UNIT III (After PT1)

SYLLABUS (After PT1)

- Marine Pollution - Thermal Pollution - Noise Pollution. Disaster Management: Causes - Effects
- Control Measures Of Floods - Earthquake - Cyclone - Landslides
IMPORTANT TWO MARK QUESTIONS AND ANSWER
1. Define marine pollution
Marine pollution is defined as the discharge of waste substances into the sea resulting in harm
to living resources, hazards to human health, hindrance to fishery and impairment of quality for
use of sea water.
2. What is thermal pollution?
Thermal pollution can be defined as addition of excess of undesirable heat to the water which
can cause undesirable changes in the natural environment.
Various industrial processors may utilize water for cooling purpose and resultant warmed
water is often discharged into streams or lakes.
The heated effluents are discharged at a temperature 8 to 10 C higher than the
temperature of intake water. Thermal pollution produces distinct changes in aquatic biota.
3. What is disaster and write its types?
A disaster is that sudden calamity which brings misfortune and miseries to humanity. Disasters
have serious impact on human life, economy and environment. They disrupt the normal pattern
of life because a disaster is often severe, sudden, unexpected and widespread.
Some disasters are geological in nature like the flood, earthquake, cyclone and landslides.
Types of disasters:
1. Geophysical origin such as earth quakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides
2. Climate origin such as drought, flood, cyclone and forest fire.

The disasters are also viewed as natural disaster and man-made disasters. The natural
disasters are floods, cyclones, earthquakes, volcanoes, droughts and so on and man-made
disasters are accidents, pollution, fire, and spread of epidemics and so on. A few natural
disasters, their effects and their management are briefly explained hare under.
4. What is flood and write its causes
Excess water that overflows stream banks and covers adjacent land due to heavy rains is
considered a flood. Floods usually occur in the rainy season.
Causes of flood:
1. Heavy intense rainfall.
2. The melting of accumulated snow.
3. The melting of snow combined with rain.
4. Over-saturated soil, when the ground cannot hold anymore water.
5. High river, stream or reservoir levels caused by unusually large amounts of rain.
6. Urbanization, construction of road & buildings
7. Clearing the forest for agriculture.
5. What is earth quake and write about the measurement of severity of earth quake
Earthquake is defined as the sudden violent shaking of a part of the earth due to sudden
movements of earths crust along faults [planes of weakness].
The earths crust has several tectonic plates of solid rock which slowly move along their
boundaries. When fiction prevents these plates from slipping, stress builds up and results in
sudden fractures which can occur along the boundaries of the plates or fault lines [planes of
weakness] within the plates. This causes earthquakes, the violent, short-term vibrations in
the earth.
The point on a fault at which the first movement occurs during an earthquake is called the
epicenter.
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 Earthquakes frequently occur along the edges of tectonic plates.

Measure of Earthquakes
The severity of an earthquake is generally measured by its magnitude on Richter scale, as shown
below.
Richter Scale
Less than 4
5 to 4.9
5 to 5.9
6 to 6.9
7 to 7.9
More than 8

Severity of earthquake
Insignificant
Minor
Damaging
Destructive
Major
Great.

6. Write a short note about Tsunami

Tsunami is a Japanese word which means harbour wave. Tsu means harbour and
nami stands for wave.
Tsunamis are large waves that are generated when the sea floor is deformed by seismic activity,
vertically displacing the overlying water in the ocean.
Tsunami Phenomenon
1. A Tsunami is not a single wave but a series of waves, like the ordinary waves one sees
on a beach.
2. Tsunami travel across the deep sea at very high speed of around 1000 kmph.
Causes of Tsunami
1. Under sea volcanic eruption that create treatments force.
2. Deformation of the sea floor due to tectonic movement.
2004 Tsunami of Asia
Tsunami Huge seismic sea waves, triggered by a massive undersea earthquake with
epicenter near Sumatra in Indonesia, on 26th December, 2004, left over 1,50,000 people dead
and tens of thousands homeless in India, Sri Lanka and South-East Asia.

The earthquake which measured 8.9 on the Richter scale is one of the powerful
earthquakes in the last 40 years. Much destruction was caused by seismic waves that hit India,
Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Maldives, and Thailand within two hours of the first impact quake.
The waves rose as high as six to ten meters throughout the Indian Ocean and Andaman
Sea. This earthquake was the worlds fifth most powerful since 1900. The survey said a 1,000
km section along the boundary of the plates shifted, and the motion triggered the sudden
displacement of a volume of water.
7. Write a note on land slide and its causes
Landslide occurs when coherent rock of soil masses move down slope due to gravitational pull.
(Or)
Landslides are falling of rocks or soils resulting from heavy rains or floods.
Landslides are usually caused by
(i) Rain, (ii) Forces either increasing the top material weight. (iii) Making the slope too
steep (iv) Deforestation (v) floods.
8. Mention the effects of landslide on environment
1. Landslides disrupt the normal life and cause heavy damage to crops and property.
2. The facilities such as road, bridges, rail links, telephone lines, power transmission lines get
damaged.
3. Sometimes, the villages in the low lying areas are encircled with flood waters and get
isolated for days together. These areas become polluted with stagnated waters. Resulting in
spread of epidemics such as cholera, viral fevers and so on.
4. Flow deposit that divert the passage.
5. Erosion of soil.

