CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

What do we mean by Environment ????

Environment is what surrounds us !!

It is the sum total of all social, economical , biological , physical and

chemical factors which constitute the surroundings of humans, who
are both the creators and moulders of the environment.
Environment is of two types:

Natural Environment

Man - Made Environment

Components such as air, water, soil, land, forest, wildlife, flora ,
fauna, etc. constitute the Natural Environment

Alteration of the natural environment to serve specific uses by the

human beings is termed as Anthropogenic Environment. For eg
agricultural field is an anthropogenic environment and so are the
gardens and aquaculture farms.
 Types of Environment

Natural Environment Anthropogenic Environment

Lithosphere Physical
Hydrosphere Chemical
Atmosphere Biological
Biosphere
Physical Environment: rain, humidity, temperature etc.

Chemical Environment: Organic, inorganic compounds, water acid, etc.

Biological Environment: Microbes, flora, fauna, etc.

What does each type of environment comprise of ?

There are two main components of Environment

Biotic Components- Living components of the system such as

microbes, plants, animals and human beings.

• Autotrophs- or producers- green plants and bacteria's

• Heterotrophs- or consumers- animals (herbivorous,
carnivorous, omnivorous), fungi and some bacteria.

Abiotic Components-
Non-living things eg. Air, water, soil,
rocks
Biotic Components
Abiotic Components
Do the terms “Ecology” and “Environmental Studies” mean the
same ?

The two terms are used commonly but differ with respect to their
scope and objectives

Ecology = interrelationship of living organism between each other

and to their surrounding

Environmental Studies refers to the study of environment.

There are a number of programs under Environmental Studies
Environmental problems are not confined to one component
because there is Constant mass and energy transfer between
components
Multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies is a multidisciplinary subject that includes all

other disciplines such as humanities, commerce, metrology,
climatology, geography and other disciplines.
Environmental Studies
It is a broad interdisciplinary field of study which studies the
interaction of human beings with the environment.

Environmental Science
It is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physical and
biological sciences to address the environmental problems.

Environmental Engineering
It is the application of science and engineering principles to improve
the quality of environment to provide healthy living conditions.
Importance of “Environmental Studies”
To get basic knowledge of our surroundings.

To develop skills for identifying and solving environmental

problems in our surroundings.

To maintain ecological balance and to strive to achieve sustainable

development.

To educate people for their duties towards environmental

protection.

• World population is increasing at an alarming rate especially in

developing countries.

• The natural resources endowment in the earth is

limited.
•The methods and techniques of exploiting natural resources are
advanced.

• The resources are over-exploited and there is no foresight of leaving the

resources to the future generations.

• The unplanned exploitation of natural resources lead to pollution of all

types and at all levels.

• The pollution and degraded environment seriously affect the health of

all living things on earth , including man.

• The people should take a combined responsibility to avoid deteriorating

environment and begin to take appropriate actions to space the earth.
• Education and training are needed to save the biodiversity and species
extinction.

• The urban area, coupled with industries, is major sources of pollution.

 Ecosystem structure and function
 Natural resource conservation
 Environmental pollution control
 Environmental management
 Industry
 Research and development
 Social development
 Environmental journalism
 Environmentalist
 Green advocacy
 Green marketing
Related Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvXrL5shxO4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G3eXI_DPn8
 1. The term environment refers to an aggregate of
C Qs Existence,
M
Growth
Welfare
All the above
 
2. Biotic components DONOT include
Air
Plants
Animals
Human beings
 
3. Producers DONOT include
Lions
Ferns
Evergreen trees
Fir trees
 
4. Environmental problems are not confined to one component because of
Constant mass and energy transfer between components
Ocean currents
Soil formation
Animal migrations
 
5. Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies refers to the
Many different disciplines that affect the environment
All components are affected by each other
All animals affect each other
Animals and plants affect each other
 Sustainable development can be defined as “meeting the
needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs.”

