UNIT 1

INTRODUCTION

ENVIRONMENT:

The term Environment is derived from French word ‘Environ’ which literally means
‘surrounding’. Anything and everything which surrounds us i.e. all living beings or
biotic components (microbes, plants and animals) and non-living or abiotic
components (air, water, sunlight etc.) present in the nature, form the environment.
The Environmental Protection Act, 1986 defines Environment as “environment
includes water, air and land and the inter relationship which exists among and
between water, air and land, and human beings, other living creatures, plants,
micro-organism and property”.
Environmental education is indispensable to create environmental awareness
which ultimately will lead to environmental conservation.
Environmental Studies: Environmental studies about various dimensions
(scientific, social, cultural, economic, political etc.) of the environment, its issues
and challenges and tangible solutions in a holistic way. Thus an environmental
study is studies of the human-environment interaction and its results at micro and
macro level.
Environmental Science strictly deals with the scientific aspects of the environment,
itscomplex problems and the tangible solutions whereas Environmental Studies, in
addition to the scientific aspects, also deals with the socio-economic, cultural,
traditional, legislative and historical dimensions of the environmental issues. For
example, suppose a river is getting polluted due to discharge of untreated
wastewater into the river. The student of Environmental Science will observe the
causes, physico-chemical and biological changes within the river water, its effect on
aquatic and adjoining ecosystem and scientific mitigation measures for the river
pollution. In addition to the above dimensions, Environmental Studies will also
observe the impact of the pollution on the nearby population, their livelihood and
culture etc.

ECOLOGY:
The term ‘Ecology’ was coined in 1869 by ‘Earnst Haeckel’. It is derived by
combining two Greek words Oikos meaning Home and Logos meaning study. So,
Ecology is the study of organisms in their natural home and their interaction with
their surroundings.

ECOSYSTEM:

Ecosystem is the basic structural and functional unit of the

environment. There is a constant exchange of something between living & non-
livings component of the nature, when interact with each other to establish a stable
living community, it is called an Ecosystem. Without the living component,
establishment of an ecosystem is not possible and vice versa. Both are two sides of
a coin.
The study of all the physical as well as biological processes
including the distribution and abundance of living organisms and the interaction in
between them with their surrounding environment is known as Ecosystem.

STRUCTURE OF ECOSYSTEM
It is very easy to study or understand the structure of ecosystem from the flow chart
described below.
 Fig.1.Schematic Representation of Structure of an Ecosystem

BIOTIC COMPONENTS

Biotic components are also divided into 3 categories based upon their food-fed
relationships
PRODUCERS: Producers are the autotrophs (auto means self, troph means to
nourish) of the ecosystem. They are the green plants and green microorganisms
who can make their own food material by using carbon dioxide and water in
presence of sunlight with the help of chlorophyll present in them.
All green plants, Algae, Cyanobacteria are examples of producers
CONSUMERS: Consumers are the heterotrophs (hetero-not self troph to nourish)
of an ecosystem. Consumers are those organisms which get their food from other
organisms by feeding them. They depend on the producers of the nature to get
energy. Consumers are also different types like
a) Herbivores– The organisms which get their food directly from plants are known
as herbivores. They are also known as primary consumers. They cannot eat any
animals.
Some examples of herbivores are Grasshoppers, Rabbits, Goats, Cows and Dears.
b) Carnivores– The organisms which eat other animals are known as carnivores.
Carnivores in nature mean they are the meat eaters. They cannot directly eat the
producers of the ecosystem that is the plants. They can eat only herbivores. They
are also known as secondary consumers.
Frogs, Jackal, Snakes, Tigers and Wolves are some examples of carnivores.
c) Tertiary Consumers Omnivores– The organisms which consume both animals
and plants are known as omnivores.
Humans, Bears and Cows are some examples of omnivores.
DECOMPOSERS: Decomposers are also to some extent heterotrophic in nature.
They do not contain chlorophyll, so depend on other material for food and energy.
Decomposers are those organisms which derive their food (nutrients) by feeding on
the dead and decay materials of the environment. That is why they are known as the
decomposers or saprophyte, or scavengers of the nature or they can be called as the
detrivores (Detri means dead particulate organic material).They can live in any type
of soil with organic waste. They play a very important role for the completion of the
Biogeochemical Cycle in the environment.
Some examples of decomposer are Bacteria, Fungi, Earthworms.
ABIOTIC COMPONENTS:
These are the non-living factors in form of solid, liquid or gas found in the nature
(ice, water,
moisture). They can be categorised into 2 types.
I) Climatic factors or Physical components:
Examples: Light, Temperature, Humidity, Rain etc.
II) Edaphic factors or Chemical components:
Examples : Soil, Organic and Inorganic components of the soil, Substratum etc.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:
The World Commission on Environment and development defined
sustainable development as “Development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own
needs.”
This definition emphasizes two important points. One, the natural resources are
important for our present day survival as for the survival of our future generations.
Two, any present developmental activity or programme must take into account, its
future consequence.

To obtain sustainable development, the following strategies should be

observed:
1. Population control.
2. Conservation of natural sources like water, forest, earth etc.
3. Reduction in wastage of energy and matter.
4. Control on all types of pollutions like water pollution, air pollution, soil
pollution etc.
5. Shifting towards potentially renewables sources.
6. Green building construction.
7. Making and using the things that last longer and can be repaired, recycled and
reused.
8. Protecting the lives of animals as it helps to sustain biodiversity.

SOURCES OF ENERGY:

Depending upon the availability of different sources of energy, it can be classified

into two types:
 Non-renewable sources of Energy or Conventional energy sources:
 Renewable sources of Energy or Non-conventional energy sources

Non-renewable sources of Energy or Conventional energy sources:

The resources which have accumulated in nature over a long span of
time and cannot be quickly replenished when exhausted are known as Non-
renewable energy sources.
or
 The sources of energy that are limited and take over a millions of years
to form are known as non-renewable sources of energy. These resources, once used
cannot be replaced within a short period of time and can be lost forever. Petroleum,
kerosene, coal natural gas, fossil fuel oil and nuclear fuels are some examples of
non-renewable sources of energy.

Renewable sources of Energy or Non-conventional energy sources:

The sources of energy that are continuously replaced through
number of natural phenomenon are called renewable sources of energy.
Renewable sources of energy and include solar energy, wind energy, ocean
energy, geothermal energy, urban waste, agricultural waste energy. These are
non-polluting, environmentally clean and socially relevant
Advantages of Renewable sources of Energy:
1. Renewable energy is available in abundant quantity and free to use.
2. Renewable energy has low or zero carbon emissions, therefore they
are considered as green and eco-friendly.
3. Renewable energy develops self- reliance and minimizes the reliance
on any third country for the supply of energy.
4. Renewable sources can cost free than consuming the local electricity
supply.
5. Renewable sources of energy help in economy simulations and
creating job opportunities, through building such equipments,
instruments or plants that provide jobs to many people.
Disadvantages of Renewable sources of Energy:
Though renewable energy has many benefits and advantages but it also
has certain limitations
1. High cost of initial investment to set up plant.
2. Non-availability (Solar light only when days are sunny)
 3. Loss of biodiversity and forest along with modification of local
environment (Dam for hydroelectric energy).
Advantages of Non-renewable sources of Energy:
1. Non-renewable sources of energy are cheaper and easy to use.
2. Non-renewable sources release great amount of energy from small
amount of resource use (uranium).
Disadvantages of Non-renewable sources of Energy:
1. Non-renewable sources of energy are limited and will end one day. Thus,
their prices will keep rising and will not be accessible and available for
everyone.
2. Their use is not eco-friendly as they release toxic gases that are creating
serious environmental changes.

RAIN WATER HARVESTING :

Rain water harvesting is a technique of collecting rainwater and storing it by

construction of water harvesting structures for later use. It not only increases water
availability but also checks the declining water table.

Rainwater , wherever it falls, is captured and pollution of water is prevented.

Rainwater harvesting is not only proving useful for poor and scanty rainfall regions
but also for the rich ones. The ministry of water resources , is endeavouring to make
rainwater harvesting a part of everybody life in our villages and cities as a people’s
movement.

OBJECTIVES OF RAINWATER HARVESTING :

1. It reduces run off losses.

2. It avoids flooding.
3. It helps in meeting the increasing demand of water at subsequent time.
4. It helps in raising the water table by recharging the groundwater.
5. It also reduces groundwater contamination.
6. It helps in reducing soil erosion.
METHODS OF RAINWATER HARVESTING :

1. The rain water that falls on the roofs of buildings or courtyards is collected
and stored in underground tanks or diverted to some abandoned well. The
collected water may be drawn from well by using hand pump or motor pump
for future use.
2. In foothills water flowing from spring is collected in embankment type water
storage. The collected water can be supplied to the nearby population through
pipelines.
3. Artificial recharging is an indigenous technique of harvesting rain water by
collecting the rain water level in wells and tube wells. It helps in protecting
water resources and assures a constant supply of clean water during the lean
season.
DEFORESTATION

Deforestation is defined as the reckless felling of trees by human beings for their
selfish needs.the forests are burnt or cut down for various reasons,like clearing of
land for agriculture,for mining, for expansion of cities or for harvesting of timber
and many more. The only motive of deforestation is ‘economic gains’. But we
forget that these economic gains are short lived while the long terms damaging
effects of deforestation are disastrous and irreversible.