PART-B (BIG QUESTION WITH ANSWER)

1. Explain the sources and effects of marine pollution
Sources of marine pollution:
The main sources of marine pollution are,
i. Rivers which bring pollutants from their drainage basins,
ii. Catchments area i.e., coastline where human settlements in the form of hotels,
industry, agricultural practices have been established, and
iii. Oil drilling and shipment
1. Dumping the wastes:
i. Most of the rivers ultimately join the ocean. The pollutants which these rivers carry from
their drainage basins are finally poured into the sea. These include sewage sludge, industrial
effluents, synthetic detergents, agrochemicals, solid wastes, plastics, metals and waste heat
released by industries.
ii. Waste disposal: Hundreds of tons of inert solid wastes are dumped into the oceans from
ships annually of these plastics and polystyrene are deadly to marine life. Often floating for
hundreds of miles, plastics are frequently mistaken for food by fishes, turtles and mammals.
It has been estimated that waste plastic materials killed one million sea birds and 1,50,000
marine mammals each year.
iii. Agricultural runoff: Modern agriculture uses lot of fertilizers, pesticide and other inputs.
During the rain the unutilized chemicals are washed off from the surface and added to sea.
This result is algal blooms, including red tides. It can deplete the level of dissolved oxygen
in water almost zero, killing zooplankton, fish and shellfish.
iv. Discharge of sewage: Throughout the world many countries release raw sewage into rivers
and coastal habitats, leading to algal bloom and increased biological oxygen demand.

v. Toxic substance: These compounds are released into the marine environment from various
sources. These compounds may affect humans directly through contact, or indirectly, from
consumption of fish and shellfish, where metals often accumulate in tissues.
Example: Minamata or dancing disease-nervous disorder.
2. Oil pollution of marine:
The great damage to water is caused by petroleum and its products.
i. Oil enters water from breakdowns on derricks, wrecks of oil tankers, accidental spillage,
cleaning of fuels tanks by merchant and warships and also from street cleaning.
ii. Oil in sea water can spread over a large area of the sea, remain dispersed or get adsorbed
on sediments. It can cause adverse effects on marine life.
iii. Leakage from oil tanker near Alaska in 1989 caused damage to coral reefs and resulted in
death of about 390 thousand birds.
iv. 20 thousands of birds died to more than 220 tons of oil spillage in 1978 at Brittany, France.
v. During the 1991 Gulf war 200 million gallons of oil spread in the Persian Gulf badly
affected the marine ecosystem.
Effects of Marine Pollution:
i. Many marine birds ingest plastic that causes gastro-intestinal disorders.
ii. The presence of heavy metals and organic pollutants cause more damage in birds as
thinning of eggshell and tissue damage of egg.
iii. Oil pollution cause damage to marine fauna and flora including algal, fish, birds,
invertebrates. About 50,000 to 2, 50,000 birds are killed every year by oil.
iv. Oil spilling in sea water causes abnormally low body temperature in birds resulting in
hypothermia.
v. Oil films are able to retard significantly the rate of oxygen uptake by water.

vi. The continuous oil films inhibit photosynthesis and the formation of oxygen. This inhibits
the growth of planktons, which is the main source the hydrobionts in the sea.
vii. Persistent toxins like heavy metals, DDT, chlorinated hydrocarbons accumulate in food
chain and consumption of fish by man may cause diseases like cancer.
viii.

Detergents used to clean up the spill are harmful to marine life.

2. Write a note on control measures of marine pollution

1. Toxic pollutants from industries and sewage should not be discharged in coastal waters.
2. Run off from non-point sources should be prevented to reach coastal areas.
3. Sewer overflows should be prevented by having separate sewer and rain water pipes.
4. Dumping of toxic, hazardous wastes and sewage sludge should be banned.
5. Developmental activities on coastal areas should be minimized.
6. Oil and grease from service stations should be processed for reuse.
7. Oil ballast should not be dumped into sea.
8. Ecologically sensitive coastal areas should be protected by not allowing drilling.
9. People should be educated about marine ecosystems and the benefits offered by them.
10. The urban growth near the coasts should be regulated.
11. Recreational beaches should maintained meeting to hygienic and aesthetic standard.
12. Methods of removal of oil:
Several methods have been applied to deal with oil floating on the sea.
i. Physical Methods:
Shimming the oil off the surface with a suction device appears to be the simplest method.
The floating oil can be absorbed using a suitable absorbing material like polyurethane
foam. Chopped straw and saw dust also be used to absorb oil from the sea water.
ii. Chemical methods:
a. Dispersion
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b. Emulsification
c. Using chemical additions

3. Explain the sources and effects of thermal pollution

Source of thermal pollution:
The following are the main source of thermal pollution.
1. Nuclear power plants
2. Coal-fired power plants
3. Industrial effluents
4. Domestic sewage
5. Hydro electric power.
1. Nuclear power plant:
Nuclear power plants, nuclear explosions, nuclear experiments are discharge large
amount of heat along with toxic radio nuclides into receiving water source. Leakage of radiation
from nuclear power plants raises the temperature of water bodies
Heated effluents from power plants are discharged at 10 C, higher than the receiving
water which affects the aquatic flora and fauna.
2. Coal-fired power plants:
Source thermal power plants utilize coal as fuel for producing electricity. They are main
source of thermal pollution. Their condenser coils are cooled with water from nearby lake or
river and discharge the hot water back to the stream increasing the temperature of nearby water
to about 15 C. When the value of dissolved oxygen of hot water reaches between 1 to 3 mg/L,
the aquatic fishes feel suffocation and ultimate result is the death.

3. Industrial Effluents:
Industries generating electricity require large amount of cooling water for heat removal.
Other industries like textile, paper, and pulp and sugar industry also release heat in water, but to
a lesser extent.
4. Domestic sewage:
Domestic sewage is often discharged into rivers, lakes, canals or streams without waste
treatment. The municipal sewage water normally has a higher temperature than receiving, the
dissolved oxygen content (DO) decreases and the demand of oxygen increases and anaerobic
conditions occur.
5. Hydro Electric Power:
Generation of hydro-electric power also results in negative thermal loading of water bodies.
Effects of Thermal Pollution:
1. Reduction in dissolved oxygen:
Concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) decreases with increase in temperature of water.
For example, at 0 C (or) 32 F, the DO concentration is 14.6 ppm. But at 17.7 C (or) 64 F,
the DO concentration is 6.6 ppm. Thus the cold water fish which requires about 6 ppm to
survive could not tolerate the high water temperatures. If they remained in the area they would
die from oxygen starvation.
2. Increase in Toxicity:
Toxicity of pesticides, detergents and chemicals in the effluents increases with increase in
temperature. A 10 C rise in temperature doubles the toxic effect of KCN (potassium cyanide),
while an 80 C rise in temperature triples the toxic effects of O-xylene causing massive
mortality of fish.
3. Interference with biological activities: (or) Changes in metabolic rate:

