Module 1 Fundamental of Environmental

Studies
Scope of
Environmental
Studies and
Natural Resource
Management

Vishal Kumar Parida, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor-I
Amity School of Engineering
and Technology
Amity University Jharkhand
 A bit about me …

• B.Tech in Civil Engineering; BPUT University

• M.Tech in Environmental Engineering; NIFFT Ranchi
• Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering; IIT Kharagpur
• Presently at Amity University Jharkhand as Assistant Professor
(Environmental Studies)
• Research Domain: Emerging contaminants, Water and Wastewater
treatment, Photocatalysis, Nanomaterials,
• https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=CkMHyoQAAAAJ&hl=en
• www.linkedin.com/in/dr-vishal-kumar-parida-53a088114
Core Module Syllabus
Topics Module Weightage Lectures
(%)

Multidisciplinary Nature of 1 20 10
Environmental Studies

Natural Resources

Ecosystems 2 60 30

Environmental Pollution

Biodiversity

Social Issues and the Environment 3 20 15

Human Population and the Environment

1. Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies

What is Environment ? B B
P
 Environment is the natural and human-made B
surroundings in which human beings, animals and
plant species lives and operate separately or
together. C
P P
 It is primarily composed of various physical, C
C
chemical, and biological components that interact B
with each other and with human activities.
 Introduction
Types of Environments
Atmosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere Biosphere
Natural Environment

Built Urban areas Rural area Industrial area

Environment

Social
Environment Environment Community Work place Family

Economic
Environment Marketing conditions Financial systems

Political
Environment Legislation Policies
 Introduction

Ionosphere
(contains
ions)
100 to 200 km

Various Layers of earth Layers of atmosphere

 Introduction

Built Environment

Biosphere

Social Environment
 Introduction
Components of Environment
Environment

Abiotic components (non-living) Biotic components (living)

Biosphere
Lithosphere Hydrosphere Atmosphere

Sedimentary Metamorphic Sub-surface water/ Flora & Fauna Human beings

Igneous rocks Surface water
rocks rocks Groundwater

Saline water Fresh water

Troposphere Stratosphere Mesosphere Thermosphere Exosphere

 Definition of Environmental Studies

Environment studies vs. Environmental Engineering

Finding a problem ?
 Environmental Science is Finding a solution ?
primarily concerned with  Environmental Engineering applies
studying the natural engineering principles to design,
environment and understanding develop, and implement solutions to
the complex interactions environmental problems.
between its components.
 It focuses on mitigating the impact
 It aims to understand how of human activities on the
natural processes operate and environment and improving
how human activities impact the environmental quality.
environment.
How is Environmental Studies a
Multidisciplinary Study?

Environmental Studies is considered a

multidisciplinary study because it
integrates knowledge and methods from
various disciplines to understand and Chemistry Geography

address complex environmental issues.

Sociology
Biology

Physics Politics
Here are several Geology
disciplines highlighting
its multidisciplinary Engineering
nature Economics
 Importance of Environmental Studies
Environmental studies is encompasses a wide range of benefits and essential
understandings that help preserve and improve the natural world and human society.
to understand and address complex environmental issues.

 Exploring Environmental Processes • Ecosystem operation • Climate change

• Natural cycles • Pollution control
• Resource depletion
 Addressing Environmental Problems
• Resource conservation
 Promoting Sustainable Development • Adopting green technologies
• Renewable energies • Public health awareness
 Health and Well-being • Quality of life
• Reduce diseases
• Cost saving
 Economic Benefits • Lowering unemployment
• Job hiring • Species protection
• Ecosystem balance
 Conservation and Biodiversity
• Environment protection
• Environment literacy
 Education and Awareness
 Need for Public Awareness
Public awareness is crucial for effectively addressing and managing environmental issues.
Let’s discuss some of them:

• Awareness makes people more likely to adopt sustainable habits like recycling, conserving water, and reducing energy use, and to make eco-friendly
choices like buying sustainable products.
• Awareness can increase political pressure on leaders to prioritize environmental protection, with public support being crucial for successful
policy implementation.
• Awareness about health risks from environmental pollution, like air and water pollution, can lead to proactive measures to mitigate these risks.
Further, awareness about environmental hazards, such as floods, hurricanes, and drought, can improve community preparedness and resilience.
• Awareness about conserving natural resources can lead to more responsible use of water, energy, forests, and other vital resources. Understanding
biodiversity's value can inspire efforts to protect endangered species and preserve natural habitats.
• Awareness about the causes and impacts of climate change can motivate individuals and communities to reduce their carbon footprint and support
renewable energy sources.
• Awareness of the economic benefits of sustainable practices, like energy efficiency and waste reduction, can lead to cost savings for individuals and
businesses.
Sensitization and Participation
Sensitization and participation in environmental studies involve educating and engaging individuals
and communities to increase their awareness and involvement in environmental issues.

Sensitization Participation

 Educational Programs: Developing and implementing educational programs  Scientific Projects: Encouraging the public to participate in
like conducting workshops, seminars and study courses. scientific research mostly in monitoring programs and data
collection.
 Public Awareness Campaigns: Creating campaigns to raise public
awareness about environmental issues.  Community Involvement: Engaging communities in environmental
conservation efforts like local conservation Projects and
 Collaborations with NGOs and Government Bodies. volunteering opportunities.

 Information Dissemination: Providing up-to-date information on  Participatory Research: Collaborating with communities in
environmental issues through newsletters, magazines, websites, blogs, research projects to address local environmental issues and
books and journal articles. conducting environmental impact assessment.
 2. Natural resources and their types
A natural resource is any material or different forms of energy that occurs naturally in the environment and can be used
for economic gain or to support life.

Natural
Forests resources

Minerals Soil

Natural Exhaustible Inexhaustible

Water resources Grassland
bodies Sunlight
Rain
Renewable non-renewable
Sunlight Wind
Gases
Forests Fossils Fuels Tides
Water Minerals
Land Metals
 Associated Problems with Natural Resources
The over-exploitation of natural resources by human beings has resulted in the following problems:

• Imbalance in the nature due to pollution

• Extinction of valuable species
• Bridge gap between developed countries and developing
countries
• Energy crisis
• Drinking water scarcity
• Depletion of minerals
• Deforestation leading to soil erosion, floods loss of
biodiversity
• Global climatic change
Natural Resources: Forest Resources
 Forests are a great national wealth
Uses of forest resources
1. Protective usage
o Excellent protection against soil erosion
o Formation of thick humas layer near trees which provide protection
against floods and droughts
o Acting as a natural dam
o Prevents early siltation of dams and lakes

2. Regulatory usage
o Helps in regulating various biogeochemical cycles
o Releases large quantity of oxygen during photosynthesis
o Helps in purifying the atmosphere
o Trees helps perform transpiration process (~58% of moisture)
o Forests buffer against noise, absorbs air pollutants
Natural Resources: Forest Resources
3. Productive usage
o Timers, Firewood, Bamboo, Essential oils, Gums, Resins, Charcoal, Dyes,
Honey, Medicines, etc.
o Grazing animals
o Wild animals also depend on plants for food

Facts and Figures

o Forests cover over 4 billion hectares of the Earth's landmass, around 31 % of total land
area
o 13 states of India comprise 63% of forest cover
o Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover in the country
o Mizoram (85.4 %) is the most forest rich state
o India is home to 12% of world's recorded flora, some 47000 species of flowering and
non-flowering plants
o Of total mangroves 85% are from West Bengal, Gujarat and Andaman & Nicobar islands
o India is one of the 17 mega biodiverse regions of the world
Natural Resources: Forest Resources
Over-exploitation of forests
Forests are over-exploited in various manners. Some of important methods are deforestation, timber extraction, mining, and dam construction.

Deforestation: How severe is the problem ?

Deforestation is the large-scale removal of forests, leading to significant environmental, economic, and social impacts.