 Sustainable development is the effective use of resource for

economic development while preserving the environment
and ecosystem so that not only the needs of presents are
fulfilled but also for the future generations.

 Sustainable development also interlinks the development

and carrying capacity of environment and ecosystem.
 Using appropriate technology
 3-R Approach (reduce, reuse, and recycling)

 Promoting environmental education awareness

 Population stabilization

 Conservation of nonrenewable resources

 Usage of renewable resources
The following four rules can be defined as the key mantras of
sustainability. These four rules are
 Reduce our dependency on heavy metals and fossil fuels
such as coal, oil and natural gas.

 Reduce our dependency on synthetic chemicals.

 Reduce destruction of nature - includes clearing of forest and

natural habitats for human needs.

 Ensure that we don’t stop people from meeting their needs in

order to achieve environmental sustainability.
 We must maintain a balance between environmental and
economic sustainability.
 Place more emphasis on pollution prevention and waste
reduction.

 Recycle and reuse as many waste products and resources

possible.

 Make more goods that last longer and easy to use, recycle and
repair.

 Depend on renewable source of energy, sun wind, biomass,

flowing water, geo thermal and tidal.

 Sustain Earths Biodiversity with emphasis on protecting vital

habitats of the wild species.
 Use potentially renewable resources such as wastes,
soil, plants, animals no faster than they are renewed.

 Increase the usage of non renewable resources to

minimize the resource depletion at a faster rate.

 Earth Degrading activities should be discouraged

 Reduce poverty and rate of population growth
 Disagreement between stakeholders: each stakeholder
has different priorities and hence it is extremely difficult for all to
agree upon common goal of sustainable development.

 Uncertainty: there is always uncertainty regarding different

global environmental issues and the manner in which they interact
with global system.

 Consumption and lifestyle

 Arguments over cause and responsibility

 1. studies helps in maintaining
Q s a. Ecological balance

MC b. Protect biodiversity
c. Achieve sustainable development
d. All the above
  
2. Environment impact assessment is important for
a. Industries and government bodies
b. Plants and animals
c. Forest fires
d. Predicting disasters

3. Sustainable development looks to balance

a. Competing social needs
b. Social awareness
c. Conservations
d. Environmental awareness
  
4. Sustainable development DOES NOT involve
a. Effective population control
b. Following the reduce, reuse, and recycling approach
c. Promoting environmental awareness through education
d. Consideration of one driving need
  
◦ 5. One of the main problems in sustainable developments are
a. Arguments over cause and responsibility
b. Technical knowledge and understanding
c. Finances
d. Innovation
NATURAL RESOURCES AND THEIR CONSERVATION
Natural Resources

Natural resources are the substances which are inherent

to earth and obtained from nature and utilized to create
products and services which are useful for human
beings. Forests, water, air, soil , etc. are natural
resources.
Renewable and Non Renewable Natural Resources

The resources that can be harvested continuously with

proper planning and management are called renewable
resources. Example: plants, animals, solar energy , wind
energy, etc.

Non Renewable resources are natural resources which are

limited in supply and cannot be replenished by natural
means. Once exhausted, they have very little chance of
recovery or resynthesis. Coal, minerals, petroleum, etc. are
Non Renewable resources.
 Chief Natural Resources
Forests Resources

Water Resources

Land Resources

Mineral Resources

Energy Resources

Food Resources
 Environmental Science and Sustainability 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEFwaQej_0E
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnYHFRq7-5s
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvP7474y8Jw
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk5ELLPsD80
Land resources
‘The solid portion of the earth’s surface’.

The science dealing with land is known as pedology .