Metabolic activities of aquatic organisms increase at high temperature and require

more oxygen, where as oxygen level falls under thermal pollution. For example, the respiratory
rate, O2 demands, food uptake and swimming speed of fishes increase.
4. Interference with reproduction:
In fishes, several activities like nest building, spawning, hatching, migration and
reproduction etc., depend on some optimum temperature. For instance, the maximum
temperature at which lake trout will spawn successfully is 8.9 C. It has been observed that the
Atlantic salmon lay eggs in 114 days in water at 2 C and in 90 days at 7C.
The warm water not only disturbs spawning but also destroys the laid eggs.
5. Direct mortality:
The increase in temperature exhausts the micro-organisms and shortens their life span.
Above a particular temperature, death occurs to fish due to failure in respiratory system, nervous
system process.
6. Food shortage for fish:
Change in temperature alters type and abundances of lower organisms. The fish may lack
the right food at the right time.

4. Write about control measures of thermal pollution

Control measures of thermal pollution:
To reduce the temperature of the effluents from thermal power industries the following
method can be adopted.
(a) Cooling ponds

(b) Spray ponds

(c) Cooling towers

(d) Artificial lakes.

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a. Cooling ponds: Water from condensers is stored

in ponds where natural evaporation cools the
water which can then be recirculated or
discharged in nearby water body.
b. Spray ponds:
The water from the condensers
received in spray ponds. Here the
water is sprayed through nozzles
where fine droplets are formed. Heat
from these fine droplets is dissipated
to the atmosphere.
c. Cooling Towers:
1. Wet cooling towers: Hot water is
sprayed over baffles. Cool air entering
from sides takes away the heat and cools
the water. This cool water can be
recycled or discharged. Large amount of
water is lost through evaporation and in
the vicinity of wet cooling tower
extensive fog is formed which is not
good for environment and causes damage to vegetation.
2. Dry cooling tower: The heated water flows in a system of pipes. Air is passed over these
hot pipes with fans. There is no water loss in this method but installation and operation cost
of dry cooling tower is many times higher than wet cooling tower.

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3. Artificial lakes: The heated effluent from thermal power industries are discharged directly
into artificial lakes (manmade lakes) at one end and water for cooling purposes may be
withdrawn from the other end. The heat is eventually dissipated through evaporation. The
disadvantage of this method is that water from other source is to be added continuously
otherwise the lake will die out due to lack of waters.
5. Explain the sources and effects of noise pollution
The main sources of noise pollutions are
i. Various modes of transportation (like air, road and rail-transportation)
ii. Industrial operations (machinery)
iii. Construction activities
iv. Celebrations (Social / religious functions, elections etc)
v. Electronic home appliance (TV, radio, etc)
High levels of noise have been recorded in some of the cities of the world.
Cities
Nanjing (china)
Rome
New York
Calcutta
Mumbai
Delhi
Katmandu
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Noise (dB)
150
90
88
85
82
80
75

1. Industrial Noise Pollution:

The most offending noise sources are.
* Compressors

* Generators

* Grinding mills

* Furnaces

* Looms

* Releasing valves.

That are used in many industrial processes and installed in partially closed or open
sheds. Some of the typical industrial process and the noise level generated are given below.
Industry

Noise level (dB)

Steel plate riveting

Boilers shop
Textile loom
Farm tractor
Saw mill
Power plant
Sugar industry
Plastic industry
Leather industry

130
120
112
103
85-101
90-100
81-104
87-94
75-80

Industrial workers are exposed to noisy working environment for 48 hours a week
(occupational noise).
Millions of workers are suffering from progressive hearing damage. Their working
efficiency is also affected.
2. Transport noise:
Continuous movement of vehicles cause transport noise. It affects not only those who are
moving but those too who live near the loads, railway, and airport.
Transport noise can be further sub-divided into
(a)

Road traffic noise b) Aircraft noise c) Rail traffic noise.

The number of road vehicles like motors, scooters, cars, motor cycles, buses, trucks and
particularly the diesel engine vehicles has increased enormously in recent years.

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The noise levels have peak values when aircrafts fly low and overhead or take off and at
airports.
People recycling near the railway track are often affected by the noise produced, especially
during night hours.
A survey conducted in metropolitan cities has shown that noise level in Delhi, Bombay and
Calcutta is as high as 90 dB.
Relative noise levels of different vehicles are given below

Types of vehicle
Small passenger car
Sports car
Motor cycle (1 cylinder 2-stroke)
Motor cycle (2-cylinder 4-stroke)
Buses & trucks
Jet take off

Noise level in dB
79
91
80
94
95
120

3. Neighborhood Noise: (Domestic Noise pollution)

Transistors, radio, TV, other musical instruments, air conditioners, washing machine are
common sources of noise at home. They are harmful on long run and causes hearing damage to
children, patients and aged people. They not only affect the users but the neighbours too.
4. Noise pollution During Diwali:
Diwali is a festival of lights. Traditionally people of all ages enjoy firecrackers. Some
accidents do occur every year claiming a few lives. Besides, noise generated by various
firecrackers is beyond the permissible noise levels of 125 dB as per the Environmental
protection (second Amendment) Rules, 1999. Some of them have been observed to produce
noise near the threshold of pain. Therefore, it is important to educate people about the harmful
effects of noise during such festivals like Diwali.
Effect of Noise Pollution:
Noise causes the following effects.
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1. Interferes with mans communication: In a noisy area, communication in severely