EFFECTS OF DEFORESTATION

Deforestation has far reaching consequences,which may be outlined as follows:

1. Decrease in rainfall : forest bring rain due to high rate of transpiration and
precipation. In the absence of forests, rainfall declines considerably.
2. Loss of fertile land : due to less rainfall, natural vegetation growth decreases
which result in loss of fertile land.
3. Soil erosion : in the absence of forests, especially on slopes,the soil gets
washed away with rain water. Due to the washing away of nutrients of soil
with rainwater, large tracks of land is rendered permanently improvised.
4. Expansion of deserts : in the absence of forests the land mass gradully gets
converted into sand deserts due to action of strong winds laden by fragmented
rock dust.
5. Lowering of water table : in the absence of forests, rainfall is reduced which
results in less collection of underground reservoirs. Hence water table is
lowered.
6. Loss of flora and fauna : certain species of flora and fauna are getting extinct
from he face of the earth, mainly due to deforestation.
7. Loss of biodiversity : Loss of flora and fauna has resulted into loss of
biodiversity, leading to disturbances into the ecological balance.
8. Flooding and drought : one of the vital functions of the forests is to absorb
and store great amount of water quickly when there are heavy rains. In the
absence of forests, the regulation of flow of water gets disrupted , which leads
to alternating periods of floods and then drought in the affected area.
9. Effect on climate : the climate of a region is mainly controlled by rainfall.
Deforestation causes decrease in rainfall , which in turn increase the climatuic
temperature.
10. Loss of medicinal plants : there are many species of plants which have
medicinal value which have been used in india for centuries as insecticides ,
 fungicides, in medicines and in biofertilisers.deforestation may lead to the
extinction of these valuable plants.
11. Economic loss : deforestation may lead in loss of industrial timber and non –
timber products and loss of long – term productivity.
12. Environmental changes : It is laregly known that global warming is
increasng due to the emission of green house gases,like carbon die oxide into
the atmosphere.
13. Social and cultural effects : indigenous people may be forced into a new
way of life for which they are not prepared.shortage of firewood may cause
serious misery among the tribal womanfolk because they have to travel a lot
to collrct firewood.

CONTROL MEASURES OF DEFORSTATION :

1. Reduction of emission from deforestation and forest degradation : under this
plan, united nations and the world bank, have encouraged developing
countries to limit deforestation. In the some countries, the landholders are
paid incentives for conservation of trees and enhancsement of biodversity
2. Incerse of the reserved forest area : the protected forest area for biodiversity
and timber production should be increased. Vacant amd unused lands and
wastelands should be converted into forest area.
3. Forest management : it is concerned with the protection and regulation of
forest related aspects. It includes management and conservation of forests for
wildlife and wood products etc.
4. Afforestation and reforestation : afforestation refers to the conversion of a
non-forest area into forest area. While reforestation refers to the recreation a
forest area depleted by deforestation.
5. Public awareness : people should be provided environmental education and
awareness regarding the devastating effects of deforestation, because can be
controlled with public help.
6. Legislative actions : strong legislative and regulatory measures should be
effectively enforced to protect forest in both formal and informal ways. Strict
warnings , notices of violation , work cancellation orders and fines should be
imposed in case of non-compliance.
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

MCQ

1. What can be visualized as a functional unit of nature?

a) Humans
b) Ecosystem
c) Vehicles
d) Plants
2. What is the characteristic of each type of ecosystem?
a) Interaction between living things
b) Interaction between biotic and abiotic factors
c) Interaction between abiotic factors
d) Fights among individuals
3. Which of the following is not a type of primary resource?
a) Crude Oil
b) Coal
c) Hydrogen Energy
d) Sunlight
4. Energy Resources which are being used for many decades are known as _____
a) conventional energy sources
b) non-conventional energy sources
c) primary energy sources
d) fuel cells
5. What is called for the collection of rainwater for use?
a) Rain collection
b) Rainwater harvesting
c) Rain digging
d) Rain water pumping
6. Why should people implement rainwater harvesting?
a) In order to play with the water
b) In order to use during scarcity of water
c) In order to pour the rain water directly to the sewage
d) In order to time pass

2 MARK QUESTIONS
1. Define ecology
2. Define the following terms----- herbivores, carnivores, decomposers, detritivores,
3. What are abiotic components of ecosystem
4. Define rain water harvesting?
5. Define deforestation
6. Define renewable sources of energy
7. What do you mean by conventional sources of energy?

4 MARKS QUESTIONS

1. Write a short note on sustainable development.

2. Describe the structure of ecosystem
3. What are non renewable sources of energy? What are the advantages of non
renewable sources of energy?
4. Define rain water harvesting. Describe the method of rain water harvesting
5. Define deforestation. How can it be controlled?
 UNIT 2

Air and Noise Pollution

Pollution: Pollution is an alteration in the physico-chemical and biological

nature of air, water and soil that ultimately affects the whole environment. It
also specifies its hazardous impacts on living organisms, other environmental
systems and non-living material. The substances which adversely affect the
environment by decreasing the growth rate of species or cause interference the
food chain and affect the human comfort and health are known as environment
pollutants or simply pollutants.
Pollution is caused by natural activities or (man-made)
anthropogenic. Examples of natural pollutions are volcanic eruptions, forest
fires, floods caused etc. Incomplete technology lacking close integrated systems
is the main cause of man-made pollution.
Type of Pollution
Pollution has been classified on the basis of particular component of
the environment being polluted, such as:
- Air Pollution
- Water Pollution
- Soil Pollution
- Radioactive Pollution
- Noise Pollution
- Thermal Pollution
Types of Pollutants:
Agents or carriers which cause air pollution are known as air
pollutants.
Pollutants can be classified in various ways based on different factors
such as on the basis of:
1. Nature of Pollutants (Eco-point of view):
Their ore two categories of pollutants on the basis of degradability of
pollutants:
(i) Biodegradable Pollutants: Those substances (Pollutants) which
can be decomposed naturally in the presence of microorganisms
 are known as biodegradable pollutants. For example, any organic
waste, leaf litter etc.
(ii) Non-biodegradable Pollutants: Those substances which cannot
be decomposed or break down into simpler substances by any
natural process are known as non-biodegradable pollutants. For
example, plastic waste, metallurgical waste etc.
2. Depending on Existence of Pollutants in the Nature:
Two categories are recognized on the basis of Existence of Pollutants in
the Nature
(i) Qualitative Pollutants: Those substances (Pollutants) which not
normally occur in nature but are added in nature or environment
by man are known as qualitative pollutants. For example,
pesticides, insecticides etc.
(ii) Quantitative Pollutants: Those substances which already present in
environment but not pollute but acquire the status of pollutants when
their concentration increased due to activities of man are known as
quantitative pollutants. For example CO2 is already present in
environment but their concentration is continuously increasing due to
its emission from industries and automobiles exhaust. When its
concentration become greater than normal value, it cause harmful
effects on environment (human, animals, plants) then it acquire the
status of pollutant.
3. Depending on the form they remains in the environment after they
enter or release in the Environment:
According to this pollutants are of two types:
(i) Primary Pollutants: The pollutants which remains as such in the
environment ( or remains in the form in which they are added) after
being released from source are known as primary pollutants. Some
examples of primary pollutants are ash, dust, smoke, fumes etc.
(ii) Secondary Pollutants: The pollutants which are produced from primary
pollutants by chemical interaction with the substances present in the
environment are known as secondary pollutants. Sulphur- trioxde,
nitrogen dioxide, epoxide, ozone, PAN are some examples of
secondary pollutants.
Air Pollution
Pollution that is caused by anthropogenic and natural agents that degrades
the quality of air and having adverse impact on living and non-living
systems is termed as air pollution.
 Rainfall acts as the best scavenging agent for removal of air
pollutants.
Sources/ Causes of Air Pollution:
The following are the main sources which cause air pollution:
A. Natural Sources:
The natural sources can be thunderstorms, emissions of gases and
particulates from forest fires, methane emissions from marshy lands, bio-
aerosols from pollen grains, volatile organic compounds emissions from
trees and plant species, volcanic eruptions generates sulphur dioxides
emissions and decomposition of organic matter emits carbon dioxide and
methane.
B. Anthropogenic Sources:
Along with natural pollutants, there are pollutants of anthropogenic origin
too. The main anthropogenic sources are gasoline exhaust emissions,
industrial emissions, mining activities, cooking fuels, construction works,
fireworks etc. The details of each emission source categories are as
follows:
i. Household works: Coal combustion generates enormous amount of
smoke, soot, dust, CO, SO2, NOx. However, burning of LPG
releases fewer amounts of pollutants comparatively.
ii. Gasoline Exhaust: Different categories of vehicles like 2 wheelers,
4 wheelers, heavy duty vehicles, etc. release a number of gaseous
air pollutants and particulate matter. They mainly includes NOx,
SOx, VOCs, CO, O3, PM10, PM2.5 and sometimes lead. Vehicles
contribute approximately 70% of air pollution as they are major
source of primary and secondary airpollutants.
iii. Industries:
a. Chemical Industries: They generate SOx, NOx, VOCs andPM.
b. Coal Powered Plants: SO2, CO, NOx andPM.
c. Electroplating and metallurgical Industries: CO, CO2, NOx,
PM, cooper, lead etc.
d. Gasoline-fuel industries: They include petroleum, diesel which
emits VOCs, NOx, SOx, CO, PM, O3etc.
e. Paper manufacturing industries: PM10, PM2.5, SO2etc.
iv. Agricultural Practices: agriculturally based chemical fertilizers
which include pesticides and herbicides like chlorinated
hydrocarbons ,etc.
Effects of Air Pollution:
 Air pollution has both direct and indirect effects on human, plants,
animals, buildings and eco-system
1. Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health: The main effects of air
pollution on human health are:

(i) Premature death: Science shows that both short-term and long-term
exposure to unhealthy air can shorten your life and lead to premature death.
(ii) Asthma attacks: Breathing ozone and particle pollution can lead to
increased asthma attacks, which can result in visits to the emergency room
and hospital admissions.
(iii) Cardiovascular disease: Air pollution can increase the risk of both heart
attacks and stroke.
(iv) Lung cancer: Particle pollution can cause lung cancer, which is the leading
cause of cancer-related death.
(v) Developmental damage: Exposure to air pollution can slow and stunt lung
development in growing children, harming their health now and reducing
their lung function as adults.
(vi) Susceptibility to infections: Air pollution increases the risk of lung
infections, especially in children.
(vii) Worsened COPD symptoms: Exposure to air pollution can make it
even harder for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) to breathe. Severe symptoms can lead to hospitalization and even
death.
(viii) Lung tissue swelling and irritation: Even people with healthy lungs are
susceptible to irritation and swelling. For those living with chronic lung
diseases, such as asthma and COPD, these effects can be especially
harmful.
(ix) Low infant birth weight: Some studies show exposure to air pollution may
increase the risk of low infant birth weight and infant mortality.
(x) Wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath: Like many of the other
conditions in this list, these can be caused by both long-term exposure and
short-term exposure to high levels of air pollutants.