 Soil Formation:

 Soil Profile:
Horizons O, A, E, B, C
 Soil horizons are the layers in a soil profile used to classify soil
types.
 Horizons based on color, texture, roots, structure, rock
fragments, and has unique characteristic.
 Master Soil Horizons are depicted by a capital letter in the order
(from top down): O, A, E, B, C, and R
The “Organic Matter”
Horizon
 Surface-layer, at depths of 0-
2 feet
 Dark in color, soft in texture
 Humus - rich organic material
of plant and animal origin in a
stage of decomposition
 Leaf litter – leaves, needles,
twigs, moss, lichens that are
not decomposing
 Several O-layers can occur in
some soils, consisting only of
O-horizons
“Topsoil” or “Biomantle”
Horizon
 Topmost layer of mineral soil, at
depths of 2-10 feet
 Some humus present, darker in
color than layers below
 Biomantle - most biological
productive layer; earthworms,
fungi, and bacteria live this layer
 Smallest and finest soil particles
The “Leaching Layer”
Horizon
 Small layer between A & B
horizons
 At depths of 10-15 feet
 Light in color, mainly content
due to sand & silt
 Poor mineral and clay– the loss
of water-retaining plant
nutrients to the water table
 Soil particles larger than in A
horizon but smaller than in B
horizon
The “Subsoil” Horizon
 At depths of 10-30 feet

 Rich in clay and minerals

like Fe & Al
 Some organic material

may reach here through

leaching
 Plant roots can extend

into this layer

 Red/brown in color due

to oxides of Fe & clay

The “Regolith” Horizon
 At depths of 30-48 feet
 Made up of large rocks or
lumps of partially broken
bedrock

 Least affected by
weathering and have
changed the least since
their origin

 Devoid of organic matter

due to it being so far down
in the soil profile
The “Bedrock” Horizon
 At depths of 48+ feet

 Deepest soil horizon

in the soil profile

 No rocks or boulders,
only a continuous
mass of bedrock
 Colors are those of
the original rock of
the area
 Role in nutrient cycles
 In agriculture
 Regulate the water
 Regulate the emissions of gases
 Degrade pollutants and filter ground water
 Producing clay
 Provide the structural material as brick,

cement etc…
 Sequester carbon as organic matter.
Land Degradation
The fertility of land supports the growth and
productivity of natural vegetation and agricultural
crops.
A number of natural and man-made factors lower
the quality of land.
This is commonly referred to as land degradation.
Causes of land degradation

Natural factors
•Heavy rains
•High speed wind and storms
•Natural disasters like earthquakes ,floods, prolonged
drought, etc.
•Overgrazing, soil erosion ,etc..

Anthropogenic factors
•Mining.
•Urbanization
•The indiscriminate and uncontrolled removal of trees
•Excess use of fertilizers
•industrial discharges
Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is removal of top soil from its resting place

by various physical agencies like wind and water. It can
be defined as “the detachment and transport of the
fertile layer of soil by water or air.” It is also known as
the creeping death of land.
Causes of Soil Erosion

Large scale deforestation

Floods

Overgrazing

Large Violent Winds

Improper agricultural techniques

 Effects:
 Decrease in productivity of land
 Desertification of land
 Deposition of soil in water bodies
 Reduction of agricultural land at the banks of river

 Methods to control:
 Stubble mulching and reduce tillage in mild sloped
areas.
 Contour bunding, Vegetative bunds and contour
cultivation in gentle sloped areas.
Method of controlling soil Erosion
Area with mild slopes

Reduce Tillage

Reduce the preparation of Land for growing

Stubble-mulching
leaving the stubble (agriculture) or crop residue in
place on the land as a surface cover during a fallow
period. 
Prevent erosion from wind or water
Conserve soil moisture.
 Methods to control Soil Erosion

Strip cropping Contour bunding

Construction of small
check dams

Afforestation Terracing

A desert is a barren area of land where little precipitation
occurs and consequently living conditions are hostile for
plant and animal life.
 82.18Mha land undergoing desertification

Causes of desertification:
 Natural factors
• very low rainfall
• Excessive evaporation
• High salinity of soils

Anthropogenic Factors
• excessive use of fertilizers
• Excessive groundwater use
• Overgrazing
• Over irrigation
• deforestation
Effects
 Rapid soil erosion
 Poor soil quality
 Low water table.