affected.
2. Hearing damage: Noise can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. It depends on
intensity and duration of sound level.
Auditory sensitivity is reduced with noise level of over 90 dB in the mid high frequency for
more than a few minutes.
125 dB gives the sensation of pain in the ear.
When a person exposed to very loud and sudden noise, acute damage occurs to the car
drum.
3. Physiological and Psychological changes: Continuous exposure to noise affects the
functioning of various systems of the body.
a. Physiological effect:
i. Noise pollution causes contraction of blood vessels makes the skin pale, leads to excessive
secretion of adrenalin hormone into blood stream which is responsible for high blood
pressure.
ii. Blaring sounds have known to cause heart attacks and neurological problems, birth
defects and abortion.
iii. It causes muscles to contract leading to nervous breakdown, tension and even insanity
(madness).
iv. Ultrasonic sound can affect the digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular systems and
semicircular canals of the internal ear. The rate of heart beat may also be affected. It may
decrease or increase depending on the type of noise.
v. The blood is also thickened by excessive noises.
vi. Our optical system is also affected. Papillary dilation, impairment of night vision and
decrease in the rate of colour perception are some if its several effects.
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vii. Headache, hypertension, insomnia (sleeplessness), gastro-intestinal and digestive

disorders, peptic ulcers are caused by the noise pollution.
b. Psychological effect:
It may result in behavioural changes, emotional changes; sleep loss, lowering of
concentration and memory etc.

6. Explain about the steps to be taken to control noise pollution

Control of Noise pollution:
1. Source control:
i. This may include source modification such as acoustic treatment to machine surfaces,
design changes, limiting the operational timings and so on.
ii. Noise making machines should be kept in containers with sound absorbing media. The
noise path will be in interrupted and will not reach the workers.
iii. Proper oiling will reduce the noise from the machinery.
2. Design of Doors and Windows:
The sound travels through very thin cracks between the door and wall. Excellent sound
insulation is obtained by constructing glazed window with double or triple panes of glass.
3. Treatment of Floors, Ceilings and Floorings:
Suitable sound absorbing materials like sound proof tiles, perforated plywood, and
specially made porous material are available and can be fixed on walls, floors and ceilings to
have reduction in noise.
4. Planting trees:
Plants and trees should be planted along the high ways and near industries areas. Trees
absorb and dissipate sound energy and act as a buffer zone. It can reduce 8-10 dB of noise.
5. Through law:

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Legislation can ensure that sound production is minimized at various social functions.
Unnecessary horn blowing should be restricted especially in vehicle-congested areas.
6. Firecrackers should not be used at any time in silence zones.
[Silence zones in an area comprising not less than 100 meters around hospitals, educational
institutions, courts, religious places or any other place which is declared as such by the
competent authority]
7. Ear Protection Aids:
For noisy industries, the workers should be provided with ear protection aids like
earplugs, headphones or noise helmets.
8. The most important thing is to make people aware that noise is bad for physical and mental
health. Many people yet do not know it!
7. Explain the various flood control methods
Various flood measures for avoiding the damages from floods in following ways:
1. Forecast, warming and advice should be provided through media (radio or television) to
educate and aware people about steps to be taken in the event of mishap.
2. Valuable household items, animals and other necessary materials like food, clothes,
medicines, etc., should be shifted to safer places.
3. Elderly people and children should be evacuated to safe shelters on emergency basis.
4. Government agencies and NGOs should help the flood affected people by providing public
health services, and to modify the loss, disaster relief and tax relief should be provided.
5. Development and restoration of wetlands, building of check dams, ban on building structure
in flood plains can reduces the damages due to flood.
6. Development of flood control structure.
7. Good investments should be made in river-control systems.
8. Instead of raising buildings on flood plains, it is suggested that flood plains should be used
for wildlife habitat, parks, recreational areas and other uses.

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8. Explain about preventive methods of cyclone and also explain the various steps to taken
at the time and after the cyclone hit
Preventive methods (or) Management:
It is difficult to stop the formation of cyclones. But, some long term defence measures can help
to protect us from the devastation. Such measures includes,
1. Planting more trees on the coastal belt.
2. Construction of dams, storm shelter, wind breaks, proper drainage and wide roads for quick
evacuation.
3. Check that your home is condition, especially the roof.
4. Trim any tree branches hanging over your roof.
5. People can avoid settling in places which are vulnerable to cyclone attack.
6. Government can give meteorological information in advance, so that people can be informed
on the attack of cyclone.
Prevention at the time of cyclone Hits:
1. Store all loose items inside
2. Fuel your car and park it under solid cover
3. Close shutters and windows.
4. Disconnect all electrical appliances and turnoff the gas.
5. Continue to listen to your radio for updates and advice.
Prevention Taken after cyclone:
1. Dont go outside until officially advised it is safe to do so.
2. Check for gas leaks and do not use electrical appliances if wet.
3. Beware of fallen power lines, damaged bridges, buildings and trees,
4. Continue to listen to your radio for official warming and advice.

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UNIT IV: SOCIAL ISSUES AND ENVIRONMENT

