ASM-401 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

UNIT-1

DR. MOHD. AAMIR MAZHAR

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
JAMIA MILLIA ISLAMIA, NEW DELHI
• The word environment is derived from the French word
“Environ” meaning Surroundings.
• Every organisms is surrounded by materials and forces
which constitute its environment.
• Environment creates favourable conditions for the
existence and development of living organisms.
• Environment – The sum of total of all the living and non-
living things around us influencing one another.
• Literally, environment means the surrounding external
conditions influencing development or growth of
people, animal or plants; living or working conditions etc.
• Environmental science is the scientific study of human
interactions with the environment.
• It is the branch of science concerned with the relations
between organisms and their environment.
Components Plants
of Biotic Animals
Environment Components Microorganisms

Air
Abiotic Water
Components Soil
Climate

Climate Changes
Interactions and Pollution
Human Impact Human Activities
 GEOLOGY
ENVIRONMENTAL
ECOLOGY
SCIENCE

ATMOSPHERIC
DATA ANALYSIS
SCIENCE

MULTIDISCIPLINARY
NATURE OF
MODELLING AND ENVIRONMENTAL
ECONOMICS
STIMULATION STUDIES

PHYSICS SOCIOLOGY

CHEMISTRY BIOLOGY
FOREST RESOURCES
Forests are vast areas dominated by trees and other vegetation, playing a
critical role in maintaining the ecological balance and supporting a diverse
range of species. They cover approximately 31% of the Earth's land area and
are integral to the health of our planet.

Forests provide numerous ecosystem services:

1. Carbon Sequestration (absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis).
2. Water Regulation (regulate water cycles, Trees release water vapour
through transpiration, contributing to cloud formation and rainfall)
3. Biodiversity (home to a vast array of flora and fauna)
4. Climate Regulation (moderating temperatures and weather patterns)
5. Provision of Resources (provides essential resources such as timber, fuel
wood, medicinal plants, and food)
USE OF FOREST RESOURCES
Forests provide a variety of essential resources and services:
1. Timber and Wood Products: Forests supply wood for construction,
paper, and fuel. Timber is a critical material for building infrastructure,
and wood products are used in various industries.
2. Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs): These include fruits, nuts,
resins, and medicinal plants. NTFPs are crucial for the livelihoods of
many communities, especially indigenous populations.
3. Ecological Services: Forests play a vital role in maintaining ecological
balance. They regulate climate by absorbing carbon dioxide, support
the water cycle, prevent soil erosion, and provide habitat for
biodiversity.
4. Recreational and Aesthetic Value: Forests offer recreational spaces
for activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. They
also have significant aesthetic and cultural values.
OVER-EXPLOITATION OF FOREST RESOURCES
Over-exploitation of forest resources leads to several adverse impacts:
1. Deforestation: driven by logging, agricultural expansion, urbanization,
and industrial activities. Forests are cleared to make way for farmland,
settlements, and infrastructure development.
2. Loss of Biodiversity: habitat destruction lead to the extinction of
species and the loss of biodiversity
3. Climate Change: Deforestation releases stored carbon, contributing to
greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
4. Soil Degradation: leads to soil erosion, reducing soil fertility and
leading to desertification.
5. Displacement of Communities: Deforestation and resource extraction
displace these communities, disrupting their way of life and cultural
heritage.
6. Water Cycle Disruption: Reduced water availability
POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS
1. Sustainable Forest Management: Practices include selective
logging, reforestation, and the conservation of high-value forests.
2. Agroforestry: Integrating trees into agricultural landscapes can
restore degraded land, improve soil fertility, and provide additional
income for farmers.
3. Alternative Livelihoods: Developing alternative sources of income,
such as ecotourism and harvesting non-timber forest products can
reduce the reliance on forests for income generation.
4. Policy Measures: Establishing protected areas and enforcing
regulations against illegal logging and forest conversion can help
conserve forests.
5. Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the
importance of forests and the consequences of their destruction
can foster a culture of conservation and responsible resource use.
WATER RESOURCES
• Water resources encompass all sources of water that are useful or
potentially useful to humans.
• This includes surface water (rivers, lakes, and reservoirs),
groundwater, and even atmospheric water.
• These resources are crucial for sustaining life, supporting ecosystems,
and facilitating human activities such as agriculture, industry, and
domestic use.
• Despite their abundance, water resources are unevenly distributed
across the globe, leading to significant disparities in availability.
SURFACE WATER
• Surface water is the water found on the surface of the Earth in rivers,
lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands.
• It is directly accessible and used for drinking, irrigation, industrial
processes, and recreation.
• The management and preservation of surface water are critical due to
its vulnerability to pollution and over-extraction.
GROUNDWATER
• Groundwater is stored beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers, which
are layers of rock and soil that hold water.
• It serves as a critical source of drinking water and irrigation, especially
in arid and semiarid regions where surface water is scarce.
• Groundwater extraction must be carefully managed to prevent
depletion and land subsidence.
USES OF WATER
Surface Water Use:
• Surface water, which includes water from lakes, rivers, and streams, is
a crucial resource for human survival, agriculture, and industry.
• Its utilization supports drinking water supplies, irrigation for crops,
and various industrial processes.
Ground Water Use:
• Groundwater is stored beneath the earth's surface in aquifers.
• It is a critical resource for drinking water, irrigation, and industrial
uses, particularly in areas where surface water is scarce.
OVER-UTILIZATION AND CAUSES
• Population Growth and Urbanization:
The increasing population and expansion of urban areas lead to
higher water demand, resulting in more groundwater extraction.
The increasing population and expansion of urban areas lead to
higher water demand, resulting in more groundwater extraction.
• Agriculture and Industry:
The agricultural sector requires significant amounts of water for irrigation.
Similarly, industries need water for processing and cooling.
During dry periods, this increased demand can deplete surface water
resources.
• Lack of Regulation:
In many regions, there are inadequate regulations to manage
groundwater extraction, leading to uncontrolled and excessive pumping.
MINERAL RESOURCES
• Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic crystalline solids having a
definite chemical composition and characteristic physical properties.
• There are thousands of minerals occurring in different parts of the world.
• However, most rocks we see everyday are just composed of a few common
minerals like quartz, feldspar, biotite, dolomite, calcite, laterite, etc.

