Environmental Science

Unit I and II
Unit I
 Environment
Source of raw material, energy, receive/reprocess
waste, buffer from conditions

Environment

Biotic Abiotic

Autotrophs Heterotrophs Decomposers SWAT

 Scope and Importance
SCOPE
Create awareness
Analyse and balance utilisation
Knowledge
Information on biodiversity
Understand causes and consequences
Evaluate alternatives
Expose problems
Identify and develop ecofriendly
technology
IMPORTANCE
Population vs limited resources
Pollution and degradation
Protection of biodiversity
Education and training
Setting up conservation zones
Understanding the complexities of the
environment
Individual-Community action
Chance or Probability
Result
- How
- Disease
- How much
- Disorder
- How severe
- Environmental destruction
 Types of Environmental Health
Hazards
Physical Chemical Biological Ergonomic

Algal bloom, fungi, Manual labour,

Pesticides, DDT
Earthquakes, floods bacteria/virus, biological temperature, air quality,
(bioaccumulation),
fires, tornadoes waste, weeds, insect noise, poor lighting,
acids, alcohol
bites, droppings posture
 An assemblage of objects joined
Ecosystem in a regular and interdependent
manner - Sir Arthur George
Tansley (1935)

Contains Biotic and Abiotic components

Natural Ecosystem Artificial Ecosystem

Incomplete Ecosystem
Levels of ecology

Biosphere

Ecosystem

Community

Population

Organism
Structure and Function of Ecosystem
BIOTIC ABIOTIC

Producers (Autotrophs) Climate

Physical
Consumers
(Heterotrophs) Chemical
Herbivores
Carnivores
Omnivores

Decomposers
(Saprotrophs)
Food Chains, Food Webs and Ecological Pyramids
Energy flow in Ecosystem
Ecological Succession
 Forest Ecosystem

TROPICAL FOREST TEMPERATE FOREST BOREAL FOREST

Nonseasonal 28 C Seasonal - Long summers Seasonal Short summers

Rainfall heavy and frequent heavy rainfall in winter Cold long winters with snow
Colourful flowers,ferns Oak, maple Evergreen conifers, algae
Tigers, monkeys, insects Deer and amphibians Fox, bear

South east Asia, Central America Western/Central Europe, North Canada, Siberia
(Amazon) America
 Grassland Ecosystem

TROPICAL GRASSLAND TEMPERATE GRASSLAND (PRAIRIES) POLAR GRASSLAND (TUNDRA)

17C to 22C Cold winters, hot dry summers 0C and lower throughout year
Rainfall irregular Rainfall heavy Low rainfall, high snow
Invertebrates and large Colourful flowers,ferns Colourful flowers,ferns
mammals Rabbits, mice, rattlesnakes Polar bears, Elk, Moose
Thin porous soil - palms
North of T.Capricorn Alaska, Europe, Siberia
Savannas
Desert Ecosystem
Hot-dry - Egypt
Semi-arid
Russia
Coastal Chile
Cold Antarctica
 Aquatic Ecosystems

Marine

Freshwater
Ponds and lakes
Streams and rivers
Wetlands
 Unique ecosystem Coral reefs
Natural protection against
waves
Mangroves
Involvement of ecosystems
Source of income
Food source
Medicinal use
Natural climatic records
 Biodiversity

Genetic level
Species level
Ecosystem level
Biogeographical Classifications of India
 Value of Biodiversity

Consumptive value
Non-consumptive value pollution retardants etc
Option value indirect economic value
Existence value Paying to keep from extinction
Information value Trees of Amazon forest
Biodiversity at Global Level
 Threats to Biodiversity

Habitat loss
Agricultural extension
Uncontrolled commercial exploitation
Introduced species
Global climate change
Pollution
Endangered and Endemic Species of India
Conservation of Biodiversity
Habitat preservation - in situ and ex situ
Anti-poaching measures
Wildlife sanctuaries
Unit II
Pollution
 Air Pollution
Causes Types Effects Control

Point source Primary sulfur CNS,liver kidney Dilution

dioxide, carbon failure
monoxide
Non point source Secondary ozone Decreased O2 Control at source
carrying capacity
Natural bogs, Particulate dust, Cancer
volcanoes, gas vents smog, fumes,
bacteria
Man made Gaseous smokes, Crop death
industries, vehicles
Atmospheric Chemistry
 Water Pollution
Causes Types Effects Control

Point source Disease vector Affects Reduce untreated

factory outlets, photosynthesis, runoff
underground mines, increases pH in soil
oil wells, sewage
Nonpoint source Fills, lakes and Algal bloom, Reduce chemical
agri lands, soil reservoirs bacteria growth fertilizer use
erosion, acid deposit
Disease in all
biospheres.
 Water Quality P, C and B parameters

Physical
Colour, odour, temperature and E conductivity
Chemical
pH, COD, BOD, DO, TH
Biological
Coliforms
 Soil Pollution
Types Effects Control

Urban Erosion Proper disposal

Industrial Heavy metal buildup Afforestation
Agri Soil flora affected Crop rotation
Farmhouse Leaching
Radioactive
Soil
Municipal Solid Waste Management
 Marine Pollution
Causes Effects Control

Oil spills Aesthetic degradation Double hulloil tnakers

Discharge of untreated Change in currents and Controlled release
sewage seawater characteristics Regulated coastal
development
Eutrophication (nut. Disturbance of ecosystem Separate sewage lines
Enrichment)
Radioactive waste
Solid waste Melting of icecaps
Dredging
Toxic chemicals
Noise Pollution
 Thermal Pollution
Soil erosion
Deforestation along shore lines
Runoff from hot surfaces
Nuclear Pollution
Role of an Individual in Pollution Prevention