2. Effects of Air Pollution on Economy:

Air pollution tolls on the economy in several ways
(i) It costs human lives.
(ii) Air pollution damages historical and cultural monuments.
(iii) The RCC structure of building get damaged due to attack of acidic
gases or acid rain
(iv) It adversely effects on the people’s ability to work.
(v) It damages materials mainly by corrosion of materials.
 (vi) It causes damages to paint and protective covering of surfaces of
substances.
(vii) Cracking in rubber and various types of electrical insulation is caused
by pollutants like ozone and PAN present in air.
(viii) Acidic gases present in air adversely effect on the strength and life of
leather and paper products.
(ix) Synthetic and natural fibers and their color (dyes) deteriorate due to
the pollutants of air.
(x) It costs money in remediation and restoration.

Table 1: Summary of air pollutants, sources and impacts

S.No. Pollutant Source/Cause Effect

1. Carbon Vehicular emissions, Nausea, dizziness,
monoxi wood burning, coal severe headache,
de (CO) burning, incomplete cardiac arrests, brain
combustion etc. stroke, low blood
pressure and CO
poisoning. After
inhalation due to
incomplete
combustion, CO
inhales deep into the
lungs and combine
with haemoglobin as it
has high affinity than
oxygen. The resultant
i
s
Carboxy haemoglobin.
When a large
number of
carboxy haemoglobin
molecules increases in
the human body
then it
decreases the oxygen
 level. Due to high
decrease in O2 levels,
the
condition
becomes fatal and leads
to death.

2. Carbon dioxide Biomass burning Global

(CO2), declared warmin
as pollutants only g, greenhouse effect
at elevated levels. and climate change.
3. Sulphur Industrial processes, Repiratory
dioxid fossil fuel combustion, ailments
,
e (SO2) wild fire, thermal power diziness,
plants, smelters and bronchiti
volcanic eruptions s, reduced plant
production, yellowing,
necrosis and corrosion
to marble, spoiling of
leather, corrosion.
4. Polynuclear Gasoline exhaust Nausea, dizziness, lung
Aromatic emissions, emissions cancer,
Hydrocarbo from garbage sites, coal respirato
ns (PAHs) tar lining. ry disorders, eye
irritation etc.
 5. Chlorofluorocarb Refrigerators, ACs, Ozone layer
ons (CFCs) cleaning solvents, depletion,
disinfectants. formation of ozone
hole.
6. Nitrogen Oxides Biomass burning, forest Nausea,
fires, gasoline exhaust dizzines
emissions, mining etc. s, cardiovascular
disorders,
photochemical smog,
acid rain etc.
8. Peroxy Vehicular Irritation of eye, throat
Acet emissions and trachea, damages
,
yl Nitrate (PAN) Chemical clothing, paints and
industria rubber etc.
l
emissions,
domesti
c activities etc.
9. Particulate matter Vehicular Respiratory disorders,
emission bronchitis, emphysema,
s, construction asthma; some are
based carcinogenic.
activities,
industria
l emissions, wood
burning etc.

Air PollutionControl:
Air pollution cannot be fully controlled but can be controlled.
(a) Preventive Measures
(b) Control Measures using equipment.
(a) Preventive Measures:
A. Source Emissions -Industries
- Low-sulphur fuels should be encouraged to use to reduce the emission of
sulphur dioxide and reduction in benzene in gasoline fuels (petrol) from
10% to 1% is implemented as per central pollution control board norms.
- Exhaust hoods are the latest modifications in industrial ovens which have
good efficiency to recover the solvents that have the possibility to become
air pollutants.
- Cost effective instruments are implemented to reduce the air pollutant
concentrations.
B. Source Emissions - Vehicles
- Eradication of Old Vintage Vehicles. The vehicles, particularly cars, which
are older than 15 years, should be discarded due to their low efficiency and
malfunctioning of engines. These vehicles are also one of the main reasons
for emissions of air pollutants in theatmosphere.
- Catalytic converters are efficient devices fitted in engines of different set of
vehicles and play an important role in converting noxious gases in to less
harmful gases through chemical reaction.
- Improvement in quality of vehicular fuel which will reduce the tail-pipe
emissions and further betters the air quality. For e.g. sulphur content was
reduced from 0.5to
0.2 percent in diesel to reduce the emission of SO2 from tail-pipe. Methyl
tert-
butyl ether (MTBE) should be added as a gasoline additive for increasing
the octane number and reducing knocking of engine
- Unleaded petrol is recommended to use especially in Delhi to reduce the
lead emissions from gasoline fuels.
- Alternative fuels should be used in place of gasoline fuels like CNG, LPG,
biodiesel, vegetable oils, ethanol etc to curb the emission of air pollutants..
- To promote the use of electric vehicles
C. Legal and Policy Measures
For the control of air pollution, two main acts are implemented, The Air
Pollution prevention and Control Act, 1981 and Environmental Protection
Act, 1986.
 D. Greenbelt Development/Landscape Green Planning
- Toplanttolerantspecieswhicharegoodabsorbersofdifferentairpollutants.
These types of plant species are called as sinks and help in purifying the air.
- These tolerant plant species will be screened by a biological method called
as Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) and planted around the periphery
of the affected area.
E. Emission Norms and Emission Standards
Emission norms are the threshold or permissible limit set by nodal agency for
a particular category of vehicle. These limits are for those air pollutants which
are emitted usually from tail-pipe of vehicles like CO, NOx, VOCs, PM etc. If
any vehicle has emission of these air pollutants above the set permissible
limit, it is considered as unfit vehicle. The Automobile Research Institute,
Pune is the certifying authority for the vehicles fulfilling the standards.

(b) Air Pollution Control Equipment or Control Measures using equipment:

Control for Particulate Matter

(a) Gravitational Settling Chamber: It consists of rectangular chamber fitted
with large number of horizontal trays.

Fig: GRAVITATIONAL SETTLING CHAMBER

 Used to remove particles of size greater than 50 𝜇𝑚.
 Gas stream (polluted) is allowed to enter from one end.
 Velocity of flue gas is reduced in large chamber.
  Particles settled under the influence of gravitational force.
Advantages:
 Low initial cost.
 Easy to design.
 Dry and continuous disposal of solid waste.
 Low maintenance cost.
Disadvantages:
 Require large space.
 Only large sized particles can be removed.
 Less collection efficiency.
(b) Cyclone Separator:
It consists of a vertical cylinder with conical base. Near the top it is
fitted with tangential inlet for entry of polluted gas and outlet at the base to
discharge (remove) particulate matter.
 Fig: CYCLONE SEPARATOR
 Centrifugal force is utilized to remove particulate matter.
 It is used to remove particles of size from 10 -50 𝜇𝑚.
 Used mostly in industries.
Advantages:
 Less initial cost.
 Require less floor area.
 Simple construction and maintenance.
 Can handle large volume of gas at high temperature.
Disadvantages:
 Less efficient for small particles ( less than10 𝜇𝑚).
 Sensitive to variable dust load and flow rate.
(iii) Fabric Filter:
It consists of tubular bags and closed at upper end. It has a Hooper at
lower end to collect the particulates. The filter bags must be cleaned regularly for
efficient filtration.

Fig: FABRIC FILTER

 Flue gases are allowed to pass through woven fabric, which filter out particulate
matter.
 Small particles are retained on the fabric.
 Removes particle having size less than 1 𝜇𝑚.
 It has efficiency up to 99%
Advantages:
 Higher collecting efficiency for smaller particles.
 Normal power consumption.
 Performance become visible
Disadvantages:
 High cost of maintenance and fabric replacement.
 Large size equipment.
 Fabric is liable to chemical attack.
(iv) Electrostatic Precipitator: It consists of thick cylinder with inlet for
polluted gas near the base and outlet near the top for exit of clean gas.
 Electrode is inserted in it and connected to high voltage cable.

Fig: ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR

 It works on the principle of electrostatic precipitation.
 Can remove the particles of size range 0.1 – 1 𝜇𝑚.
Advantages:
 High efficiency.
 Both types of particles (dry or wet) can be collected.
 Maintenance cost is normal.
Disadvantages:
 High initial cost.
 Require high voltage.
 Collection efficiency reduces with time.
 Chances of explosion during collection of combustible gases
or particulate matter.
  Require more space.
(v) Wet Collector or Scrubbers: It may be rectangular or cylindrical in shape. It
is used to remove toxic gases (gaseous pollutants) as well as particulate
matter present in smoke.

Fig: WET COLLECTOR

Advantages:
 Simultaneously removes particulate matter and gaseous pollutants.
 Corrosive gases can be recovered and neutralize.
 Cooled down the gases.
Disadvantages:
 Lot of waste water produced.
 High maintenance cost.
 Material (waste) collected is highly corrosive.

NOISE POLLUTION

Noise pollution, is also known as environmental noise or sound pollution,

A loud, unpleasant sound that causes discomfort is called noise.

The release of unwanted sound in the atmosphere is called noise pollution

Sources of noise pollution

There are many sources of noise pollution, but here are some of the main ones:

1. Traffic noise

Traffic noise accounts for most polluting noise in cities. For example, a car
horn produces 90 dB and a bus produces 100 dB.

2. Air traffic noise

There are fewer aircraft flying over cities than there are cars on the roads, but the impact
is greater: a single aircraft produces 130 dB.

3. Construction sites

Building and road construction works are very noisy.

4. Catering and night life

This includes noise from pubs and clubs.

5. Drivers honking the horn,

6. groups of workers drilling the road surface

7. various industries like textile mills, printing press, defence equipments etc.

8. domestic gadgets like mixer, coolers, exhaust fans etc

9. entertaining equipments eg radio, tv sets

10. use of crackers on festivals etc

UNIT OF SOUND

The unit of sound level is decibel(dB).

Noise level can range from 0 to more than 120 dB.