Controls
 Promoting plantation
 Changing agriculture practices
Importance of forests
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdeBW_Z-6ug
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4osIBchx7k

Desertification:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRJBuM7qjQ0

Deforestation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VgybjZOLnc

Causes and impacts due to mining:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0S8iayJDhQ

Soil profile
http://study.com/academy/lesson/soil-profile-definition-development-
types.html
 Q s 1. The importance of land is because it gives us
MC a. Food
b. Mineral deposits
c. Shelter
d. All the above
 
2. Soil profile is a vertical cross section
a. From surface down to the parent rock
b. The plants species present in the soil
c. The animal species present in an area
d. Water bodies present in a park
 
3. The main layers/horizons for the soil profile are
a. Top soil, Subsoil and Parent material
b. Subsoil and parent material
c. Subsoil and bed rock
d. Parent material and bed rock
 
4. Land degradation affects the quality of land by
a. Lowering its fertility
b. Increasing its fertility
c. Replacing the soil
d. None of the above
 
5. Soil erosion can be caused by
a. Heavy floods in rivers
b. Overgrazing by cattle
c. Dry violent winds
d. All the above
Forest Resources

A forest , a biotic community with

predominance of trees is an important
renewable natural resource.
Benefits of Forests
Protective Function
Forest Provide protection against Soil erosion, Droughts,
floods, noise, radiations

Productive Function
Forest Provide various products like, gum resins, medicines,
Katha, honey, pulp, bamboo, timber, and fruits

Regulative Function
The Forest regulates the level of Oxygen and carbon dioxide
in atmosphere. The forests also help in regulating
temperature conditions

Accessory Function
Forest provides aesthetics (beauty and taste), habitat to
various flora and fauna, has recreational value
Uses of Forest Resources

Direct Uses
They provide food, fodder, fuelwood,
timber, manure, and medicinal
products.

Indirect Uses
Forests also absorb rain water and
release it slowly, allowing seepage into
the soil, preventing its run-off with water.
Over-Exploitation of Forest:

Deforestation
Deforestation is removal or reduction in forest cover.

Causes:

• Encroachment of forest land for agricultural purposes

• Expansion of cities.
• Construction of dams, canals and highways
• Establishment of industrial areas
• Demand for firewood
• Mining
• Shifting Cultivation
• Forest Fires
Effects of Deforestation

Large scale of destruction of forests leads to a number of

adverse environmental effects.

• Loss of natural habitat of wild animals and plants

• Increased intensity and frequency of natural disasters
• Land Degradation
• Loss of forest products
• Change in climatic conditions
• Siltation of rivers and canals
• Loss of revenue
• Change in water cycle and reduced rainfall
Control of Deforestation

• Mining activities should be prohibited

• Ban on cutting of trees
• Environmental laws and legal provisions
should be strictly enforced
• Public awareness regarding medicinal,
economical environmental importance of forest
Related links
Importance of forests

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdeBW_Z-6ug
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4osIBchx7k

Deforestation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VgybjZOLnc

Causes and impacts due to mining

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0S8iayJDhQ

Control.

http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-sustainable-forest-manage
ment-definition-and-examples.html

Sustainable Forest Management

http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-sustainable-forest-manage
ment-definition-and-examples.html
 Q s
MC
1. Conversion of bare or cultivated land into forest
(a)Deforestation (b) Afforestation (c) Farming (d) Soil erosion

2. Causes of Desertification are

(a)Continuous cutting of trees (b) Excessive evaporation (c) Overgrazing (d)All
of these

3. Deforestation is caused due to

(a)Soil formation (b) Plantation of trees (c) construction of roads (d) Rainfall

4. Which of the following is indirect function of Forests?

(a) Timber (b) Edible products (c) Medicinal plants (d) Regulating O2 in
atmosphere

5. Which of the following is responsible for desertification?

(a) Deforestation (b) Overgrazing (c) Mining (d) All of these
Water Resources
• Life began with water and it is the basic component of every
living cell.
• Two kinds of water: Salt water and fresh water
• Water moves through different biotic and abiotic components
of the earth in a water cycle known as hydrological cycle.
• Also classified as hard water and soft water.
• Hard water consists Ca and Mg salts and is unsuitable for
bathing, drinking, washing and cooking.