As per National Forest Policy, for healthy and prosper country Population
 33% of forest area of its total land cover.
growth

Forest classes as per India State of Forest Report, MOEFCC (2015) Mining Overgrazing
S. No. Category Area (km2) Percentage

1 Very dense 85.904 2.61 Causes

Shifting
Raw
2 Moderately dense 315,374 9.59 cultivation
materials
3 Open forest 300,395 9.14

4 Scrub lands 41,362 1.26

Forest Industrialization
Total forest area in India is 21.34% of the total geographical area. fires
 Natural Resources: Forest Resources
Consequences of Deforestation?
 Loss of Biodiversity: Forests are home to many o Most affected part of the world by Deforestation are
species of plants and animals; deforestation leads to from south East Asia, and South and Central
habitat loss and species extinction. America.
 Climate Change: Trees absorb carbon dioxide; their o Philippines and Madagascar has lost 97% and 84%
removal contributes to increased atmospheric CO2 of its forest cover, respectively.
levels, enhancing the greenhouse effect.
 Soil Erosion: Trees anchor the soil; without them, soil
erosion increases, leading to loss of fertile land and
increased sediment in waterways.
 Water Cycle Disruption: Forests play a crucial role in
maintaining the water cycle. Their removal disrupts local
and global water patterns.
 Impact on Indigenous Communities: Many indigenous
communities depend on forests for their livelihood and
culture; deforestation threatens their way of life.
Natural Resources: Forest Resources
Potential Solutions to Deforestation / Plan action for Forest Management

 Degraded land unsuitable for agriculture should be converted into forest land with appropriate species.
 Salt-tolerant trees can be specifically planted in saline, barren soils.
 Trees should be planted along roadsides, near railway tracks, on canal banks, and at farm boundaries.
 Planting of trees around villages, schoolyards, public buildings, churchyards, cemeteries, and market squares should be promoted.
 Industries that use wood as a raw material should be required to plant 20 to 50 times the number of trees they cut down.
 Fuel-efficient stoves should be developed to reduce the amount of firewood used in rural households.
 There should be an increased reliance on alternative energy sources like solar energy, geothermal energy, and biogas.
 Selective harvesting should be actively practiced, which involves cutting trees based on their age, selectively, and filling gaps with saplings.
 Social forestry should be promoted by involving local communities in afforestation and reforestation programs.
Natural Resources: Forest Resources
Major Problems in Forests Reserves?

 Ecosystem Disruption • Soil and Water Pollution Impacts due

• Altered Water Flow to mining
• Species Extinction
 Biodiversity Loss
• Invasive Species

 Soil Degradation • Erosion

• Compaction
• Carbon Emissions
 Climate Impact • Disruption of Carbon
Sequestration
• Health Risks
 Human Health and Communities Benefits
• Displacement
• Economic Dependency
 Economic and Social Effects • Conflict Over Resources
• Post-Mining Land Use
 Rehabilitation and Restoration Challenges
• Long-Term Impacts
 Natural Resources: Forest Resources
Effects of Dams on Forests and Tribal People?
Forest is our
 Submergence of Forests: Building reservoirs behind
home
dams frequently causes large forested areas to be flooded
and submerged, leading to the irreversible loss of these
ecosystems.
 Fragmentation of Forests: The construction of dams can
break up forests into isolated patches, which can severely Foods (fruits,
Drink water
impact wildlife. leaves, stems,
from forest
rhizomes, and
 Loss of Biodiversity: The destruction of forest habitats streams
animals etc.)
from dam construction can result in the extinction of plant
and animal species, especially those that are unique to
Collection of Make house
the flooded areas.
firewood from using bamboos,
 Forced Relocation: One of the most profound impacts of forests wood.
dam construction on tribal communities is the forced
displacement of people from their ancestral lands. Use medicinal Selling flowers,
plants for any aid fruits, gums, honey,
 Loss of Cultural Heritage: For many tribal communities, required fibres. etc.
land and forests are integral to their cultural identity,
traditions, and spiritual practices.
Natural Resources: Water Resources
 Water is one of the most valuable natural resources
Uses of Water Resources
o One of the most essential uses of water is for drinking and sanitation.
o Water is used in households for cooking, cleaning, bathing, and washing.
o Water is used to irrigate crops, ensuring food security
o Water is necessary for raising livestock
o Water is one the raw material for photosynthesis
o Water resources are also used in aquaculture (farming of fish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms)
o Industries use water in various stages of production, including cooling, washing, and as a raw material
o Water is used in power generation, particularly in hydroelectric plants
o Water resources are managed through the construction of reservoirs and dams, which store water
for various uses, including flood control.
Natural Resources: Water Resources

Facts and Figures

 The hydrosphere covers 3/4th of earth’s surface.