The intensity of normal sound is 35-60 dB.

A noise of 80dB or more may lead to hearing impairment whereas a noise above 140 dB
becomes painful

ACCEPTABLE NOISE LEVEL

Acccording to CENTRAL POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD(CPCB) the acceptable

noise levels for different locations are as follows----

Area code Type of area Noise Level(dB)

Day Night

A INDUSTRIAL 75 70

B COMMERCIAL 65 55

C RESIDENTIAL 55 45

D SILENCE ZONE 50 40

EFFECTS OF NOISE POLLUTION

constant loud noise can damage human health in many ways, particularly in the very
young and the very old. Here are some of the main ones:

Physical

Respiratory agitation, racing pulse, high blood pressure, headaches and, in case of
extremely loud, constant noise, gastritis, colitis and even heart attacks.

Psychological
Noise can cause attacks of stress, fatigue, depression, anxiety and hysteria in both
humans and animals.

Sleep and behavioural disorders

Noise above 45 dB stops you from falling asleep or sleeping properly. Loud noise can
have latent effects on our behaviour, causing aggressive behaviour and irritability.

Memory and concentration

Noise may affect people's ability to focus, which can lead to low performance over time.

It is also bad for the memory, making it hard to study.

Sudden and high intensity sound level affects the nervous system.

CONTROL

Noise pollution can be effectively controlled by taking the following measures:

1. For people working in noisy installations, ear-protection aids like ear-plugs, ear-
muffs, noise helmets, headphones etc. must be provided to reduce occupational
exposure.

2. Designing, fabricating and using quieter machines to replace the noisy ones.

3. Proper lubrication and better maintenance of machines.

4. Installing noisy machines in sound proof chambers.

5. Covering noise-producing machine parts with sound-absorbing materials to reduce

the noise production.
6. Using silencers to control noise from automobiles, ducts, exhausts etc. and convey
systems with ends opening into the atmosphere.

7. Sound travels through the cracks that get left between the door and the wall. For
reducing noise, this space (jamb frame gap) should be packed with sound absorbing
material.

8. Planting green trees and shrubs along roads, hospitals, educational institutions etc.
help in noise reduction to a considerable extent.

9. Strict legislative measures need to be enforced to curb the menace of noise pollution.
Some of these measures could be:
(a) Minimum use of loudspeakers and amplifiers especially near silence zones.
(b) Banning pressure horns in automobiles.
(c) Framing a separate Noise Pollution Act.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
MCQ
1. What are the agents that bring about such an undesirable change (pollution) are
called?
a) Pollutants
b) Haptens
c) Adjuvants
d) Vaccine
2. Which is the most widely used technique for removing particulate matter?
a) Loudspeakers
b) Growing trees
c) Electrostatic precipitator
d) Magnets
3. What is an undesired high level of sound called?
a) Air
 b) Music
c) Noise
d) Speakers
4. What amount of noise may damage eardrums thus permanently impairing hearing
ability?
a) 10 dB
b) 150 dB
c) 15 dB
d) 50 Db
5. Why is CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) preferred over petrol?
a) Burns most efficiently
b) It is expensive
c) Burns less efficiently
d) Can be adulterated
6. Which of the following are sources to air pollution?
a) Coal combustion
b) Steel industries
c) fertiliser manufacturing
d) All of the mentioned
2 MARKS QUESTIONS
1. Define air pollution
2. Define noise pollution
3. Name some sources of air pollution
4. What is the audible range of sound?
5. Unit of sound is -----------.
6. Write 2 methods to control air pollution
7. What are biodegradable pollutants?
4 MARKS QUESTIONS
1. State some methods ro control noise pollution
2. What are the effects of air pollution on human health?
3. Explain The working of cyclone separator with diagram
4. Discuss the construction and working of electrostatic precipitator.
 UNIT 3
WATER AND SOIL POLLUTION
Water pollution is defined as the presence of undesirable substances in water in such a
quantity so as to constituted health hazard by lowering the water quality for making
water unfit for use

IMPURITIES IN WATER :
1. Physical Impurities : Temperature, turbidity ,colour, suspended and floating
matter
2. Organic Impurities
3. Inorganic Impurities
4. Pathogenic Impurities

SOURCES/CAUSES OF WATER POLLUTION

1. COMMUNITY WASTE WATER: It includes discharge from houses, industrial
establishment to public sewage system. It is rich in organic matter. With increase
in organic waste in water, bacteria multiply rapidly and use available oxygen.
Lack of oxygen kills aquatic life and causes anaerobic bacteria to produce foul
smelling gases.

2. INDUSTRIAL WASTE WATER: It is the major source of water pollution. It

includes the discharge from Industries like chemical industry, food processing
industry, textile mills, Paper Mills, sugar mills, plastic industries oil refineries etc.
3. AGRICULTURAL SOURCES: Artificial fertilizers and pesticides are very
common for the present day high yielding variety of crops. They also have
become a potential source of water pollution. Many pesticides are non-
degradable. They are absorbed by lower organism and are passed to higher
organisms through food chain. At each stage of food chain, the concentration of
these pesticides goes on increasing. This process is called Biological
magnification.
4. UNDERGROUND WATER POLLUTION: Underground water is considered the
safest source of water but now a days it is also becoming polluted in India at many
places.The groundwater is contaminated due to the seepage from the industries,
municipal waste effluents and agricultural waste water.

5. THERMAL POLLUTION : Thermal pollution of water is caused by the increase

in temperature of water. Main sources of thermal pollution are thermal and
nuclear power plants. In these plants, water is used as coolant. These plants
 release hot water to the water sources. Sudden increase in the temperature is
harmful for the fish and other aquatic life.

6. MARINE POLLUTION : Oceans are the ultimate sink of all types of pollutants.
Rivers discharge their pollutants into the sea. The garbage of the coastal cities is
also dumped into the sea. Other sources of marine pollution are discharge of oil
from the oil refineries.

EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION ON HUMAN HEALTH

1.Water pollution contains pathogens like virus bacteria parasitic protozoans which are
responsible for various water borne disease like typhoid Cholera
2. The consumption of highly contaminated water causes injury to the heart and kidney.
3. The heavy metals like lead and mercury present in contaminated water causes serious
health problems.
4. Nitrates present in drinking water causes Blue baby syndrome.
5. Excess of fluoride in drinking water causes defects in teeth and bones.
6. Over exploitation of groundwater lead to leaching of arsenic from soil into the ground
water. It causes diarrhoea and lung and skin cancer.

SOME IMPORTANT TERMS

DISSOLVED OXYGEN (DO): It is defined as the amount of oxygen present in the
aquatic system that is available for aquatic life.

BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND(BOD): It is defined as the amount of oxygen

required by aerobic microorganisms to oxidize the organic matter present in the water.
Its unit is milligrams of oxygen per litre of water

CHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (COD): It is defined as the amount of oxygen

required by chemical oxidants to oxidize the organic matter present in water chemical.
Generally COD of water is higher than BOD. so COD is a better way to measure water
pollution.

STANDARDS OF WATER QUALITY FOR DOMESTIC USE

1.Temperature should be 10 degree Celsius to 15 degree Celsius
2. odourless
3. colourLes
4. There should not be any turbidity.
5. There should not be any objectionable taste.
6. Water should be free from micro organism.
7.Water should be free from E coli bacteria.
8.The total solids of water should be less than 500 PPM .
9. Hardness of water should be less than 350 PPM
10.PH value of water should be between 6.5 to 8.

STANDARDS OF WATER QUALITY FOR INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY

The quality of water required for industries depends upon the requirement of a particular
industry but in general the industrial water is used for cooling purpose .So it need not to
be of high quality.
The dissolved solids in cooling water may be up to 30 500 milligram per litre but it
should be free from pollutants like bacteria and other microorganism and the pH of
water should not be less than 7 so as to reduce the corrosion.

WATER TREATMENT water available by various sources contain impurities raw

water found cannot be directly used for various purpose. so water must be treated before
supplying it for domestic use. The removal of impurities of water for domestic and
industrial use is known as water treatment.

OBJECTIVES OF WATER TREATMENT: The main objectives of water treatment

are removal of various impurities from water so as to make the water of good quality.
1. The colour of water should be removed before applying it to public use.
2. To make water Pure by making it free from pathogenic germs.
3. To remove the objectionable odour and taste from water.
4. To make water fit for domestic use like cooking bathing washing
5. To remove the undesirable properties of water.
6. To give correct and adequate amount of dissolved oxygen to water.
7. To make water cool
8. To give a sparkling appearance to water

TREATMENT OF WATER
The treatment process depend on the impurities present in water for removing various
types of impurities. Different treatment processes are used

1. SCREENING : Screening is used to remove the floating matter as leaves, dead

animals from water. A protective device provided in front of pumps is called
screen . The process of excluding the large sized particles with the help of screen
is called screening. There are two types of screening
coarse screening used to remove Very large sized materials from water
fine screening used to remove small sized particles materials from water
 2. PLAIN SEDIMENTATION : The process is used to remove the suspended
particles from water by the action of gravity for example slit clay sand

3. SEDIMENTATION WITH COAGULATION : It is a process in which insoluble

gelatinous precipitate is formed by adding some Chemicals known as coagulants
for the removal of fine suspended matter from water.

4. FILTRATION : The process by which water is passed through the thick layers of
sand and other granular matter for removing the microorganism and colloidal
matter is known as filtration.

