Board shall be constituted for a Union territory and in relation

to- a Union territory; the Central Board shall exercise the powers and

perform the functions of a State Board under this Act for that Union

territory

Provided that in relation to any Union territory the Central Board may

delegate all or any of its powers and functions under this section to such

person or body of persons as the Central Government may specify.

Powers and functions of central board:-

The main functions of the Central Board shall be to improve the quality

of air and to prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country.

It may: advise the Central Government on any matter concerning the

improvement of the quality of air and the prevention, control or

abatement of air pollution;

Plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide Programme for the

prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;

Co-ordinate the activities of the State and resolve disputes among them;

Provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out

and sponsor investigations and research relating to problems of air

pollution and prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;

Plan and organise the training of persons engaged or to be engaged

in programmes for the prevention, control or abatement of air



pollution on such terms and conditions as the Central Board may

specify;

organize through mass media a comprehensive programme

regarding the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;

collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data relating

to air pollution and the measures devised for its effective

prevention, control or abatement and prepare manuals, codes or

guides relating to prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;

lay down standards for the quality of air,

collect and disseminate information in respect of matters relating to

air pollution;

Perform such other functions as may be prescribed.

The Central Board may establish or recognize a laboratory or laboratories

to enable the Central Board to perform its functions under this section

efficiently.

Functions of state boards:-

The functions of a State Board shall be

to plan a comprehensive programme for the prevention, control or

abatement of air pollution and to secure the execution thereof-,

to advise the State Government on any matter concerning the prevention,

control or abatement of air pollution;

to collect and disseminate information relating to air pollution;

to collaborate with the Central Board in organizing the training of persons

engaged or to be engaged in programmes relating to prevention, control

or abatement of air pollution and to organize mass-education programme

relating thereto;

to inspect, at all reasonable times, any control equipment, industrial plant

or manufacturing process and to give, by order, such directions to such



persons as it may consider necessary to take steps for the prevention,

control or abatement of air pollution;

to inspect air pollution control areas at such intervals as it may think

necessary, assess the quality of air therein and take steps for the

prevention, control or abatement of air pollution in such areas;

to lay down, in consultation with the Central Board and having regard to

the standards for the quality of air laid down by the Central Board,

standards for emission of air pollutants into the atmosphere from

industrial plants and automobiles or for the discharge of any air pollutant

into the atmosphere from any other source whatsoever not being a ship or

an aircraft:

Provided that different standards for emission may be laid down under

this clause for different industrial plants having regard to the quantity and

composition of emission of air pollutants into the atmosphere from such

industrial plants;

to advise the State Government with respect to the suitability of

any premises or location for carrying on any industry, which is

likely to cause, air pollution;

to Perform such other functions as may be prescribed or as may,

from time to time, be entrusted to it by the Central Board or the

State Government;

to do such other things and to perform such other acts as it may

think necessary for the proper discharge of its functions and

generally for the purpose of carrying into effect the purposes of this

Act.

Environmental Protection Act 1986:-

The purpose of the Act is to implement the decisions of the United

Nations Conference on the Human Environment. They relate to

the protection and improvement of the human environment and the



prevention of hazards to human beings, other living creatures, plants and

property.

Power of Central Government to take measures to protect and

improve environment:-

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government, shall

have the power to take all such measures as it deems necessary or

expedient for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of the

environment and preventing controlling and abating environmental

pollution. (2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the

provisions of subsection (1), such measures may include measures with

respect to all or any of the following matters, namely:- (i) co-ordination

of actions by the State Governments, officers and other authorities- (a)

under this Act, or the rules made there under, or (b) under any other law

for the time being in force which is relatable to the objects of this Act; (ii)

planning and execution of a nation-wide programme for the prevention,

control and abatement of environmental pollution; (iii) laying down

standards for the quality of environment in its various aspects;

National Green Tribunal:-

National Green Tribunal is a statutory body established by a

Government Notification using the powers of Section 3 of the NGT Act

2010. It has replace National Environment Appellate Authority.

Objective of NGT:-

The objective of establishing a National Green Tribunal was as follows:

To provide effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to

environment.

Role of NGT in environment protection:-

National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 has been enacted to fulfill the long

felt need of alternative forum to deliver speedy and inexpensive justice.

The philosophy of public interest litigation is echoed in the legislation, a



welcome direction for the class of victims who are unable to knock the

doors of judiciary. The need to set up special environmental courts was

highlighted by the Supreme Court of India in a series of judgments, the

first one being in 1986 in the Oleum Gas Leak case, and by the Law

Commission of India in its 186th report in 2003. The Court was of the

opinion that environmental cases raised issues, which required technical

knowledge and expertise, speedy disposal, and continuous monitoring,

and therefore these cases should decided by special courts with necessary

expertise and technical assistance.

In order to satisfy the need of specialized courts to deal with

environmental issues the Parliament passed the National Environmental

Tribunal Act, 1995, then in 1997, The National Environment Appellate

Authority Act, 1997 was enacted under which the National Environment

Appellate Authority was set up. The National Environment Tribunal Act,

1995 and The National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997

which provides for strict liability for damages caused by accident

occurring while handling hazardous substance and to provide relief and

compensation to the victims and for hearing appeals against order of

grant of environmental clearances under the Environment Protection Act,

1986, functioned till October, 2010 and then in 2010 got repealed by the

present National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. There were several problems

in the functioning of these authorities and were never implemented

effectively due to their limited mandate.

Environmental impact assessment:-

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process of evaluating the

likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development,

taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural and human-

health impacts, both beneficial and adverse.