 Out of total water resources 97% lies in oceans, only 3% is freshwater. Out of 3%, 2%
is locked in polar ice caps, while only 1% is available as accessible freshwater.
 More than 2/3rd of countries already facing water scarcity
 An individual needs approximately 250 liters of water per day
 Every year 1.4 inch thick layer of water evaporates from oceans, more than 90% of
which returns to ocean through water cycle
 About 69% of the total water consumed in the world is for agricultural purposes. Only
Hydrological cycle continuously purifies,
8% is used for domestic and municipal purposes. Rest 23% is used by industries.
recycles and distribute fresh water
 Natural Resources: Water Resources
Over-exploitation of water
Over-exploitation of water refers to the unsustainable use of water resources at a rate that exceeds the natural replenishment rate

Continuous over-exploitation of water has led to many problems

• Depletion of Groundwater Freshwater

shortage
• Reduction of Surface Water Bodies
• Degradation of Water Quality Aridity
Water stress
• Impact on Ecosystems and Biodiversity
• Social and Economic Consequences Drought
Desiccation

• Climate Change Exacerbation

• Long-term Sustainability Challenges
 Natural Resources: Water Resources
Flood: A temporary overflow of water onto land. Floods can result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, overflows of
rivers, and dam failure.
Methods of Flood Control
Causes of Floods
 Channelization, i.e., deepening, widening or straightening a
1. Natural causes suitable section of a stream
o Heavy rainfall
 Lining the stream with concrete
o Winding course of rivers  Building artificial embankments (stream bank protection)
o Occurrence of vast floodplains
 Building check dams
o Sudden change in slopes
o Landslides
2. Anthropogenic factors
Check dam
o Deforestation
o Urbanization
o Changing the course of rivers
o Construction dams
o Few agricultural practices
o Man-induced landslides Concrete lining
Natural Resources: Water Resources
Methods of Flood Management
 Flood frequency curve can prepared based on the history of
floods in flood-prone areas
 Certain buildings/activities in flood-prone zone should be
Flood proof
prohibited
building
 The height of buildings can be increased
 Flood proof buildings can be constructed
 Floodway can be constructed that could allow the flood water to
flow through with minimal damage
 Construction projects in flood-prone areas should require
special permission from the government.
 Flood insurances should be made for peoples living in flood- Floodway
prone areas.
Natural Resources: Water Resources
Drought is a complex natural phenomenon that occurs when an area experiences prolonged periods of below-average precipitation,
leading to a shortage of water.
Causes of Drought How to reduce the impacts of Drought
1. Natural causes 1. Water Conservation
o Lack of Rainfall  Efficient Irrigation Techniques
o Climate Variability  Water Recycling and Reuse
 Rainwater Harvesting
o Extreme Temperature
 Leakage Reduction
o Atmospheric Circulation 2. Sustainable Land Management
o Geographical Location  Reforestation and Afforestation
 Soil Conservation Practices
2. Human-Induced Causes 3. Improved Water Management
o Deforestation  Reservoir Management
 Groundwater Recharge
o Overexploitation of Water Resources
4. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
o Agricultural Practices  Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
o Urbanization  Climate-Smart Agriculture
o Climate Change 5. Technological Innovations (e.g. Desalination)
o Water Management Practices 6. Policy and Governance
 Conflicts Over Water (National)
Issues related to sharing of water have been largely affecting our farmers and also
shaking our governments. Lets discuss some major water conflicts
 Sutlej-Yamuna Link
 Cauvery water dispute
• Punjab being the riparian state for
Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej and stakes
its claim.
• Haryana has faced acute water
shortage after it became a state in
1966.
• The supreme court has ordered
Punjab Govt. to release part of
water from Sutlej to Yamuna many
times, but Punjab Govt. has not
constructed a canal for the same
till now.
Sharing water from Cauvery is a major conflict even
now. Supreme court has ordered a Cauvery water
authority to resolve the same.
 Conflicts Over Water (International)

 Indus Water Treaty

• The treaty allocates the use of the Indus
River and its tributaries between the two
countries. Under the treaty, India has
control over the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas,
and Sutlej), while Pakistan has control over
the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and
Chenab).