SYLLABUS
Sustainable development: Definition - Unsustainable to sustainable development - urban
problems related to energy. Environmental ethics - issues and possible solutions - solid
waste management - causes - effects - 3R Principles (landfills, incineration, composting).
Water conservation - rain water harvesting - watershed management. Climate change global warming - acid rain - ozone layer depletion. Environment protection act: Air
(Prevention and control of pollution) act - wildlife protection act.
IMPORTANT TWO MARK QUESTIONS AND ANSWER
1. Define Sustainable development
Sustainable development is defined as development that meets the needs of the present
generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
2. Mention the things need to follow to achieve the goal of sustainable development
1) Economic policies are to be redefined to protect and develop farm, sustainable agriculture and
fertile soil. 2) Conserving all non-renewable sources by recycling and reuse. 3) Controlling
pollution and necessary to use the resources effectively. 4) Developing appropriate technology
with minimum environmental hazards.
3. Define Urbanization
Urbanization is the movement of human population from non urban areas to urban areas
in search of better economic interests coupled with better education, communication, health,
civic facilities and other day to day needs.
4. Define the terms Environmental Ethics
Ethics is the branch of philosophy; it deals with morals and values. Environmental ethics refers
to the moral relationship between humans and the environment. Also, it refers to the issues,
principles and guidelines relating to human interactions with their environment.
5. Define solid wastes and write their classification
Solid wastes are any discarded or abandoned materials in solid form and also it can be
containerized liquid, semi-solid or containerized gaseous material. Solid wastes are mainly
classified as municipal, industrial and hazardous solid wastes.
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6. What is 3R principle?
3R" refers to reduce, reuse and recycle, particularly in the context of production and
consumption. It calls for an increase in the ratio of recyclable materials, further reusing of raw
materials and manufacturing wastes, and overall reduction in resources and energy used.
7. Write the definition of water conservation
Water conservation refers to the preservation, control and development of water resources,
both surface and groundwater, and prevention of pollution.
8. Define watershed
Watershed is defined as the land area from which water
drains under gravity to a common channel like streams;
river etc. (or) a watershed can be defined as the entire land
area that ultimately drains into a particular body of water.
9. What is described in watershed management?
Watershed management is a term used to describe the process of implementing land use
practices and water management practices to protect and improve the quality of the water and
other natural resources within a watershed by managing the use of those land and water
resources in a comprehensive manner.
10. Define green house effect and write about green house gases
The green house effect can be defined as the progressive warming up of the earths surface due
the blanketing effects of CO2 and other green house gases in the atmosphere. Green house gas is
a gas in an atmosphere that absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range. This
process is the fundamental cause of the greenhouse effect. The primary greenhouse gases in
atmosphere are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapour and ozone.
11. What are the impacts of green house effects on the environment?
i) Increase of global temperature ii) Rise in sea level iii) Effects on human health iv) Effects on
agriculture. v) Disruption of the water cycle.
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12. What is Dobson unit?

The amount of atmospheric ozone is measured by Dobson unit 1 DU is equal to 0.01 mm
thickness of pure ozone at the density it possess if it is brought to the ground level.
13. Define acid rain
Acid rain represents one of the major consequences of air pollution. Thermal power plant
industries and other sources release thousands of tons of oxides of nitrogen and sulphur into the
atmosphere every day. The gases such as SO2 and NO2 released into the atmosphere react with
the atmospheric moisture leads to formation of sulphuric acid and nitric acid droplets. This is
known as acid rain.
14. What are the steps can be taken to control the causes and effects of acid rain?
1. Emissions of SOx and Nox from industries and power plants should be reduced by using
pollution control equipments or by using green resources and techniques.
2. Liming of lakes and soils should be done to correct pH level and the adverse effects of acid
rain.
3. Coal with lower sulphur content is desirable to use in thermal power plants.
4. Replacement of coal by natural gas would reduce the problem.
15. Write the mechanism of ozone-hole formation
In the presence of UV radiation from the sun,
chloro-fluoro carbon (CFC) breaks up into
chlorine

free

radicals

(Cl)

which

readily

consumes ozone. Thus the each liberated Cl

attacks the ozone molecules further.
CFCl3

CFCl2 +Cl

Cl + O3

ClO+ O2

ClO + O

Cl +O2
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Due to this combination attacks of Cl makes thinning of ozone layer, which leads to the
formation of ozone hole.
16. Which are the ozone depleting chemicals?
The following gases are found to be instrumental in ozone depletion.
1. Chloro Fluoro Carbon (CFC)
Sources: Refrigerants in refrigerators, propellant in aerosol spray cans, blowing agent.
2. Hydro Chloro Fluoro Carbon (HCFC)
Sources: Refrigerants, blowing agents.
3. Bromo Fluro Carbons (BFC)
Sources: fire extinguishers.
17. Name the various environmental protection acts of India?
The following are the various environmental protection acts of India
(i) The wild life (protection) act, 1972.
(ii) Water (prevention and control of pollution) act, 1974.
(iii) The forest (conservation act 1974.
(iv) Air prevention and control pollution act, 1981.
(v) Environmental protection act 1986.
18. Suggest any three possible solutions for the enforcement of legislation on environmental
protection?
i)

Environmental education must be included in the curriculum of schools and colleges.

ii) Mass media like radio, TV, cinema can educate the people through cartoons,
documentaries and art films on environmental issues.
iii) Mass rally, human chain rally and street plays can be organized to popularize the need for
environmental protection.

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19. State the important features of Air act, 1981?

a) The central board may lay down the standards for the quality of air.
b) The central board coordinates and settles disputes between state boards, in addition to
providing technical assistance and guidance to state boards.
c) The state boards are empowered to lay down the standards for emissions of air pollutants
from industrial units or automobiles or other sources.

PART-B (BIG QUESTION WITH ANSWER)

1. Explain the major measures to attain sustainable development
1. Population growth
Population growth should be limited to the desirable level. This is one of the major
components of sustainable development.
2. Reduced consumption
Consumption of water, energy, air and other natural resources should be limited. Lesser
consumption and simple life style is also one of the factors of resources of sustainable
development.
3. Water resource management
River flooding, poor treatment of effluent, over exploitation of groundwater, poor drainage,
pollution of water bodies are some of the factors of poor water resources management.
Sustained development provides effective water resources management locally and globally.
4. Integrated land use planning
Relative priorities among different land uses like agriculture, forestry, fodder cultivation,
urban and industrial growth, traffic etc, should be planned and managed judiciously.
5. Renewable resources
Any resources like materials, energy that can be renewed or recycles that cannot be depleted
in the near future. For example: wood can be consumed and can be grown maintaining a
balance.
6. Biosphere conservation
Mans activities leads of pollution. Thousands of plants, animals are endangered today with
threats of extinction due to pollution, destruction of habitat, commercial exploitation etc.