5. AERATION: The process of bringing the water in contact with air so as to

remove carbon dioxide gas, its unpleasant taste and odour and adding oxygen to
water is known as aeration.
6. WATER SOFTENING: This process is used to remove the hardness causing
substances from water. for example, the Ion exchange method, lime soda method
and reverse osmosis are used for the softening of water.
7. CHEMICAL TREATMENT: This method is used to remove the harmful
Chemicals both organic and inorganic from water. for example by adding
potassium permanganate or chlorine into water.
8. DISINFECTION : The treatment of water with certain Chemicals to kill the
pathogenic bacteria to make the water safe for use is called disinfection example,
chlorination, ozonisation

SEWAGE TREATMENT
It is the artificial process by which the objectionable constituents of sewage can be
removed to make the water soft.
It is of two types
1.primary treatment of sewage 2. secondary treatment of sewage

PRIMARY TREATMENT OF SEWAGE WATER: The treatment in which the

mechanical principles are used for treatment is called primary treatment. The process
can be described as
1. The sewage water taken for treatment is called influent
2. This influence is passed through the screens so as to remove large substances from
the water.
3. It is passed through the grit chamber where the grit from water is removed.
4. Then the water is passed through the sedimentation tank. In this tank, suspended
particles are separated from water. These suspended particles are called sludge.
 5. The sludge is passed into the sludge digestion tank where it is digested by
following process---- aerobic digestion, anaerobic digestion, incineration,
composting
6. After this,Sludge is taken to the sludge drying tank.
7. Here, dried sludge is now disposed off
8. The water from the sedimentation tank is passed into the chlorine tank where
chlorine is passed through water to remove the pathogenic microorganisms.
9. Now the water is known as Effluent and is passed into the rivers.

The benefits of primary treatment process are

i)disposal of the sewage is easy.
ii) removal of impurities does not cost much
iii) the process is highly efficient

SECONDARY TREATMENT OF SEWAGE WATER:

The treatment of water in which both mechanical and biological principles are used for
water treatment is called secondary treatment of water.

The process involves following steps

1. Water taken for the treatment is known as influent.

2. The influent is passed through the screens so as to remove the large sized material
from the influent.
3. It is then passed through the grit chamber where the grit from the influent is
removed. Grit is the sand and gravel found in the influent.
4. Now it is passed through the primary sedimentation tank where the water is
allowed to remain undisturbed for a few days. By this the insoluble impurities of
water settle down.
5. Then the water is passed into the dosing tank. Here water is treated with the
Chemicals so as to remove the microorganisms from it
6. Then the water is passed into the trickling filters. These filters are made up of the
layers of stones, sand and gravel and also the cultures for biological media if any
microorganisms present in water then it is removed here.
7. Now water is passed into the secondary sedimentation tank so as to remove any
sludge particles present in water.
 8. The sludge removed from primary and secondary sedimentation tank is taken to
the sludge digestion tank where the sludge is digested by any of the the four
methods aerobic digestion, anaerobic digestion, incineration, composting
9. Now this digested sludge is taken to the sludge digestion drying tank where with
the help of air the sludge is dried. This dried sludge can be disposed off.
10. From the secondary sedimentation tank, water is taken into chlorine tank. In this
tank, chlorine is passed into water to make the water was infected
11. Finally the water coming out of chlorine tank is known as Effluent. This Effluent
is passed into the rivers.

SOIL POLLUTION
It is defined as

the build-up in soils of persistent toxic compounds, chemicals, salts, radioactive

materials, or disease causing agents, which have adverse effects on plant growth and
animal health.

Soil pollution is also caused by means other than the direct addition of man-made
chemicals such as agricultural runoff waters, industrial waste materials, acidic
precipitates, and radioactive fallout.

SOURCES OF SOIL POLLUTION

The major sources of soil pollution are as follow:

Industrial Wastes: Disposal of industrial wastes is the important source of soil pollution.
Industrial pollutants are mainly discharged from chemical industries, sugar factories,
tanneries, textile mills, steel industries, distilleries, pulp and paper mills, oil refineries,
petroleum industries etc.

Thermal and atomic power plants also add pollutants to the soil.

Agricultural Wastes: Agricultural wastes are the common pollutants of soil pollution.
Fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, weedicides etc. cause soil pollution and adversely
affect the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil.
Urban Wastes: Urban wastes consist of both commercial as well as domestic wastes
which include plastics, glass, metallic cans, fibers, paper, street sweepings, leaves,
rubbles etc. and contribute to soil pollution.

Radioactive Materials: Radioactive materials resulting from explosion in nuclear

devices penetrate into soil and enter the food chain which cause detrimental effect on the
body tissues. Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which were bombarded in Second World War,
are good examples of radioactive soil pollution.

Biological Agents : Other important soil pollutants are biological agents which include
biological organisms from human and animal excreta.

In addition to this, faulty sanitation and disposal of waste water cause soil pollution.

SOLID WASTE
Solid waste or refuse is the solid and semi solid waste arising from human and animal
activities discarded as useless.

Higher standards of living of ever increasing population has resulted in the increase
in quantity of solid waste. Solid waste has a great impact on the environment. Solid
waste management aims at minimizing the adverse effect of solid waste.

TYPES OF SOLID WASTE:

(i) Municipal Solid Waste: Municipal solid waste consists of household waste, waste
from streets and roads, sanitation residue, construction and demolition debris etc. With
rising urbanization and standards of living, the amount of municipal solid waste is
increasing rapidly. More than 70% of Indian cities lack adequate capacity to transport
municipal solid waste and there are n sanitary landfills to dispose of the waste.

(ii)Household solid waste: Certain types of household wastes are hazardous which
include expired medicines, medicine bottles, shoe polish, old batteries, paint tins etc

(iii) Industrial Solid Waste : Industrial solid waste may be defined as the solid waste
generated by manufacturing processes. Industrial waste is generally considered
hazardous as it may contain toxic substances. The major sources of industrial waste are
thermal power plants which produce coal ash, sugar industries which produce mud, pulp
and paper, industries producing lime and fertilizer, intergrated iron and steel mills, metal
industries etc.

(iv) Biomedical Solid Waste : Biomedical solid waste consists of waste released by
hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers etc. This type of waste includes cotton, syringes,
bandage, glass bottles, plastic bottles, discarded medicines, anatomical and pathological
waste etc

EFFECTS OF SOLID WASTE

Improper handling and transfer of solid waste cause ill effects on the environment and
human health which are as follow:

1. Files breed on the refuse dump and solid waste which contaminate water and food.
Contaminated water and food cause diseases like diarrhea bacillary dysentery etc.
2. Depending upon the solid wastes, rats may cause diseases like plague, trichinosis,
salmonellosis, endemic typhus etc.
3. Perlocation of decomposed garbage dumps into soil cause pollution of land and
underground water.
4. Smoke due to the burning of waste pollutes air.
5. Bad odour due to the decomposition of organic solid waste pollutes air.
6. Contaminated water supply may spread large scale epidemic of jaundice, cholera,
gastroinstentinal diseases etc.

CONTROL OF SOLID WASTE

The main objective of solid waste control is to minimize the adverse effects of solid
waste on the environment. The various steps involved are as follow:

1. Collection of solid waste : Collection of waste includes collection the waste,

transporting it centralized location and then moving it to the of disposal.
2. Disposal of solid waste: Before the final disposal of the solid waste, it is
processed to recover the usable material and to improve the efficiency of the solid
waste disposal system.
3. Utilization of Solid Waste : The solid waste can be properly utilized to obtain the
benefits such As
 (i) Conservation of natural resources.
(ii) Economic development.
(iii) Control of air pollution

SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL

The following methods may be adopted for disposing of the solid waste: 1.
Landfilling, 2. Incineration, 3. Composting, 4. Pulverization, 5. Pyrolysis ,
6.Disposal into sea

1. LANDFILLING : Landfilling is the most popular solid waste disposal

method used today. Garbage is basically spreas out in thin layers,
compresses and covered with soil or plastic foam.
Advantages: (i) It is simple and economical.
(ii) Segregation of waste is not required.
(iii) Landfilled areas can be reclaimed and used for other purpose.

Disadvantages : (i) Large area is required.

(ii) Land availability is away from town, therefore, transportation costs

are high.
(iii) It causes fire hazard due to formation of methane in wet weather.

2. INCINERATION : In this method, solid waste is burnt in a furnace called

incinerator.
Advantages : (i) Residue is only 20-25% of the original solid waste and can
be used as clinker after treatment.
(ii) It requires very little space.
(iii) An incinerator plant of 3000 tonnes capacity per day can generate
3MW of power.

Disadvantages: (i) Its capital and operating cost is high.

(ii) Operation needs skilled personnel.

(iii) Formation of smoke, dust and ashes may cause air pollution and need
further disposal .
 3. COMPOSTING: Due to lack of adequate space for landfills, bio-
degradable waste is allowed to decompose in a medium designed for the
purpose. Only bio-degradable waste materials are used in composting.
Advantages: (i) Manure added to soil increases water retention and ion-
exchange capacity of soil.
(ii) This method can be used to treat several industrial solid wastes.
Disadvantages : (i) Non- consumable materials have to be disposed off
separately
(ii) The technology has not caught farmers and hence does not has an
assured market.

4. PULVERISATION: In this method, solid waste is pulverized in grinding machine to

reduce its volume and physical character.

5. PYROLYSIS : In pyrolysis, chemical energy of some organic wastes is recovered by

destructive distillation.

6. DISPOSAL INTO SEA : This method is used in coastal areas having deep sea water
(>30m) at a reasonable distance (<10 to 20 km). It is a simple and cheap method , but
has following disadvantages:

(i) Light components of solid waste float on the water surface and tend to return to

shores during high tides.

(ii) Some portion of solid waste may return to the beaches despite all necessary

precautions.

E WASTE(ELECTRONIC WASTE)
E-waste means discarded electronic products such as computers, televisions, stereos,
copiers, fax machines, cell phones etc.