• The treaty is considered one of the most

successful international water agreements,
despite the tensions between the two
countries, as it has survived multiple
conflicts and continues to regulate the water
distribution between them.
Conflicts Over Water (International)
 Water conflict in the Middle-East
• Three rivers basins, namely the Jordan, the Tigris-Euphrates and the Nile are the shared
water resources for Middle East countries.
• Ethiopia controls 80% of the Nile’s flow , Sudan is also trying to divert more water. This
could badly affect Egypt, which is a desert country.
• There is also a water conflict between Jordan, Syria, and Israel for Jordan river water
share.
• Turkey has planed to make 22 dams over Tigris-Euphrates for hydroelectricity, which may
affect reduce flow to Syria and Iraq, lying downstream.
Natural Resources: Energy Resources
 How Important are Energy Resources?
Energy consumption of a nation is usually considered as an index of its development.

Different forms of energy

• Developed countries constitute about 5% of the world’s population but consume 1/4th of the global energy resources.
• We can clearly see that an average person consumes almost 200 to 300 Giga joules (GJ) of energy per year in developed countries,
while most of the developing countries only use 1 to 2 GJ energy per year.
• The graphs shows a strong correlation among most of the countries.
 Natural Resources: Energy Resources
 Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Sources

• Renewable energy sources are those that can be

replenished naturally over short periods of time
and are considered sustainable because they do
not deplete over time. They are generally more
environmentally friendly as they produce little to
no greenhouse gas emissions.

• Non-renewable energy sources are those that do

not replenish on a human timescale. They are
finite and will eventually run out. These sources
are typically more harmful to the environment due
to the pollution and greenhouse gases they
produce when burned.
Natural Resources: Energy Resources
 Solar Energy Renewable Energy Sources
 Solar energy is one of the most prominent and widely used forms of renewable energy. It harnesses energy from the sun and converts it into
electricity or heat for various applications.
 The solar energy received by the near earth space is approximately 1.4 kilojoules/second/m2 known as solar constant.

Boron enriches silicon

Solar energy harvesting in two main ways:
1. Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panels:

Process: Photovoltaic solar panels convert sunlight (photons) directly

into electricity (voltage). These panels are made of semiconductor
materials (usually silicon) that generate an electric current
when exposed to sunlight.

Applications:
• Residential and commercial rooftop installations.
• Solar farms that produce electricity on a large scale.
• Portable solar devices like chargers and lights.
Typical solar cell (PV cell)
 Natural Resources: Energy Resources

2. Solar Thermal Systems:

Process: Solar thermal systems capture and concentrate sunlight to

produce heat. This heat can be used directly (for heating
water or air) or can be converted into electricity using steam
turbines.
Solar water heater
Applications: Solar cooker
• Solar water heaters: solar collectors can be used to heat water for domestic or
industrial use.
• Solar cooker: Solar cooker made up of concave and parabolic mirrors uses solar
energy for food preparation.
• Solar furnace: Thousands of small plane mirrors are arranged in concave
reflectors, all of which collect the solar heat and produce as high a temperature as
of 3000oC.
• Solar power plant: Solar energy can be harnessed over large scale by using
concave reflectors which is used to produce steam.
Solar furnace, Uzbekistan
Natural Resources: Energy Resources
 Hydroelectric Energy
 Hydroelectric power is generated through several methods, each depending on the natural flow and elevation of water. The basic process involves
using water to turn turbines, which then drive generators to produce electricity.