• Major requirement for agriculture.

• Use in industries for cooling purposes.
• Provides habitat to aquatic animals.
SOURCES OF WATER- Most important source of
water is rainfall.
Only 3 % of total reserved water is fresh which is also
locked up in polar ice caps.
Only 0.003 % is available to us as ground water and
surface water.

Ground water-
Most usable groundwater occurs up to a depth of 750
m.

Surface water-
After precipitation, the amount of water that does not
percolate down into the ground or does not return to the
atmosphere as evaporation or transpiration and enters the
rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, wetland etc constitutes the
surface water.
Water Calamities: Floods and
Droughts
Floods

Floods refer to the presence of unusually large

amount of water at any place or more water that
can be handled by the drainage of the area. The
various types of floods are

Flash Floods- Due to the sudden heavy rainfall, dam failure and river
obstructions

River floods- Precipitation over large area or/and by melting snow

Coastal Floods- Due to cyclone activities like hurricans, wind

induced storms.
Drought
A drought is a condition in which a region
suffers from a severe scarcity in its water availability.

The various kinds of drought are

Meteorological Drought- When actual rainfall in an area is significantly

less than climatological mean of that area. Country as a whole may have
normal monsoon but different meteorological districts and subdivisions
can have below normal rainfall. Eg Jaiselmer in INDIA

Hydrological Drought- When there is running down of surface water

leading to very low stream flow and drying of lakes , rivers and
reservoirs.
Agricultural Drought- When there is inadequate soil moisture resulting in
acute crop stress and fall in agriculture productivity.
 Water conflicts
More than 200 water bodies are shared by two or more
countries.

Nile Water Conflict: Egypt vs. Ethiopia,

Brahmaputra Water Conflict: China, India, Bangladesh etc.

Inter-state disputes (e.g., Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over

Kaveri water)

Industries vs. Communities (.........Coca-Cola Beaverage

company in Kerala.......
Related links

Importance of water: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxqbpPWTl6A

Water cycle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al-do-HGuIk

https://pmm.nasa.gov/education/videos/water-cycle-animation

Sources of water : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4WBbSv_N7U

1.Use of surface and groundwater: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lK_fs3p7yc

2. Over-exploitation of surface and ground water:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1gsyhuHGgc

3. Floods
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPdT-osZNkE
http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-are-floods-causes-types-prevention.html

4. Droughts
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/101-videos/droughts?source=relatedvideo

5. Conflicts over water

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v8MEaejTok
 C Qs 1. Water resources are important because
M a. Water forms a large part of all living creatures
b. It is essential for agriculture
c. It is essential for all life
d. All the above

2. Where does the energy that powers the water cycle come from?
a. Plants
b. Animals
c. Electrical outlets
d. The sun
 
3. Most of the Earth's water is in this form.
a. Salt water
b. Ice
c. Rivers
d. Fresh water
 
4. All of the following are adverse consequences of groundwater overuse EXCE
a. Increased agricultural production.
b. Reduced stream and spring flow.
c. Saltwater intrusion.
d. Increased Subsidence

5. The main reserve of fresh water on earth surface is

(a) Sea (b) Polar ice caps and glaciers (c) Lakes (d) Rivers
Effects of Over Utilization of Ground water
Reduced surface water flow

Sharp decline in water table

Loss of vegetation and

wildlife habitat.

Salinity problems.