Water (prevention control of pollution) act- 1974:-



An Act to provide for the prevention and control of water pollution and

the maintaining or restoring of wholesomeness of water, for the

establishment, with a view to carrying out the purposes aforesaid, of

Boards for the prevention and control of water pollution, for conferring

on and assigning to such Boards powers.

Objectives of the Water Act:-

To prevent and control water pollution. To assess pollution levels and

punish polluters. To maintain or restore the wholesomeness of water. To

establish Central and State boards to carry out the objectives of the Act.

Powers and functions of Central Pollution Control Board:-

CPCB has the responsibility to regulate and control noise producing and

generating sources with the objective of maintaining the ambient air quality

standards. Environmental Data Statistics: CPCB manages environmental data

statistic in which air quality data and water quality data comes through.

Functions of state Pollution Control Board:-

The State Pollution Control Board is to advise the state government on any

matter concerning the prevention, control or abatement of water pollution.

The State Pollution Control Board is to collect and disseminate information

relating to water pollution and the prevention, control or abatement thereof.



Unit-7 Impact of energy usage on environment

Global warming:- Global warming, the gradual heating of Earth's surface,

oceans and atmosphere, is caused by human activity, primarily the burning of

fossil fuels that pump carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and other greenhouse

gases into the atmosphere. Global warming is having a measurable effect on the

planet.

Effects of global warming:-

Global warming stresses ecosystems through temperature rises, water shortages,

increased fire threats, drought, weed and pest invasions, intense storm damage

and salt invasion.

Climate change also alters the life cycles of plants and animals. For example, as

temperatures get warmer, many plants are starting to grow and bloom earlier in

the spring and survive longer into the fall. Some animals are waking from

hibernation sooner or migrating at different times.

Green house effect:-

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth's surface. When

the Sun's energy reaches the Earth's atmosphere, some of it is reflected back to

space and the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases. The

absorbed energy warms the atmosphere and the surface of the Earth.

Mechanism of Green house effect:-

Sun gives out UV, infrared and visible radiation gets received by the earth. ...

Now once this heat gets absorbed by the earth's surface, it is trapped in the

earth's atmosphere and thereby adding to increase the earth's temperature.

This effect is what we call the 'Greenhouse Effect'

Ozone layer:-

The ozone layer is a thin part of the Earth's atmosphere that absorbs almost all

of the sun's harmful ultraviolet light. Ozone is a special form of oxygen, made

up of three oxygen atoms rather than the usual two oxygen atoms.

Depletion of ozone layer:- “Ozone layer depletion is the gradual thinning of the

earth's ozone layer in the upper atmosphere caused due to the release of



chemical compounds containing gaseous bromine or chlorine from industries or

other human activities Ozone layer depletion causes increased UV radiation

levels at the Earth's surface, which is damaging to human health.

Negative effects include increases in certain types of skin cancers, eye cataracts

and immune deficiency disorders. UV rays also affect plant growth, reducing

agricultural productivity.

Acid rain:-

Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that begins when compounds like

sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the air. These substances

can rise very high into the atmosphere, where they mix and react with water,

oxygen, and other chemicals to form more acidic pollutants, known as acid rain.

Type of acid rain:-

Acid rain is rain that has been made acidic by certain pollutants in the air

Wet deposition is rain, sleet, snow, or fog that has become

more acidic than normal. Dry deposition is another form of acid

deposition, and this is when gases and dust particles become acidic.

Harmful effects acid rain:-

Acid rain can be extremely harmful to forests.

Acid rain also causes aluminium to be released into the soil, which

makes it difficult for trees to take up water.

Acid Rain Can Cause Health Problems

The ecological effects of acid rain are most clearly seen in aquatic

environments, such as streams, lakes, and marshes where it can be

harmful to fish and other wildlife

Air pollution like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can cause

respiratory diseases

Control of acid rain:-

A great way to reduce acid rain is to produce energy without using

fossil fuels



People can use renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind

power. Renewable energy sources help reduce acid rain because

they produce much less pollution.

Reduce amount of sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen

released into the atmosphere.

Use cleaner fuels

Use other sources of electricity (i.e. nuclear power, hydro-

electricity, wind energy, geothermal energy, and solar energy)

Reducing the effects of Acid Rain by Liming

Green building: -

A 'green' building is a building that, in its design, construction or

operation, reduces or eliminates negative impacts and can create

positive impacts on our climate and natural environment. Green

buildings preserve precious natural resources and improve our

quality of life

Components of Green Building

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Water Efficiency.

Environmentally Preferable Building Materials and Specifications.

Waste Reduction.

Toxics Reduction.

Indoor Air Quality.

Smart Growth and Sustainable Development.

Benefits of green building:-

Environmental benefits of green building.

Enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems. Improve air and water

quality. Reduce waste streams. Conserve and restore natural resources.

The social benefits of sustainable design include knowledge transfer,

improved environmental quality, neighbourhood restoration, and reduced

health risks from pollutants associated with building energy.



Economic benefits of green buildings is the lower cost of utility bills,

as reducing energy means reducing energy costs.

Recycling of materials: -

Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into

new materials and objects. Recyclable materials include many kinds of

glass, paper, cardboard, metal, plastic, tires, textiles, batteries, and

electronics. Aluminum and steel cans, cardboard, glass, newspapers and

plastic bottles are all recyclable.

o Plastic Recycling.

o Metal Recycling.

o Wood Recycling.

o Glass Recycling.

o Clothing and Textile.

.

Prepared and written

By

Suman Kumari (Department Applied Science)

BKN Govt. Polytechnic, Narnaul (Hr.)

Email- [email protected]

Date post:	29-Aug-2021
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