Advantages:
• Renewable and Sustainable
• Low Operating Costs
• Clean Energy
• Reliable and Flexible
• Flood Control and Water Supply

Challenges:
• Environmental Impact
• High Initial Costs
• Dependence on Water Availability
• Geographic Limitations

The hydropower potential of India is estimated to be about 4 × 1011

KW.h.
 Natural Resources: Energy Resources
 Wind Energy
 The high speed winds have a lot of energy in them as kinetic energy due to their
motion.
 The minimum wind spend required for satisfactory working of a wind generator is
15 km/hr.

Advantages:
Wind energy is very useful as it does not cause any air pollution
With minimum installation cost, the wind energy is very economic
Challenges:
Wind velocities are not constant, energy produced will fluctuate
Large area are needed to set up wind mills

Wind potential of our country is estimated to be 20000 MW, while at present we are
generating about 1020 MW.

Tamil Nadu installed windmills with a combined capacity of 586 MW in 2023-24 whereas Gujarat
installed mills with a total capacity of 1,600 MW and Karnataka installed mills with 700 MW capacity
during the same period.
Natural Resources: Energy Resources
 Tidal Energy
 Tidal energy is generated through the rise and fall of sea levels, known as tides, which occur due to the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun.

1. Tidal Stream Generators

Process: Tidal stream generators (or tidal turbines) operate

similarly to wind turbines but are placed underwater, where they
capture the kinetic energy of moving water currents generated
by tides. As the water flows past the turbine blades, it causes
them to spin, driving a generator that produces electricity.

Advantages: Tidal stream generators can be installed in

various coastal areas, including tidal rivers and estuaries. They
have minimal visual impact since they are submerged.

Challenges: The efficiency of tidal stream generators can be

affected by the speed of the water current, and maintenance
can be challenging due to the underwater environment.
 Natural Resources: Energy Resources
2. Tidal Barrages

Process: Tidal barrages are large dam-like structures built

across tidal estuaries or bays. They capture potential
energy by trapping water at high tide and then releasing it
through turbines as the tide recedes. This process drives turbines,
generating electricity as the water flows back into the sea.

Advantages: Tidal barrages can generate large amounts of

electricity and also provide flood protection and potential for
recreational activities.

Challenges: Construction of tidal barrages can be expensive, and

they can have significant environmental impacts, including altering
local ecosystems and affecting marine life.

 The Bay of Fundy, Canada having 17-18 m high tides has a

potential to produce 5000 MW of power generation.
 The Gulf of Cambay, Gulf of Kutch and Sunderban deltas are the
major tidal power sites in India. Tidal barrage at Bay of Fundy, Canada
Natural Resources: Energy Resources
 Geothermal Energy
 Geothermal energy is harnessed through the extraction of heat from the Earth’s subsurface. The Earth's core continuously generates heat through
radioactive decay and residual heat from the planet's formation.
 The heat generally comes due to fission of radioactive material naturally present in the rocks.
 Mostly, the steam or the hot water comes out of the ground naturally through cracks in the form of natural geysers.

Advantages:
• Renewable and Sustainable
• Low Emissions
• Reliable
• Small Land Footprint

Challenges:
• Resource Depletion
• High Initial Costs
• Location-Specific
• Environmental Concerns
Natural Resources: Energy Resources
 Biogas Energy
 Biogas energy is a form of renewable energy produced from the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter, such as agricultural waste, food waste,
manure, sewage, and other biodegradable materials. The process generates biogas, a mixture primarily composed of methane (CH₄) (70%) and
carbon dioxide (CO₂) (25-30%), along with small amounts of other gases.
 About 600 L of biogas can be produced per kg of the dry matter.
 Bioproduct of biogas plant be used as manure.

Advantages:
• Renewable and Sustainable
• Greenhouse Gas Reduction
• Energy Independence
• Nutrient Recycling
Challenges: A typical biogas
• Feedstock Availability plant
• High Initial Costs
• Odor and Emissions
• Technical Complexity
Electricity generation Cooking and Heating Transportation Fuel Waste Management
Applications
 Natural Resources: Energy Resources
 Hydrogen as a Fuel
 Hydrogen serve as one of the best fuels because of its high calorific value (150 KJ/gm).