23

7. Pollution control
Pollution of air, water and soil constitutes major threats for future mankind. Improved
pollution control technology is another major component of sustained development.
8. Production efficiency
The current production processed involves wastages, which can be reduced or avoided.
Better planning and improved technology can lead to better yields from given resources.
Genetic hybrids, drip irrigation, pest control, soil- crop fertility management etc are examples
of improving agricultural productivity.
9. Environmental education and awareness:
Making environmental education the centre of all learning process will greatly help in
changing the thinking and altitude of people towards our earth and the environment.
Introducing the subject right from the school stage will include of feeling of belongingness to
earth in the small children.
10. Resource utilization as per carrying capacity:
Sustainability of a system depends largely upon the carrying capacity of the system. If the
carrying capacity of a system is crossed, environmental degradation starts and continues till it
reaches a point of no return.

2. Explain the urban problems related to energy (or) energy demanding activities during
urbanisation and mention the advantages and disadvantages of urbanisation
The energy demanding activities include:
1) Residential and commercial lighting.
2) Transportation means including automobiles and public transport for moving residence to
workplace.
3) Modern life-style using number of electrical devices in everyday life.
4) Industrial plants using a big proportion of energy.
5) A large amount of waste generation which has to be disposed of properly using energy
based techniques.
6) Control and prevention of air and water pollution which need energy dependant
technologies.
7) Due to high population density and high energy demanding activities, the urban problems
related to energy are much more magnified as compared to the rural population.

24

3. Give short notes on Environmental Ethics?

Ethics is a branch of philosophy. It deals with morals and values.

Environmental ethics refers to the moral relationship between human and the natural
world.

Environmental ethics forbid persons from activities for putting our beliefs to do when
faced with crucial situations.

Environmental ethics tell us that we should leave a livable world for our future
generations.

One can love with or without being religious. Let societies run on ethics rather than
economics. All religions teach that damaging gods creation is evil.

1. Should love and honour the earth since it has blessed you with life and governs your
survival.
2. Should keep each day sacred to earth and celebrate turning of its seasons.
3. Should not hold yourself above other living things and have no right to drive them to
extinction.
4. Should be grateful to the plants and animals which nourish you by giving you food.
5. Should limit your off springs, because too many people will overburden the earth.
6. Should not waste your resources on destructive weapons.
7. Should consume the material goods in moderate amounts so that all may share the earths
precious wealth of resources.
8. Should not harm any natural creature.

4. What is Rainwater Harvesting? What are the purposes served by it?

Rainwater harvesting
Rain water harvesting is a technique of increasing the recharge of groundwater by capturing
and storing rainwater
Objectives of rainwater harvesting
1. To reduce run-off loss, 2. To avoid flooding of roads. 3. To met the increasing demands
of water. 4. To raise the water table by recharging ground water. 5. To reduce
groundwater contamination, 6. To store excess water for use at subsequent time, 7. To
prevent salinity increase in coastal areas.

25

Need for rain water harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is essential because surface water is inadequate to meet our demand
and we have to depend on ground water. Due to rapid urbanization, infiltration of rainwater
into the sub-soil has decreased drastically and hence recharging of ground water has
diminished. Thus there is an urgent need for conserving water by harvesting and managing
it by artificial recharging system.
Rainwater can be mainly harvested by one of the following methods:
1. By storing in tanks or reservoirs above or below ground. 2. By constructing pits, dug
wells, trench or check dams on small streams. 3. By recharge the ground water.
Rainwater harvesting techniques: There are two main techniques of rainwater harvesting:
1. Storage of rainwater on surface for future use and
The storage of rainwater on surface is a traditional technique and the structures used were
underground tanks, ponds, check dams, etc.
2. Recharging ground water.
Recharging ground water is a new concept of rainwater harvesting and the following
structures are generally use.
1. Recharging pits (or) percolation pits:
Recharge pits are constructed for recharging the shallow aquifer. These are constructed 1
m or 2 m wide and to 6 m deep which are back filled with gravels and coarse sand.
2. Trenches:
These are constructed when the permeable stream is available at shallow depth.
These are back filled with filter materials.
3. Dug wells:
Existing dug wells may be utilized as recharge structure and water should be passed
through filter media before putting to dug well.
4. Hand pumps
The existing hand pumps may be used for recharging the aquifers.
5. Recharge wells
Recharge wells of 100 to 300 mm diameter are generally constructed for recharging the
deeper aquifers and water is passed through filter media to avoid chocking of recharge
wells.

26

3. Modern techniques of rain water harvesting - Roof top rainwater harvesting

It is a low cost and effective technique for urban houses and buildings. The rainwater
from the top of the roofs is diverted to some surface tank or pit through a delivery system
which can be later used for several purposes, also it can be later used to recharge
underground aquifers by diverting the stored water to some abandoned dug well or by
using a hand pump.
Advantages of rain water harvesting
1. Rainwater harvesting helps in recharging the aquifers. Hence the ground water level
increased. 2. Increased availability of water from wells. 3. Improves ground water quality by
dilution. 4. Improves soil moisture and reduces soil erosion by minimizing run off water.
5. Upgrading the social and environmental status etc.

