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UNIT 1 Environment, Ecosystems and Biodiversity

This document defines key terms in environmental science and engineering. It describes the natural and man-made components of the environment, including the abiotic (non-living) components of atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. It also discusses the biotic (living) components and biosphere, as well as energy components. The document outlines the scope and importance of environmental studies in developing public awareness and participation for environmental protection. It explains different types of public participation in environmental decision making and management.

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90 views14 pages

UNIT 1 Environment, Ecosystems and Biodiversity

This document defines key terms in environmental science and engineering. It describes the natural and man-made components of the environment, including the abiotic (non-living) components of atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. It also discusses the biotic (living) components and biosphere, as well as energy components. The document outlines the scope and importance of environmental studies in developing public awareness and participation for environmental protection. It explains different types of public participation in environmental decision making and management.

Uploaded by

Sivakumar K
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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UNIT-1

Environmental science and Engineering

DEFINITIONS

ENVIRONMENT: Sum of total of all the living and non-living things around us influencing one another. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: Study of the environment its biotic and abiotic components and their interrelationship. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING: Application of engineering principles to the protection and enhancement of the quality of the environment and to the enhancement and protection of public health and welfare. Environmental Studies (or) Environmental Education: It is the process of educating the people for preserving quality environment.

TYPES OF ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT

Natural Environment

Man Made Environment

Natural Environment: It is characterized by natural components. All biotic and abiotic components are created through a natural process. E.g. soil, water, air, trees, noise etc. Man Made Environment: Man is the most powerful environment agent. He modifies the environment using modern technologies according to his needs to a great extent. E.g. House, Road, Schools, Parks etc.

COMPONENTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT


ENVIRONMENT

ABIOTIC (or) NON LIVING COMPONENTS

BIOTIC (or) LIVING COMPONENTS

ENERGY COMPONENTS

Abiotic components: Non living components of the environment are called abiotic components. E.g. Air, Water, Soil and Minerals.

Abiotic Components

Atmosphere

Lithosphere

Hydrosphere

Atmosphere: The cover of air that envelopes the earth is called atmosphere. Atmosphere extends up to 500 Kms from the earth surface. It comprises 78% nitrogen,21% oxygen and 1% of other gases.

ATMOSPHERE

TROPOSPHERE

STRATOSPHERE

MESOSPHERE

THERMOSPHERE

EXOSPHERE

Region
Troposphere Stratosphere Mesosphere Thermosphere Exosphere

Altitude in Km
0-11 11-50 50-85 85-500 500-1600

Temperature In C
15 to -56 -2 to -56 -2 to -95 -95 to 1200 Very high

Chemical Species
N2,H20, C02,02 ozone N0+, O2+ NO+, O+, O2 + H2, Helium

FUNCTIONS OF ATMOSPHERE

It maintains the heat balance on the earth by absorbing the IR radiations. The gaseous constituents play an important role in sustaining life on earth.

Gaseous Constituent
oxygen

Functions
Supports life of living organisms Essential for photosynthetic activity of plants Essential Nutrient for plant growth

Carbon dioxide
Nitrogen

LITHOSPHERE
The soil and rock components of the earth is called lithosphere. Functions of lithosphere: It is a home for human beings and wildlife. It is a storehouse of minerals and organic matters. HYDROSPHERE: The aqueous envelope of the earth(75% of the earth surface) is called hydrosphere. E.g. oceans, lakes, streams, rivers and water vapour. Functions of hydrosphere: It is used for drinking purpose and also supports the aquatic life. It is also used for irrigation, power production, industries and transport

Biotic components

The living component of the environment are called biotic components. E.g. Animals, Plants and Micro organisms. Biosphere: The biological environment where the living organisms live and interact with physical environment. Functions of biosphere: Plants through photosynthesis produce oxygen in the atmosphere. Animals inhale oxygen during respiration and give out carbondioxide, which is again utilized by plants during photosynthesis.

Energy components

The components of energy flows across biotic and abiotic components which play an important role to maintain the life of living organisms. E.g. solar energy, nuclear energy, geo chemical energy.
Scope of Environmental studies: To get an awareness and sensitivity to the total environment and its related problems. To motivate the active participation in environmental protection and improvement. To develop skills for identifying and solving environmental problems. To know the necessity of conservation of natural resources. To evaluate environmental programmes in terms of social, economic, ecological and aesthetic factors.

Importance (or) significance of Environmental Studies

By environmental studies, People will understand the concept of need of development without destruction of environment. People can gain the knowledge of different types of environment and the effects of different environmental hazards. It informs the people about their effective role in protecting the environment by demanding changes in laws and enforcement systems. Environmental studies have a direct relation to the quality of life we live. Environmental studies develop a concern and respect for the environment.

Need for Public Awareness

Increasing population, urbanization and poverty have generated pressure on the natural resources and lead to a degradation of the environment. To protect or prevent the environment from the pollution, supreme court has ordered and initiated the environmental awareness to the public through government and non government to take part to protect our environment. Importance of Public or community participation: Environment pollution cannot be removed by laws alone. The proper implementation and especially public participation are the important aspects. Public participation is useful in law making process and controlling the pollution activities. Thus the public participation plays an important role in effective environmental management.

Types of Public Participation


Public participation is a decision making process. It can be of various stages, 1.Pressure group: The public pressure group may be formed to influence the government on one hand and the industries on the other hand. 2. Watch Dog: The public can act as watch dog to protect the interests of public against environmental hazardous activities. 3. Advisory council: The public can also act as advisory council and agencies is to keep the environment suitable for living. 4. Enforcing the environmental laws: The service of public can be utilized to enforce the environmental laws. If necessary the member of public should conduct public interest litigations. Thus many countries have accepted the concept of public participation in environmental management

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