How hydrogen can be produced as a fuel source:

 By thermal dissociation of water (at 3000oK or above),
hydrogen gas is produced.
 Electrolytic dissociation of water to produce hydrogen gas.
 Photolysis of water involves breakdown of water molecules
into hydrogen gas at high solar/light energy.
 Photocatalysis breakdown of water using any semiconductor
photocatalyst to produce hydrogen gas.
 Natural Resources: Energy Resources
 Coal Non-Renewable Energy Sources
 Coal is a fossil fuel that has been a primary energy source for centuries.
 It is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock composed mostly of carbon and hydrocarbons.
 Coal is formed from the remains of ancient plants and organisms that were buried, subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years, and
transformed into solid rock.

Types of Coal
Coal is classified into four main types based on carbon content
and energy output:
1.Anthracite:
• Carbon Content: 86% to 98%
• Characteristics: Anthracite is the hardest and highest
grade of coal.
2.Bituminous:
• Carbon Content: 45% to 86%
• Characteristics: Bituminous coal is the most abundant
and widely used type of coal.

Source:
 Natural Resources: Energy Resources
 Coal
Facts and Figures
3. Sub-bituminous
• Carbon Content: 35% to 45%  At present rate of usage, the coal reserves are likely to last for
• Characteristics: Sub-bituminous coal is softer and has a next 200 years, if it increases by 2% per year, then it can last for
lower carbon content than bituminous coal.
4. Lignite: another 65 years.
• Carbon Content: 25% to 35%  India has 5% of the world’s coal.
• Characteristics: Lignite, also known as brown coal, is
the lowest grade of coal with the lowest carbon  Major coal fields in India are Raniganj, Jharia, Bokaro, Singrauli,
content and energy density. and Godavari valley.
Environmental Impact of Coal:
 Carbon Emissions: Coal combustion releases large amounts of CO₂, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
 Air Pollution: Burning coal produces pollutants such as SO₂, NOx, particulate matter, and mercury, which contribute to smog, acid rain, respiratory
problems, and other health issues.
 Land Degradation: Coal mining, especially surface mining techniques like mountaintop removal, can cause significant land degradation, deforestation,
and habitat destruction.
 Water Pollution: Coal mining and combustion generate waste products, including coal ash and slurry, that can contaminate water supplies and harm
aquatic ecosystems.
 Natural Resources: Energy Resources
 Petroleum

 Petroleum, commonly known as crude oil, is a liquid fossil fuel that is one of the most important and widely used energy sources in the world.
 It is a naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbons and other organic compounds found beneath the Earth’s surface. It is formed from the
remains of ancient marine organisms.
 Petroleum is a clean fuel compared to coal as it burns completely without leaving any residue.

Extraction and Refining

1. Extraction:
Petroleum is extracted from the Earth through drilling. Oil wells are drilled into underground reservoirs to bring
the crude oil to the surface. Offshore drilling platforms are used to extract oil from beneath the ocean floor.

Petroleum extraction process

Fractional distillation process

Source:
Natural Resources: Energy Resources
 Petroleum
Facts and Figures
2. Refining:  At present rate of usage, the world’s crude oil reserves
Crude oil is refined in oil refineries, where it is separated into various fractions are likely to last for next 40 years.
based on boiling points through a process called fractional distillation.  There are 13 countries in the world having 67% of the oil
• Gasoline: Used as fuel for cars and other vehicles. reserves, (Saudi Arabia having 1/4th of it).
• Diesel: Used as fuel for trucks, buses, and industrial equipment.  Major oil fields in India are Digboi, Gujarat plains, and
• Jet Fuel: Used in aviation. Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, Mumbai high and
• Heating Oil: Used for residential and commercial heating. Mahanadi offshore areas.
• Kerosene: Used for heating, lighting, and as a jet fuel component.
• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): Used for heating, cooking, and as a
fuel for vehicles.
• Petrochemicals: Used as feedstocks for producing plastics, synthetic Environmental Impact of Petroleum:
rubber, fertilizers, and other industrial products.
• Green House Gas Emissions
• Air Pollution
• Oil Spills
• Land Degradation
 Natural Resources: Energy Resources
 Natural Gas
 It is mainly a fossil fuel composed of methane (95%) will small amount of propane and
ethane.
 It is considered to be cleaner than other fossil fuels like coal and oil, as it produces fewer
greenhouse gases when burned.
 Natural gas is formed from the remains of ancient marine organisms, such as plankton
and algae.
Processing:
After extraction, natural gas is processed to remove impurities such as water,
carbon dioxide, sulfur compounds, and other non-methane hydrocarbons. Facts and Figures
The processed gas, known as "dry gas," is then transported via pipelines to end-  Currently the amount of natural gas deposits in the
users. world is about 80450 g/m3.
 Russia has the maximum reserves (40%), followed by
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG): It is being used as an alternate to petrol and diesel in vehicles. It Iran (14%), and USA (7%).
compressed to less than 1% of the volume it occupies at STP.  Major natural gas fields in India are Tripura,
Jaisalmer, and Godavari, Krishna, and Mumbai
offshore areas.
Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG): It is a mixture between CO and H2. Low grade coal is transformed to SNG
by gasification followed by conversion to CH4.
 Natural Resources: Energy Resources
 Nuclear Energy