5. Explain the various steps involving in solid waste management

Solid waste generation can be controlled by practicing the three Rs principles such as reduce,
reuse and recycle before destruction and safe storage of wastes.
i. Reduction in use of raw materials: Reduction in the use of raw materials will decrease the
production of waste. Reduced demand for any metallic product will decrease the mining of
their metal and cause less production of waste.
ii. Reuse of waste materials: The refillable containers which are discarded after use can be
reused. Making rubber rings from the discarded cycle tubes which are used by the newspaper
vendors, instead of rubber bands, reduces the waste generation during manufacturing of
rubber bands. Because of financial constraints, poor people reuse their materials to the
maximum.
iii. Recycling of materials:
1. Recycling is the reprocessing of discarded materials into new useful products.
27

2. Formation of same old type products e.g. old aluminium cans and glass bottles are
melted and recast into new cans and bottles.
3. Formation of new products: Preparation of cellulose insulation from kitchen waste.
Preparation of automobiles and construction material from steel cans.
4. The process of reducing, reusing and recycling saves money, energy, raw materials,
land space and also reduces pollution.
For example: Recycling of paper will reduce cutting of trees for making fresh paper. Reuse of
metals will reduce mining and smelting of ores for recovery of metals from ores and prevent
pollution.
Mainly there are three methods are adopted for the disposal of solid waste as follows
1. Sanitary landfill
2. Incineration
3. Composting

1. Sanitary landfill: In a sanitary landfill, garbage is spread out in thin layers, compacted
and covered with clay or plastic foam. After two or three years, solid waste volume
shrinks by 25-30% and the land is used for parks, roads and small buildings.
1. It is the most common and cheapest method of waste disposal.

28

2. In the modern landfills the bottom is covered with an impermeable linear, usually
several layers of clay, thick plastic and sand.
3. The liner protects the ground water from being contaminated due to percolation of
leachate.
4. Leachate from bottom is pumped and sent for treatment.
5. When landfill is full it is covered with clay, sand, gravel and top soil to prevent leakage of
water. Several wells are drilled near the landfill site to monitor if any leakage is
contaminating ground water.
6. Methane produced by anaerobic decomposition is collected and burnt to produce electricity
or heat.
Advantages:
1. It is simple and economical. 2. Segregation not required. 3. Land filled areas can be used for
other purposes. 4. Converts low-lying, marshy waste-land into useful areas. 5. Natural
resources are returned to soil and recycled.
Disadvantages:
1. A large area is required 2. Since land is available away from town, transportation cost is
heavy. 3. Bad odours, if landfills are not properly packed. 4. The land filled areas will be the
mosquitoes and flies. 5. Caused fire hazard due to the formation of methane in wet weather.
2. Incineration
Incineration is a waste treatment process that involves the combustion of organic substances
contained in waste materials.
It is a hygienic way of disposing solid waste.
It is more suitable if the waste contains more hazardous material and organic content.
In this method the municipal solid wastes are burnt in a furnace called incinerator.
The combustible substances such as rubbish, garbage, dead organisms and the noncombustible matter such as glass, porcelain, metals are separated before feeding to
incinerators.
The left out ashes and clinker (residue) from the incinerators may be accounted for only
about 10 to 20% which needs further disposal rather by sanitary landfill or by some other

29

means. The heat produced in the incinerator during the burning of refuse is used in the
form of steam power for generation of electricity throughout turbines.
Advantages:
1. The residue is only 20-25% of original weight; the clinker can be used after treatment.
2. It requires very little space. 3. Cost of transportation is not high as incinerators located
within city limits. 4. Safest from hygienic point of view. 5. An incinerator plant of 300 tons
per day capacity can generate 3MW of power.
Disadvantages:
1. Its capital and operating cost is high. 2. Needs skilled personnel. 3. Formation of smoke,
dust and ashes need further disposal, due to which air pollution may be caused.
3. Composting
Composting of waste is an aerobic (in the presence of air) method of decomposing solid
wastes. The process involves decomposition of organic waste into humus known
as compost which is a good fertiliser for plants.
Due to shortage of space for landfill in bigger cities, the biodegradable waste is allowed to
degrade or decompose in an oxygen rich medium. (composting)
Sometimes certain micro-organisms such as actinomycetes are introduced for active
decomposition with in 2 or 3 days biological action starts, the organic matters are being
destroyed by microorganisms and a lot of heat is liberated, which increase the temperature
of the compost by about 75C and finally the refuse is converted to brown coloured
odourless mass known as humus and has a fertilizing value which can be used for
agricultural fields.
The compost contains lot of nitrogen essential for plant growth which improves the soil
condition and fertility.
World Health Organization (WHO) has set up a compost plant in New Delhi in 1981 with
a capacity to handle 90 to 100 tons of waste every day.
30

Advantages:
1. When the manure is added to soil, it increases the condition of the soil and fertility.
2. Recycling-occurs. 3. A number of industrial solid wastes can be treated by this method.
4. The manure can be sold thereby reducing the cost of disposing of wastes.
Disadvantages:
1. The non-biodegradable waste has to be disposed separately.
6. Explain the various strategies to be followed for achieving water conservation
The following strategies are to be followed for achieving water conservation
i. Decreasing run-off losses
ii. Reducing

evaporation

losses:

(In

humid

regions)
iii. Storing water in soil
iv. Reducing irrigation losses
v. Reuse of water
vi. Preventing wastage of water
vii. Increasing block pricing
I. Decreasing run-off losses: By allowing most of the water to infiltrate into the soil. This can
be achieved by
1. Contour cultivation (allowing more time for infiltration)
2. Terrace framing (benches for catching run-off water)
3. Water spreading (channelingdiversions with intervals)
4. Chemical wetting agents (surfactants)
5. Surface crop residues (tillage, animal residues), 6. Chemical conditioners (to improve soil
permeability), 7. Water storage structures (farm ponds, dug-outs).

31

II. Reducing evaporation losses: (In humid regions)

Horizontal barriers of asphalt placed below the soil surface increase water availability and
crop yield by 35-40% (more effective on sandy soil). A co-polymer of starch and acrylonitrile
called super slumber has been reported to absorb water up to 1400 times its weight (useful
for sandy soils).
III. Storing water in soil:
Storage of water takes place in the soil root zone in humid regions when the soil is wetted to
field capacity. By leaving the soil fallow for one season water can be made available for the
crop grown in next season.
IV. Reducing irrigation losses:
a) Use of lined or covered canals to reduce seepage, irrigation in early morning or late evening to
reduce evaporation losses.
b) Sprinkling irrigation and drip irrigation to conserve water by 30-50%.
c) Growing hybrid crop varieties with less water requirements and tolerance to saline water help
conserve water.
V. Reuse of water:
a) Treated wastewater can be used for ferti-irrigation
b) Using grey water from washings, bath-tubs etc. for watering gardens, washing cars or paths
help in saving fresh water.
VI. Preventing wastage of water:
This can be done in households, commercial buildings and public places.
a) Closing taps when not in use b) Repairing any leakage from pipes
c) Using small capacity flush in toilets.
VII. Increasing block pricing: The consumer has to pay a proportionately higher bill with
higher use of water. This helps in economic use of water by the consumers.