E-waste, if not disposed off properly, can leach lead and other substances into soil and
ground water. Many of these products can be reused, or recycled in an environmental
friendly manner so that they are less harmful to the eco-system. Disposal of e-waste is a
big problem across the globe.
Source of E-waste Constituent Health Effect
Mother-board Beryllium (Be) Lung, cancer, skin
diseases such as
warts.
Computer housing PVC Damage of
immune system,
reproductive and
developmental
problems
switches, PCBs Mercury (Hg) damage to brain,
respiratory and
skin disorders.
Chip resistors and Cadmium (Cd) Toxic irreversible
semiconductors effect on human
health, damage to
kidney and liver.
Solder in PCBs, Lead (Pb) Damage to central
glass panels and and peripheral
computer monitors nervous system,
blood system and
kidney

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

MCQ

1. What is the main reason for thermal pollution?

a) Increase in the temperature of the ecosystem
b) Increase in the chemical contains in water
c) Hot water released by power plants and industries
d) Pollution causing by vehicles
2. Which sewage contains biodegradable waste such as organic matter?
a) Medical waste
b) Plastic waste
c) Domestic waste
d) Wild waste
 3. How is the amount of biodegradable organic matter in sewage water estimated?
a) Chemical Oxygen Demand
b) Physical Oxygen Demand
c) Biological Oxygen Demand
d) Mathematical Oxygen Demand
4. What do BOD and COD stand for?
a) Biological Oxygen Demand and Chemical Oxygen Demand respectively
b) Chemical Oxygen Demand and Biological Oxygen Demand respectively
c) Botanical Oxygen Demand and Chemical Oxygen Demand respectively
d) Basic Oxygen Demand and Chemical Oxygen Demand respectively
5. Which of the following undesirable and waste material is neither gas nor liquid?
a) Water waste
b) Oxygen
c) Liquid waste
d) Solid waste
6. Which of the following methods cannot be used for waste disposal?
a) Dumping
b) Gasification
c) Incineration
d) Open sea disposal

SHORT QUESTIONS ( 2 MARKS )

1. Give 2 examples of biodegradable waste.

2. Give 2 examples of non-biodegradable waste.
3. The process of burning the soild waste is called----------
4. The process of decomposing the bio degradable solid waste is called -----
5. The process of grinding the solid waste in a grinding machine to reduce its volume is called-----------
6. The process of recovering the chemical energy of organic waste by destructive distillation is called-------
--------
7. E waste means---------------
8. Define solid waste
9. What are 2 types of solid waste on the basis of-------a. source b. nature
10. Define bio degradable solid waste
11. Define non-biodegradable solid waste
12. Define municipal solid waste
13. Define biomedical solid waste
14. State 2 examples of biomedical solid waste
15. Define E waste
16. Name some methods of solid waste disposal.(only name)

4 MARKS QUESTIONS
1. Explain incineration
2. Explain composting
3. Explain land filling
4. Explain pulverization
5. Write a short note on “Disposal into Sea”
6. What are the advantages of incineration?
7. Explain the disadvantages of incineration
8. Explain the advantages of land filling
9. Discuss the disadvantages of land filling
10. Write a short note on municipal solid waste
11. Discuss in brief – biomedical solid waste
12. What do you mean by industrial solid waste? Explain
13. Explain the ill effects of solid waste
14. What do you mean by E waste? What are the effects of e waste on human health? Explain
15. Explain the control measures of solid waste
 UNIT 4

IMPACT OF ENERGY USAGE ON ENVIRONMENT

Global warming:

The phenomenon of increasing average air temperatures near the surface of Earth over
the past one to two centuries. Climate scientists have since the mid-20th century
gathered detailed observations of various weather phenomena (such as
temperatures, precipitation, and storms) and of related influences on climate (such
as ocean currents and the atmosphere’s chemical composition). These data indicate that
Earth’s climate has changed over almost every conceivable timescale since the
beginning of geologic time and that the influence of human activities since at least the
beginning of the Industrial Revolution has been deeply woven into the very fabric
of climate change.

Causes Of Global Warming

Global warming occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2) and other air pollutants and
greenhouse gases collect in the atmosphere and absorb sunlight and solar radiation that
have bounced off the earth’s surface. Normally, this radiation would escape into space—
but these pollutants, which can last for years to centuries in the atmosphere, trap the heat
and cause the planet to get hotter. That's what's known as the greenhouse effect.

Effects of global warming

Following are the effects of global warming:

1. Melting glaciers, early snow melt, and severe droughts

2. more dramatic water shortages and increase the risk of wildfires
  Rising sea levels lead to coastal flooding on the Eastern Seaboard

 Forests, farms, and cities face troublesome new pests, heat waves, heavy
downpours, and increased flooding.

 All these factors damage or destroy agriculture and fisheries.

 Disruption of habitats such as coral reefs drive many plant and animal species to
extinction.

 Allergies, asthma, and infectious disease become more common

GREENHOUSE EFFECT

Greenhouse effect, a warming of Earth’s surface and troposphere (the lowest layer of
the atmosphere) caused by the presence of water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, and
certain other gases in the air. Of those gases, known as greenhouse gases, water vapour
has the largest effect.
Greenhouse effect on Earth

Some incoming sunlight is reflected by Earth's atmosphere and surface, but most is
absorbed by the surface, which is warmed. Infrared (IR) radiation is then emitted from
the surface. Some IR radiation escapes to space, but some is absorbed by the
atmosphere's greenhouse gases (especially water vapour, carbon dioxide, and methane)
and reradiated in all directions, some to space and some back toward the surface, where
it further warms the surface and the lower atmosphere.

The atmosphere allows most of the visible light from the Sun to pass through and reach
Earth’s surface. As Earth’s surface is heated by sunlight, it radiates part of this energy
back toward space as infrared radiation. This radiation, unlike visible light, tends to be
absorbed by the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, raising its temperature. The heated
atmosphere in turn radiates infrared radiation back toward Earth’s surface. (Despite its
name, the greenhouse effect is different from the warming in a greenhouse, where panes
of glass transmit visible sunlight but hold heat inside the building by trapping warmed
air.)

Although the greenhouse effect is a naturally occurring phenomenon, it is possible that

the effect could be intensified by the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere
as the result of human activity.

From the beginning of the Industrial Revolution through the end of the 20th century, the
amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increased by roughly 30 percent and the
amount of methane more than doubled.

This global warming could alter Earth’s climates and thereby produce new patterns and
extremes of drought and rainfall and possibly disrupt food production in certain regions.

DEPLETION OF OZONE LAYER

Ozone depletion consists of two related events observed since the late 1970s: a steady
lowering of about four percent in the total amount of ozone in Earth's atmosphere
(the ozone layer), and a much larger springtime decrease in stratospheric ozone around
Earth's polar regions. The latter phenomenon is referred to as the ozone hole.

CAUSES: The main cause of ozone depletion and the ozone hole is manufactured
chemicals, especially manufactured halocarbon refrigerants, solvents, propellants, and
foam- blowing agents (chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), HCFCs, halons), referred to
as ozone-depleting substances (ODS). These compounds are transported into the
stratosphere by turbulent mixing after being emitted from the surface, mixing much
faster than the molecules can settle. Once in the stratosphere, they release halogen atoms
through photodissociation, which catalyze the breakdown of ozone (O3) into oxygen
(O2). Both types of ozone depletion were observed to increase as emissions of
halocarbons increased.

EFECTS: Ozone depletion and the ozone hole have generated worldwide concern over
increased cancer risks and other negative effects. The ozone layer prevents most harmful
wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light from passing through the Earth's atmosphere.
These wavelengths cause skin cancer, sunburn, permanent blindness, and cataracts,
which were projected to increase dramatically as a result of thinning ozone, as well as
harming plants and animals.

RECYCLING OF MATERIAL

Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects.
Recycling can prevent the waste of potentially useful materials and reduce the
consumption of fresh raw materials, thereby reducing: energy usage, air pollution
(from incineration), and water pollution (from landfilling).

Recycling is a key component of modern waste reduction and is the third component of
the "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" waste hierarchy. Thus, recycling aims at
environmental sustainability by substituting raw material inputs into and redirecting
waste outputs out of the economic system.

Recyclable materials include many kinds of glass, paper, cardboard, metal,

plastic, tires, textiles, batteries, and electronics. Materials to be recycled are either
delivered to a household recycling center or picked up from curbside bins, then sorted,
cleaned, and reprocessed into new materials destined for manufacturing new products.

Recycling of a material produce a fresh supply of the same material—for example, used
office paper is converted into new office paper. However, this is often difficult or too
expensive (compared with producing the same product from raw materials or other
sources), so "recycling" of many products or materials involves their reuse in producing
different materials (for example, paperboard) instead.

Another form of recycling is the salvage of certain materials from complex products,
either due to their intrinsic value (such as lead from car batteries, or gold from printed
circuit boards), or due to their hazardous nature (e.g., removal and reuse
of mercury from thermometers and thermostats).

The construction industry may recycle concrete and old road surface pavement, selling
their waste materials for profit.

Plastic recycling

Plastic recycling is the process of recovering scrap or waste plastic and reprocessing the
material into useful products, sometimes completely different in form from their original
state.

Chemical recycling

For some polymers, it is possible to convert them back into monomers, for example,
PET can be treated with an alcohol and a catalyst to form a dialkyl terephthalate. The
terephthalate diester can be used with ethylene glycol to form a new polyester polymer,
thus making it possible to use the pure polymer again.

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.

There are a number of features which can make a building ‘green’. These include:
 Efficient use of energy, water and other resources
 Use of renewable energy, such as solar energy
 Pollution and waste reduction measures, and the enabling of re-use and recycling
 Good indoor environmental air quality
 Use of materials that are non-toxic, ethical and sustainable
 Consideration of the environment in design, construction and operation
 Consideration of the quality of life of occupants in design, construction and operation

1. Green building brings together a vast array of practices, techniques, and skills to
reduce and ultimately eliminate the impacts of buildings on the environment and
human health.

2. It often emphasizes taking advantage of renewable resources, e.g., using sunlight

through passive solar, active solar, and photovoltaic equipment, and using plants and
trees through green roofs, rain gardens, and reduction of rainwater run-off.

3. Many other techniques are used, such as using low-impact building materials or using
packed gravel or permeable concrete instead of conventional concrete or asphalt to
enhance replenishment of ground water.

Energy efficiency

Green buildings often include measures to reduce energy consumption – both the
embodied energy required to extract, process, transport and install building materials and
operating energy to provide services such as heating and power for equipment.

As high-performance buildings use less operating energy, embodied energy has assumed
much greater importance – and may make up as much as 30% of the overall life cycle
energy consumption.
Onsite generation of renewable energy through solar power, wind power, hydro power,
or biomass can significantly reduce the environmental impact of the building. Power
generation is generally the most expensive feature to add to a building.

Water efficiency

Reducing water consumption and protecting water quality are key objectives in
sustainable building.