Ground subsidence.
Energy Resources
All living creatures on the earth, either it is a plant, an
animal or a microbe need energy to perform their vital
functions. The earth is a vast storehouse of energy. The
fossil fuels beneath its surface, the wind and water on
its surface, the plants growing on it, the sunlight falling
upon it, these are all sources of energy.
Use of alternative energy resources
 Alternative Energy Sources
90% of the energy used today is in the form of fossil
fuels.

Forms of energy OTHER than fossil fuels are termed

“alternative” energy sources.
Alternative energy sources can be divided into
two main categories.

1) Non-renewable energy sources

-Nuclear power
-Geothermal power
Geothermal Energy: heat energy from the Earth

-the conversion of natural heat from the Earth’s

interior to heat buildings and generate electricity.

-Considered a non-renewable source when

extraction rates are greater than supply.

High vs. Low temp Geothermal

Deep wells (over 100 feet) are dug, and groundwater is used
as a heat source in winter, and as a coolant in summer.
 Low-temperature geothermal energy is defined as heat obtained from the
geothermal fluid in the ground at temperatures of 150°C (300°F) or less.
These resources are typically used in direct-use applications, such as district
heating, greenhouses, fisheries, mineral recovery, and industrial process heating.

However, some low-temperature resources can be harnessed to generate electricity

The 58,000-square-foot Hot Springs Lodge and Pool in Glenwood Springs, Colorado,
uses a geothermal heat exchanger system with its hot surface spring to provide space
heating, domestic hot water, and snow melting.
Hot spring areas in India
•Ganeshpuri, Akloli, Vajreshwari
•Garampani, Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary, Karbi Anglong district, Assam
•Unapdev, and Sunapdeo, Mahad, Maharashtra
•Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh
•Chumathang, Ladakh
•Bendrutheertha, Puttur, Karnataka
•Chavalpani Near Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh.
•Suryakund, Near Gaya, Bihar
•Sikkim Phurchachu (Reshi), Yumthang, Borang, Ralang, Taram-chu and Yumey
Samdong.
•Taptapani near Berhampur, Atri near Bhubaneswar, Tarabalo in Nayagarh District of 
Orissa
•Bakreshwar, Birbhum, West Bengal
•Tulsishyam near Tulsishyam temple, Gir Forest, Junagadh district, Gujarat
•Sohna hot spring, Located in Sohna, Gurgaon it is 56 kilometres (35 mi) from Delhi.
•Gandhaunia, near Mandu,[6] Ramgarh district, Jharkhand
•Unai near Vansda, Gujarat[7]
•Deulajhari hot spring, Angul, Odisha.
•Unkeshwar hot spring, Located at Unkeshwar Village in Kinwat Taluka, Dist.
Nanded (M.S.)
Outlook:
excellent,
Low temp geothermal is becoming much cheaper to install, and
the technology is already in place for it to become successful.

High Temp. Geothermal: using hot water from the Earth as an

energy source.

If the geothermal water is hotter than 160°C, it can be used

directly in the form of steam to drive turbines and generate
power. This is called high-temperature geothermal energy
2) Renewable Energy Sources
-Solar power
-Wind power
-Hydropower
-Ocean currents/tidal
-Biomass energy
 Solar Energy
The amount of incoming solar energy is immense.

-in 10 weeks, the amount of incoming solar energy

would equal the energy of all known fossil fuel
reserves.

-Distribution is variable, due to climate, location on

Earth, etc…
Active solar collection requires energy to run pumps
for circulation of water or air, or to move collectors
orientation to follow the sun.

water/air filled solar panels, with pumps to move heat to

where it is needed .
-The Luz Solar Electric generation system uses
heated oil to generate steam, which then generates
electricity in a turbine. Located in the Mojave
Desert, U.S.
The Luz Solar Electric Generation System
Photovoltaic Solar:
Electricity is created directly from special solar
panels.
 Water Power: Hydro-power is a good
alternative energy source, because
it is essentially unlimited.

-Hydro-electric power: using the power

of water to turn an electric generator,
such as in a dam.
 Hydroelectric Power Generation
Power is generated by harnessing the
energy of falling water.