CLASSIFICATION OF MINERALS
Metallic Minerals: Bauxite, laterite, haematite , etc.
Non Metallic Minerals: Graphite, diamond, quartz, feldspar, etc.
USES OF MINERALS
• Development of industrial plants and machinery.
• Generation of energy (coal, lignite, uranium)
• Construction, housing (limestone, silicate)
• Defence equipment's, weapons
• Transportation means
• Communication (telephone wires, cables)
• Medicines ( Ayurveda)
• Agriculture (fertilizers, pesticides)
• Jewellery (Gold, Silver, Diamond, Platinum)
IMPACTS OF MINING
Mining is done to extract minerals from deep deposits in soil by using
sub-surface mining or from shallow deposits by surface mining
• De-vegetation and defacing of Landscape (removal of topsoil)
• Subsidence of Land (underground mining)
• Groundwater contamination
• Surface water pollution
• Air Pollution
• Occupational Health Hazards
FOOD RESOURCES
• Food resources encompass the variety of food products that are essential
for human survival and well-being.
• The availability and accessibility of food resources are crucial for
maintaining food security and nutrition for populations around the world.
Food resources can be categorized into:
1. Crops (includes grains, fruits, vegetables)
2. Livestock (domesticated animals raised for meat, milk, eggs, and other
products)
3. Fisheries ( all fishes and other aquatic organisms)
4. Forests and Wild Foods (Wild edible plants, fungi, and animals)
IMPORTANCE OF FOOD RESOURCES
1. Nutritional Needs: Provides essential nutrients such as carbohydrates,
proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
2. Economic Value: Agriculture and food production are significant
contributors to the economy. They provide livelihoods for millions of
people worldwide, from farmers to food processors and retailers.
3. Cultural Significance: Food resources are integral to cultural practices
and traditions. They play a role in social events, religious rituals, and
daily life.
4. Environmental Impact: Food resources are produced, managed, and
consumed has significant effects on the environment. Sustainable
agricultural practices are essential to minimize negative impacts such as
deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution.
CHALLENGES OF FOOD RESOURCES
1. Population Growth: Increasing population levels strain the food supply
as more food is needed to feed more people.
2. Climate Change: Changes in climate patterns affect crop yields,
livestock health, and fisheries productivity.
3. Resource Depletion: Overuse of soil, water, and other resources for
food production can lead to long-term degradation and reduced
productivity.
4. Economic Inequality: Disparities in income and access to resources
result in unequal distribution of food, leading to hunger and
malnutrition in some regions while others have surplus.
5. Food Waste: A significant portion of produced food is wasted due to
inefficiencies in harvesting, storage, transportation, and consumption.
ENERGY RESOURCES: RENEWABLE AND NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY
SOURCES
• Energy resources are essential for modern society, powering everything
from homes and businesses to transportation and industry.
• These resources can be broadly categorized into renewable and non-
renewable sources, each with its own set of benefits and challenges.
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
Renewable energy sources are replenished naturally and sustainably over
time.
NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
Non-renewable energy sources are finite resources that do not replenish
within a human timescale.
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
1. Solar Energy: Solar energy converts sunlight directly into electricity or
heat. It is abundant and has minimal environmental impact.
2. Wind Energy: Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into
electricity. Wind farms can be located onshore or offshore and provide a
clean energy source.
3. Hydropower: Utilizing the energy of flowing or falling water, hydroelectric
power is generated by dams or run-of-the-river systems. It is a well-
established and reliable energy source.
4. Geothermal Energy: This involves tapping into the Earth's internal heat to
generate electricity or provide direct heating. It is a consistent and
reliable energy source, especially in geologically active regions.
5. Biomass Energy: Derived from organic materials such as agricultural
residues, forestry waste, and organic municipal waste, biomass can be
used for electricity generation, heating, or as biofuels.
BENEFITS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY
• Environmental Benefits: Produces little to no greenhouse gas emissions
during operation, significantly reducing their carbon footprint.
• Energy Security: By diversifying energy sources and reducing dependence
on imported fuels, renewable energy can enhance energy security.
• Economic Benefits: Creates jobs in manufacturing, installation, and
maintenance, and can stimulate economic growth.
CHALLENGES OF RENEWABLE ENERGY
• Intermittency: The availability of renewable energy sources like solar and
wind can be variable, depending on weather conditions and time of day.
• High Initial Costs: The upfront investment for renewable energy
technologies can be substantial, though costs are decreasing and long-
term savings can be significant.
• Energy Storage: Effective energy storage solutions are needed to manage
supply and demand and ensure a consistent energy supply.
NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
1. Fossil Fuels: Includes coal, oil, and natural gas, which are formed from
the remains of ancient plants and animals over millions of years.
2. Nuclear Energy: Derived from uranium and thorium, nuclear energy is
harnessed through fission reactions. It produces a large amount of
energy, low greenhouse gases, generates hazardous radioactive waste
and poses risks of nuclear accidents.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
• Pollution: Fossil fuel combustion releases pollutants such as sulphur
dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, contributing to air
pollution and respiratory problems.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Burning fossil fuels is the largest source of
carbon dioxide emissions, driving climate change.
• Habitat Destruction: Mining and drilling for fossil fuels and uranium can
lead to habitat loss, deforestation, and soil degradation.
LAND RESOURCES
• Land is one of the most fundamental resources essential for human
existence and economic development.
• It is the foundation upon which we build our homes, grow our food, and
establish industries.
• The significance of land as a resource is multidimensional, encompassing
ecological, economic, social, and cultural dimensions.
• Ecological (supports diverse ecosystem: forest, grasslands, wetlands,
deserts)
• Economic (supports production, agriculture, extraction of minerals, fossil
fuels, timber etc.)
• Social and Cultural Dimensions (identity and geritage of communities,
people have spiritual and cultural connections to their land, traditional
knowledge and practices linked to their land)
ROLE OF INDIVIDUAL IN CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

1. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Reduce: Minimize resource consumption
Reuse: Opt for reusable items
Recycle: Participate in recycling programs
2. Energy Conservation (Use energy-efficient appliances, renewable energy
sources, Turn off lights, fans, electronic devices when not in use, carpooling,
walking, cycling, or using public transport to reduce fossil fuel consumption)
3. Water Conservation (Fix leaky faucets and pipes, Use water-efficient
fixtures and rainwater harvesting systems, turning off the tap while brushing
teeth)
4. Sustainable Consumption (Choose products made from sustainable
materials, Support local and organic farming, Avoid products made from
endangered species or non-sustainable resources)
ROLE OF INDIVIDUAL IN CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

5. Waste Management (Compost organic waste to reduce landfill load and

produce natural fertilizers, avoid single-use plastics and opt for
biodegradable alternatives, Properly dispose of hazardous materials to
prevent soil and water contamination)
6. Forest and Wildlife Conservation (Avoid using products that lead to
deforestation, Support conservation initiatives and organizations working to
protect endangered species and ecosystems, Participate in tree-planting
drives or create green spaces at home)
7. Awareness and Advocacy (Educate others about the importance of
conserving natural resources, Advocate for sustainable policies, Participate in
local conservation activities)
8. Adopting Minimalist Lifestyles (Embrace a lifestyle focused on needs
rather than excess, Donate or share surplus resources with those in need)
EQUITABLE USE OF RESOURCES FOR SUSTAINABLE LIFE STYLE

1. Adopting a Minimalist Lifestyle (Avoid overconsumption and focus on

fulfilling genuine needs rather than desires, Practice simplicity to reduce the
strain on natural resources)
2. Efficient Resource Use
Energy: (Use energy-efficient appliances, switch to renewable energy sources
like solar or wind)
Water: (Conserve water through mindful practices, recycle water)
Food: (Minimize food waste by what is needed and consuming all)
3. Support for Local and Sustainable Products (Purchase locally made and
sustainably sourced goods)
4. Promoting Social Equity (Share resources, knowledge, and skills within
communities to ensure everyone's benefits)
EQUITABLE USE OF RESOURCES FOR SUSTAINABLE LIFE STYLE

5. Participating in Community Programs (Get involved in community-based

resource management initiatives like water conservation groups, cooperative
farming, or clean energy projects, workshops, awareness campaigns)
6. Advocating for Policy Changes (Support policies that promote equitable
resource distribution and sustainable practices)
7. Recycling (Reuse and repurpose items to extend their lifespan and reduce
the demand for new resources)
8. Educating Others (Spread awareness about the importance of equitable
resource use and sustainable living)
9. Reducing the Wealth-Resource Gap (ensuring fair access to essential
resources like clean water, energy, and food)
10. Respecting Natural Limits (Recognize the finite nature of resources and
live within the planet’s ecological means)