The protection and conservation of water of a building may be accomplished by

designing for dual plumbing that recycles water in toilet flushing or by using water for
washing of the cars.

Waste-water may be minimized by utilizing water conserving fixtures such as ultra-low

flush toilets and low-flow shower heads.

The use of non-sewage and greywater for on-site use such as site-irrigation will
minimize demands on the local aquifer.

Materials efficiency

Building materials typically considered to be 'green' include lumber from forests

rapidly renewable plant materials like bamboo and straw, dimension stone, recycled
stone, recycled metal and other products that are non-toxic, reusable, renewable, and/or
recyclable.

For concrete a high performance or Roman self-healing concrete is available.

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) also suggests using recycled industrial
goods, such as coal combustion products, foundry sand, and demolition debris in
construction projects.

CARBON CREDIT
A carbon credit is a generic term for any tradable certificate or permit representing the
right to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide or the mass of other greenhouse gases
equivalent to one tonne of carbon dioxide.

Carbon credit are a component of national and international attempts to reduce the
growth of concentration of greenhouse gases.

A carbon credit can also be defined as “ A certificate showing that a government or

company has paid to have a certain amount of carbon dioxide removed from the
environment.”

The concept of carbon credits came into existence as a result of increasing awareness of
the need of controlling emissions.

ADVANTAGES OF CARBON CREDIT :

1. Carbon credits help in reducing the amount of GHGs emissions in the atmosphere.
2. It is a new trade which not only helps in keeping the environment clean but also
generate revenue.
3. Carbon credits helps in lowering the cost of renewable and low carbon
technologies.
4. Because of carbon credits, the developed countries are assisting developing
countries for the transfer of technology.

CARBON FOOTPRINT

A carbon footprint is the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by an

individual, event, organization, service, place or product, expressed as carbon
 dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Greenhouse gases, including the carbon-containing
gases carbon dioxide and methane, can be emitted through the burning of fossil
fuels, manufactured goods, materials, wood, roads, buildings, transportation and
other services.

A carbon footprint is defined as the total amount of greenhouse gases produced to

directly and indirectly support human activities, usually expressed in equivalent tons of
carbon dioxide (CO2).

The carbon footprint is a very powerful tool to understand the impact of personal
behaviour on global warming.

Reducing carbon footprint is important because it mitigates the effects of climate

change, which has a positive effect on public health and plant and animal diversity. In
addition, this boosts the global economy and leads to innovative, more environmental-
friendly solutions.
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
MCQ
1. Which one of the following cause global warming?
a) Carbon dioxide
b) Oxygen
c) Nitrogen
d) Hydrogen
2. Which one of the following result takes place due to global warming?
a) Maintaining steady temperature
b) Changes in the rainfall
c) Pleasant environment
d) Causing less pollution
 3. What is the main reason for melting of ice sheets?
a) Increase in the oxygen content
b) Global warming
c) Decrease in carbon dioxide content
d) Noise pollution
4. Which of the following chemicals are responsible for the depletion of the
stratospheric ozone layer?
a) Refrigerants
b) Propellants
c) Foam-blowing agents
d) All of the mentioned
5. Carbon footprint can be measured by:
a) Carbon dating
b) Instruments
c) Carbon accounting
d) Formula
6. Which of the following can be recycled many times?
a) Plastic
b) Wood
c) Organic materials
d) Aluminum
2 MARKS QUESTIONS

1. Ozone layer in stratosphere is destroyed by--------

2. The UV radiations in stratosphere are absorbed by----------------
3. Increasing skin cancer and high mutation rate are the result of -------------
4. Name 2 green house gases
5. Ozone layer exists in --------
6. What is the formula of ozone?
 7. State 2 effects of global warming
8. Ozone layer occurs about ----- km above the surface of earth
9. What is the full form of ODS?
10.Give 2 examples of ODS
11.The process of converting waste materials into new materials is called-----
12.Glass can be recycled --------
13.Green building means----------------
14.The full form of IGBC is------------------
15.Define global warming
16.Define Green house effect
17.Components of 3R’s hierarchy are---------
18.Define recycling
19.Name the layers of atmosphere.
20.Name the most recyclable metal
21.Define glass phalt
22.What is full form of CFC, HCFC
23.The thickness of ozone layer is ----------
24.---------------- is the most abundant green house gas
25.------------ radiations are absorbed by CO2 gas
26.Define ozone hole
27.What is a green building?
28.3rd component of 3R’s hierarchy is -----------
29.Name the 3rd most recyclable metal
30.Name the components of green building

4 MARKS QUESTIONS

1. Define ozone layer depletion

2. Write 5 advantages of recycling
3. Write 5 disadvantages of recycling
4. What are the types of acid rain?Define them
5. What are the effects of global warming?(any 5)
6. What are the benefits of green building?
7. What are the harmful effects of acid rain?
8. How can we control acid rain?
9. What are the effects of ozone layer depletion?
10.What is the solutions of ozone layer depletion?
 UNIT 5

DISASTER MANAGEMENT
The term disaster owes its origin to the French word “Desastre” which is a combination
oftwo words ‘des’ meaning bad and ‘aster’ meaning star. Thus the term refers to ‘Bad or
Evilstar’.
Disaster is sudden events, such as floods, earthquakes, cyclones, accidents, droughts,
epidemics and events of disruption or blasts caused by use of weapons of mass destruction that
cause death and damage to property.

Examples of natural disasters are floods, earthquakes, cyclones and droughts which occur with
little or no human intervention. Human made disaster include train accidents, plane crashes,
industrial or nuclear accidents, biological disasters, terrorist attack and use of weapons of mass
destruction.

TYPES OF DISASTER

Natural Disasters
Floods
Floods occur when a sudden influx of water submerge area of land, causing danger to
life and property of people in that area. The most common types of a river overflow
its banks and the water spreads on the surrounding land.

It is also being caused due to blocking of river channels due to landslides, strong
tides and storms in sea, change in the course of river, deforestation, etc.

Floods may occur gradually, within a few hours or suddenly at times. Most floods
are seasonal, occurring during the rainy seasons.

In India, floods frequently occur in Ganga plains, in the Brahmaputra basin in Assam
and in deltas of the rivers Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri.

Cyclones
A cyclone is a large rotating storm that forms over warm water. Strong winds blown
from all directions towards the center, in a spiral motion.
When a cyclone hits, it brings along heavy rains winds and storm surges strong enough
to destroy building and uproots trees.
Earthquakes
The sudden vibration of the Earth’s crust, causing a part of the Earth’s surface to shake, is
called earthquake.

The point inside the earth from where the vibrations originate is called seismic focus.

The point on the Earth’s surface that is directly above the focus is called the epicenter of the
earthquake.

The instrument that records and measures the vibrations of an earthquake is called a
seismograph.

The magnitude or intensity of earthquake is measured by the Richter Scale. Earthquake of

magnitude 7 or above are very destructive and cause severe damage to life and property.

Earth’s quake are caused by internal force of the earth , like the movement of molten rock
beneath the earth’s crust and movement of tectonic plates. They may also occur at the time of
volcanic eruptions.

Landslide
The term ‘landslide’ includes all varieties of mass movements of hill slopes.
It can be defined as the downward and outward movement of slope forming materials
such as rocks, soils, artificial fills .

Causes of Landslides:

There are several causes of landslide. Some of the major causes are as follows:

 Weakness in the composition and structure of rock or soil may cause landslides.

 Erosion: Erosion of slope due to cutting down of vegetation, construction of roads.

 Intense rainfall: Storms that produce intense rainfall for periods as short as several
hours. Heavy melting of snow in the hilly terrains also results in landslide.

 Human Excavation of slope, loading of slope , mining, deforestation, irrigation,

vibration/blast.

 Earthquake shaking has triggered landslides in many different topographic and

geologic settings.
  Rock falls, soil slides and rockslides from steep slopes involving relatively thin or
shallow disaggregated soils or rock.

 Volcanic eruption: Deposition of loose volcanic ash on hillsides commonly is

followed by accelerated erosion

Man Made Disaster

Human-made disasters are a result of human action and cause immeasurable loss and suffering
to human lives and destruction to the environment around them. These disasters are also called
anthropogenic disaster.

Fire-Related Disaster
Fire accidents are mostly caused by faulty electrical wiring, gas leakage or human negligence.
Electricity wires and gas pipelines in homes and building should be checked regularly to avoid
short-circuit in case of wires and leakage in case of gas. Human negligence usually refers to
carelessness on the part of humans to not get electrical switches or gas stoves checked, or most
importantly , to carelessness throw matches and cigarettes without putting them off first.

Industrial Pollution

Any form of pollution that can trace its immediate source to industrial practices is known as
industrial pollution. Most of the pollution on the planet can be traced back to industries of some
kind.

Industrial pollution contaminates several sources of drinking water, releases unwanted toxins
into the air and reduces the quality of soil all over the world.

Major environmental disaster has been caused due to industrial mishaps, which have yet to be
brought under control.

Industrial pollution is wreaking havoc on Earth. The activities causing pollution include:

 Burning coal
 Burning fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, and petroleum
 Chemical solvents used in dyeing and tanning industries
 Untreated gas and liquid waste being released into the environment
 Improper disposal of radioactive material.
 Nuclear Disaster
 Nuclear radiations are the energy released from radioactive element such as uranium and
plutonium. While nuclear energy is used as resource to produce power and electricity,
exposure to nuclear radiations can be extremely dangerous and can cause irreversible
harm to body.
 It is considered as most devastating disaster as it causes widespread loss to life and
property.
 Nuclear accidents occur when a nuclear core damaged and significant radiations are
released into the atmosphere.
 In 1986, there was an explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear plant, releasing a large
quantity of radioactive particles into the atmosphere, killing a large number of peoples-
about thirty peoples died immediately inside the plant of Ukraine and more afterwards.
More than 20,000 people had to be relocated, over half a millions peoples suffered from
long –term effect of radiations, through diseases such as cancer, which is currently still
being investigated. The area near the plant remains uninhabitable till date.