 Nuclear energy is a powerful and efficient form of energy that is generated through the process of nuclear reactions, specifically nuclear fission and
nuclear fusion.
1. Nuclear Fission:
Process: Nuclear fission is the process of splitting the nucleus of a heavy atom, typically
uranium-235 or plutonium-239, into two smaller nuclei, along with a few neutrons and a
large amount of energy. The released neutrons can trigger further fission reactions in
nearby nuclei, creating a self-sustaining chain reaction.
Use in Power Plants: In nuclear power plants, controlled fission reactions occur in a
reactor. The heat generated from fission is used to produce steam, which drives turbines
connected to generators, producing electricity.

Nuclear Fission
Natural Resources: Energy Resources
 Nuclear Energy
2. Nuclear Fusion:
Process: Nuclear fusion involves the joining of two light atomic nuclei, typically isotopes of
hydrogen like deuterium and tritium, to form a heavier nucleus at extremely high
temperatures (1,000,000,000oC) releasing energy in the process. Fusion is the reaction
that powers the sun and other stars.
Current Status: While fusion has the potential to provide almost limitless energy with
minimal waste, it is still in the experimental stage. The main challenge is achieving the
extremely high temperatures and pressures needed to sustain fusion on Earth.

Nuclear Fusion
 Today there are about 440 nuclear power reactors operating in 32 countries
plus Taiwan, with a combined capacity of about 390 GW.
Challenges and Risks of Nuclear Energy
 Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant in Japan is currently the world's largest nuclear
power plant, with a net capacity of 7965MW. • Nuclear accidents
 Nuclear power plants in India are located in Tarapur, Rawatbhata, Kudankulam, • Radioactive waste
Kaiga, Kalpakkam, kakrapar and Narora producing a total of 6780 MW.
• High Initial cost
• Nuclear proliferation
Natural Resources: Energy Resources
 Nuclear Energy A Nuclear Reactor
Components of a Nuclear Power Plant
 Reactor Core: The heart of the nuclear power plant, where fission reactions occur. The core
contains fuel rods made of uranium or plutonium, control rods to manage the fission rate,
and a coolant to transfer heat away from the reactor.
 Control Rods: Made of materials like boron or cadmium, control rods absorb neutrons to
regulate the chain reaction. By inserting or withdrawing these rods, operators can control the
rate of fission.
 Moderator: A fluid (often water, heavy water or graphite) that used in the reactor to
remove heat generated by fission. The heated coolant is used to produce steam.
 Steam Generator: Converts the heat from the coolant into steam, which then drives the
turbines.
 Turbines and Generators: The steam spins turbines, which are connected to generators that
convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.
 Containment Structure: A robust, reinforced building that houses the reactor and prevents
the release of radiation in the event of an accident.

Core of a Nuclear Reactor

References

 https://jgu.edu.in/blog/2024/03/01/multidisciplinary-nature-of-environmental-studies/
 https://www.freepik.com/search?format=search&query=biosphere%20