The greater the

difference in water
level, the more
energy
Outlook for Hydropower:
The outlook is generally good for hydro-power,
although there are a few drawbacks.

Dams prevent the migration of fish,

and also prevent the natural flows of rivers,
causing sedimentation behind the dam.
Tidal/Current Power: generation of
electricity from movement of ocean
tides or currents.

Rising tides are trapped behind a dam,

then released to turn a generator.

Also some work on ocean buoys(floating device)

that harness the movement of water to
generate electricity.
Outlook: Generally good,
However, tidal energy can only be used in
areas where tides are of sufficient height to
warrant an electrical station.
High costs may be associated.

Offshore buoys would need electrical

transmission lines along the ocean
floor.
Wind Power:
generation of electricity using wind to turn
turbines.
Free energy, but needs to be in an
area that has constant winds with enough
velocity to warrant placing windmills.

Best used in particular sites with a

good steady supply of wind.

5th largest country in world

Major states across India, Tamilnadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka,
etc.
Outlook: Wind power will continue to
grow, but in limited areas.

Some disadvantages and concerns exist.

Windmills kill birds, and interfere with
migratory patterns.
Large windmill farms take up large
areas of land.
Windmills also produce noise, which
may be objectionable.
Biomass Energy:
energy from organic matter.

Probably the first source of energy for

man, this energy is renewable and
abundant.

Already in use in many places, such as

sugar plantations and saw mills.

Also includes the burning of urban

waste, in “trash to steam” plants.
Outlook:
Biomass fuel will continue to be a large part
of the alternative energy source.

However, environmental degradation can

and will occur if the biomass is not harvested
in a renewable manner.

Burning biomass causes pollution,

especially air pollution, and leaves ash
behind. The ash can be very toxic.
 The Future of Alternative Energy

Alternative energy sources will play larger roles in the future, but
each needs to be utilized in a manner with little damages to the
environment.

Energy sources will need to be mixed, to use them to

their maximum potential.
 Energy recovery

 Reduced coal fired power plants

 Reduced airborne particles, Nox and CO2
 Improved air quality
 Slow climate change
 Longer availability of crude oil
 Reduction of waste volume by up to 90%
 Lower fuel bills on transport
 Energy requirements in urban area is many folds higher than in
rural areas

 Industries, institutions, transportation etc.

 High standard of living in urban areas

Hence for the sustainable development to solve the energy related

problems

Solar energy devices and systems.

Energy recovery from urban and industrial waste.
Biomass energy and co-generation in industry
Renewable Energy Source
http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-renewable-energy-source-definition example-quiz.html
 
Non renewable energy sources
http://study.com/academy/lesson/renewable-non-renewable-resources-definition-differences.html

Use of alternate energy sources

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/alternative-energy?source=relatedvideo

Case studies: indias-rising-energy-needs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP0MuoYnMl0

Case Studies in Municipal Energy Conservation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da6DhVAeN9sJK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auBFn-u9b6A

Energy recovery.
http://www.energyrecovery.com/resource/2204/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEm6Dn47Z9c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPiT1AL4yZQ
 
 Q s 1. Which of the following is a non-renewable energy resource?
a. Solar

MC b. Methane
c. Hydroelectric
d. Coal
  
2. Nuclear energy is derived from the
a. Combustion of atoms of U 235
b. Fission of atoms of U 235
c. Fusion of atoms of U 235
d. The burning of biomass
  
3. Limitations of alternative energy sources include except
a. High installation costs
b. Unavailability of renewable sources of energy
c. Non-requirement of maintenance
d. Lowered dependence on fossil fuel
  
4. Which of the following energy sources does not produce carbon dioxide?
a. oil
b. Uranium
c. Coal
d. Natural gas
  
5. The benefits of energy recovery DO NOT include:
a. Longer availability of crude oil
b. Decrease in e waste
c. Reduced number of coal fired power plants
d. Extract energy from trash