 Biological Disaster
A biological disaster is a calamity that causes widespread illness and death among
humans and animals when they come into contact with biological perils in the form of
live microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungus, and other microbes.
 Biological Disasters can take the following forms:
 Epidemic: Epidemics impact a disproportionately large number of persons within a
group, community, or area at the same time. Examples include Cholera, Plague,
Japanese Encephalitis (JE), and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).
 Pandemic: A pandemic is an outbreak of existing, new, or reemerging illnesses and
pestilences that spreads across a broad territory, such as a continent or even the globe.
Examples include Influenza H1N1 (Swine Flu) and COVID-19.
ACCIDENTS
Accident is any undesired event resulting in personal injury and/or property damage
and/or equipment failure.

An Accident “An unplanned, uncontrolled event which has led to or could have led to
injury to people, damage to plant, machinery or the environment and some other loss.”

Direct Causal agents of accident are classified according to the following:

• Energy Sources includes Mechanical; Electrical; Thermal;
Chemical; and Radiation
• Hazardous Materials: includes Compressed or Liquefied gas;
Corrosive material; Flammable material; poison; oxidizing
material; and dust.
IndirectCauses are
• Unsafe Acts: failure of PPE, secure protective gears; ignoring
defects; improper positioning or handling/use; unauthorized
operations; and drug/substance abuse.
• Unsafe conditions: congested space/area; defective
tools/machines; inadequate/poor visualization, ventilation,
illumination, support; and distraction.

Air Accident
An aviation Accident/Air Accident is defined an occurrence associated with the
operation of an aircraft.
SeaAccident
Sea accidents can also be referred to as water accidents. In other words it
means accidents that caused at sea by the action of the factors, rather than by
the failure to exercise good handling, working or navigating of a ship.
RailAccident
Major classification of Rail Accident is

• Accidents caused by the Locomotive.

• Those resulting from bad condition of the track or of the rolling stock.
• Those which arise from neglects of the rules for running the train.
• Those due to imprudence on the part of passengers or employees.

RoadAccident
Road accidents are shockingly not mostly due to ignorance, but are due to
carelessness, thoughtlessness and over confidence. Human, vehicle and
environmental factors play roles before, during and after a trauma event.

Causes
• Human Factors(drivers, riders and Pedestrians):this includes attitude ;distracted
driving; speeding; drunk driving; and reckless driving.
• Structural Factors: automobile faults; poor roads; and deadly curves
• Environmental factors
Structural Failure ( Building and Bridge)
• Some of the biggest and most expensive transportation projects in the world have
involved building bridges. Bridges are crucial links that carry cars, trucks and trains
across bodies of water, mountain gorges or other roads. As a result, they are one of
the most important aspects of civil engineering and are subject to intense scrutiny,
especially when they collapse.
• Bridge collapses can be tragic events, leading to loss of life and serious property
damage. That's why bridge engineers, designers and builders must always take their
jobs very seriously. The best way for them to prevent these accidents is to understand
why bridges collapse in the first place. Understanding bridge collapses can lead to
major changes in the design, construction and safety of future building projects. The
following are main reasons why bridges fall.
War
• War is an intense armed conflict between states, governments, societies,
or paramilitary groups such as mercenaries, insurgents, and militias. It is generally
characterized by extreme violence, aggression, destruction, and mortality,
using regular or irregular military forces
• Major causes of war can be found in man’s psychological nature. Such psychological
approaches range from very general often merely intuitive assertions
regarding human nature to complex analyses utilizing the concepts and techniques of
modern psychology.
Terrorism
• Terrorism is a serious problem in the modern world. It has been defined as the illegal
or unauthorized use of violence, intimidation an exploitation of human fear of
political groups, which are driven by their own political, social and religious
interests, to help them achieve these goals. Bomb blasts, mass shootings and use of
sheer violence are their method of operations.

Disaster Preparedness Plan

• Prediction And Warning
• Good predictions and warnings save lives .With only a few minutes notice of a
tornado or flash flood, people can act to protect themselves from injury and
death. Predictions and warnings can also reduce damage and economic losses.
• A concerted effort is needed to improve networks and the content of warning
 messages.

PREDICTION
A program for enhancing the nation's capability to predict atmospheric, hydrologic, and
geological hazards should include:
1.Modernization of the weather prediction system.
2.Research to improve the prediction of atmospheric and hydrologic hazards.
3. Research on the impacts of disasters on natural resources.
4.Expanded earthquake monitoring and research.
5.Monitoring of volcanoes

WARNING
A program for enhancing the nation's capabilities for the dissemination of warnings should
include:
1.Public private partnerships for dissemination of warnings.
2.New technologies for dissemination of warnings.
3.Research on behavioral response to warnings.
.
4.Research on appropriate responses on warnings.
5.Improving the transmission of warning messages.
Safety Measures on Disaster Management

Geological effects such as earthquake, landslides, Floods and natural calamities such as
cyclones, drought is widespread in today’s earth. All of these natural disaster result in
disastrous impact that affects not only the plants but on human civilization residing in it,
Generating awareness and safety measure of disaster management is essential step that country
and its people can take.

Preventive Measures of Disaster

Although natural disaster and calamities cannot be prevented, there are many ways by which
one can be made aware of them. If a community starts spreading awareness of the disaster, then
people will get an idea about the destruction.

 Talk with your local emergency response team. These people are aware of the effects of
the disaster and can help the citizens of the local community of organize help and relief
accordingly.

 Keep an emergency kit ready at all costs. Make sure the emergency kits supplied are
large enough for every family member. Some families have more members than others.
In such a case, it is best to keep different sets of emergency kits handy.

 Arrange workshop on preventive measures of disaster all year round. This will not only
improve the planning process but also keep everyone ready for the main event.

 Make the citizens aware of the evacuation routes and gives them all the necessary
emergency numbers. Get the local media and other news agencies to work for your
cause. I kept updating the citizens every month about the different preventive measures
of disaster.

 School radio stations can organize monthly workshops to make the children aware of the
situation and spread sufficient awareness.

 Handing out leaflets and brochures that talk about disaster management is a must.

Safety Measure During Floods

Safety measures during floods that should be allowed by one and all are:
 Stay away from water clogged streets: Death due to drowning is a primary health hazard
during floods. Without being sure of the depth of water, try not to walk through water
clogged streets. During flash floods, make sure you use a stick before stepping into the
water.

 Stay away from electrical wires: Electrocution is a significant killer during floods. As
current can flow through water, several loose wires lying here and about during tides can
cause death. It is best to shut down the main lines during heavy rainfall. Following these
safety measures during floods will reduces harm to humans.
Safety Measures during Cyclones

Safety measures during cyclones that should be followed are:

 Keep your emergency kits ready and handy.
 Make sure you have kept your phones and other necessary electronic devices charged.
 Keep candles ready in case the electrical power is cut off.
 Repair your roof shed of tiles. Try not to keep any loose debris lying about.
 Tie loose poles and rods with ropes before the storm hits.

Psychological Response and Managment

Trauma:

Trauma is a Greek word, the original meaning of trauma is wound or damage to body tissue.
Trauma is a powerful shock that may have long lasting effect. Accidents, explosion, fires,
plane crashes, earthquakes, tornadoes etc.are such terrifying experiences that not only affect
the people physically but mentally hurt them as well. Other events such as the sudden loss of
loved ones, social disgrace or severe financial losses may also prove extremely traumatic.
Trauma is a condition in which individual's physiological, psychological and emotional state
get disturbed.

Stress
Stress is pressure or strain.

In other words, it is the body's response to a situation or an environment that is unwelcome,

unwarranted, unconquerable and unplanned. Scientific evidences states that when one is
experiencing stress, the brain produces high levels of two specific hormones–adrenalin and
cortisol–produced by the hypothalamus.According to psychological viewpoint, stress refers
to be in a state of imbalance within an organism.
 Rumour
Rumour is a false story that is passed from mouth to mouth from one person to another.
People used rumour as a tool in their own interest. Rumour may be related with a persons,
incidence or group. Rumour is generally based on half truth floats from one person to
another. As it travels from person to person its forms change completely. Everybody try to
add something more as per his wishes, motives and interest. Emotiona lelements are there in
rumour; therefore, people do not think logically and accept the heard story.

Panic

Panic is the situation when people feel that there may be a possibility for any disaster like -
earthquake, flood, drought, their behaviour change completely. They become active for their
future days. Behaviours such as shifting to safe places, storage of food etc. may be seen.
People feel restless and panic. In panic external behaviour of the person changes as well as
functions of internal organs also change. Sympathetic nervous

system becomes more active. But in panic people cannot stay longer. To maintain the mental
equilibrium situation must be managed properly. Sotha tpeople may live healthy and happy
life.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
MCQ
1. The Chernobyl disaster was a

a. Fire-related disaster b. Nucleardisaster c. Chemical disaster d. Biological

disaster

2. The point inside the earth where vibrations originates is called

a. Epicentre b. Seismic focus c. Seismograph d.

Magnitude
3. This can prevent drought.

a. Rainwater harvesting b. deforestation c. washing water d. none of

the above

4. A large rotating storm

a. Cyclone b. Flood c. Earthquake d. Tsunami

5. The range of Richter Scale is

a. 0 to 5 b. 0 to 7 c. 0 to 9 d. 0 to 11

2 MARKS QUESTIONS

1. The most important cause of drought is scarcity of __________.

2. ___________ are events of destructions that cause loss to life and damage to property.
3. The toxic gas released at the Bhopal gas tragedy occurred in the year_____.
4. The point on the Earth’s surface, which is directly above the focus, is known as_______.
5. ____________ is the proper and efficient handling of disaster –affecting regions.

4MARKS QUESTIONS

1. What are the possible consequences of chemical disaster?

2. What precautions need to be taken, when we are indoors during an earthquake?

3. What is nuclear disaster?

4. What are the causes of drought?

5. What is cyclone? Mention the steps of precautions required to minimize the impact of
cyclone.

6. Prepare the chart showing ‘do s’ and don’ts’s’ at the time of earthquake.

7. Explain how human beings too are responsible in creating disaster like situations. Give
examples.