32

7. Explain the objectives and practice of watershed management

Objectives
1) To minimize soil erosion and moisture retention to ensure good productivity of the land.
2) To manage watershed for beneficial development activities like domestic water supply,
irrigation, hydropower generation etc.
3) To minimize the risk of floods, droughts and landslides.
4) To develop rural areas with clear plans for improving the economy of the region.
Watershed management practices
1. Water harvesting With provision for use in dry seasons in low rainfall areas
2. Afforestation and agro-forestry To prevent soil erosion and retention of moisture
(Woody trees grown success in agro-F)
3. Mechanical measures for reducing soil erosion and runoff losses Terracing, bunding,
bench terracing, no-till farming, contour cropping, strip cropping to minimize run-off and
soil erosion on the slopes of watersheds.
4. Scientific mining and quarrying - To avoid loss of hill stability & landslides, rapid
erosion etc. (Drenching at 1M interval on dumb, planting soil-bind plants)
5. Public participation.

8. Explain the sources, major effects and control measures of acid rain
Acid rain represents one of the major consequences of air pollution. Thermal power plants,
industries and other sources release thousands of tons of oxides of nitrogen and sulfur into the
atmosphere every day. SO2 and NO2, released into the atmosphere react with the atmospheric
moisture forming nitric acid or sulfuric acid droplets. This is known as acid rain.

If PH of rain is < 5.6, it is termed as acid rain.

More precise term is acid deposition, which has two parts viz., wet and dry deposition.
33

Snow, sleet and mist are collectively known as wet deposition, and gases, dusts and smog
collectively known as dry deposition.

Some of these pollutants, especially SO2, can travel 200-300 Km in a day. Thus, compounds
emitted at a place may be carried hundreds of Km downwind and deposited on ground or on
vegetation directly as Acid Rains.

Sources of Acid Rain:

1. About 70% of the acidity of an acid rain is due to SOx emissions and 30% due to NOx
emissions.
SO2 + H2O

H2SO3 (aq) Sulphurous acid.

SO2 + 1/2O2

SO3

SO3 + H2O

H2SO4 (aq) Sulphuric acid

3NO2 + H2O

NO(g) + 2HNO3 (aq) Nitric acid

2. Majority of the fuels, especially coal, when they are burnt in air, huge quantities of SOx and
NOx are released.
Effects of Acid Rain:
Acid rain is dangerous to material and vegetation and can disturb the ecological balance on
a global scale. As its effects are showing the signs of cancer everywhere, they may also be called
Cancer Rains.
The effects of acid rains may be summarized as follows:
1. Effect on human beings:
i. Nervous system, respiratory system and digestive system are affected
ii. It also causes death from heart and lung dissolves such as asthma and bronchitis
2. Effect on buildings:
i. It causes deterioration of buildings especially made of marbles.

34

ii. Tajmahal is badly affected by acid rain. This is formed by SO2 emissions from Mathura
refinery. The damage is named as Stone Cancer or Stone Leprosy
iii. Acid rain corrodes houses, monuments, statues, bridges, fences and railings that cost the
world 1450 million dollars a year.
Control of Acid Rain:
i. Emission of SOx and NOx from industries and power plants should be reduced by using
pollution control equipments.
ii. Liming of lakes and soils should be done to correct the adverse effects of acid rain.
iii. Coal with lower sulphur content is desirable to use in thermal power plants.
iv. Replacement of coal by natural gas would reduce the problem.

9. Explain the mechanism, sources and effects of global warming due to green house effect
Solar energy in the form of light radiation has wavelengths in the range of 0.2 to 4m. It
will lose some energy after striking the earth and will be converted to heat energy of longer
wavelengths. Thus the wavelength of this terrestrial re-radiation from earth to atmosphere is
more (4 to 100 m). [E = h = hC/, after striking on earth, energy decreases, , the
wavelength increases].
Carbon dioxide has radiation absorption bands in the range of 12-18 m wavelengths.
Thus, if CO2 is present in the atmosphere, it allows the incoming solar radiations to pass
through but does not allow the re-radiation in the range of 12-18 m from earth to space to
pass through.
Only a part of the heat radiation escapes out into the space while the remaining is radiated
back to earth increasing its temperature. This is the origin of the term Green house effect.

35

Green house effect:

The green house effect may be defined as the progressive warming up of the earths surface due
to blanketing effect of man-made CO2 in the atmosphere.

Green House Gases:

The four major green house gases, which causes adverse are,
1. Carbon dioxide:
It contributes about 55% of global warming from green house gases produced by human
activity. Industrial countries account for about 76% of annual emissions.
The main sources are
1. Fossil fuel burning (67%)
2. Deforestation, land clearing and burning (33%) CO2 stays in the atmosphere for about 500
years. CO2 concentration in the atmosphere was 355 ppm in 1990 that is increasing at a
rate of 1.5 ppm every year.
2. Chlorofluorocarbons: [CFCs]
The other major green house gas is CFCs.
Sources:
1. CFCs are used in refrigerators and air conditioners,
2. used as cleaning solvents, as propellants in aerosol containers,
3. And as expenders in the foam products.

36

This also depletes ozone in the stratosphere. CFCs take 10-15 years to reach the stratosphere
and generally trap 1500 to 7000 times more heat per molecule than CO2 while they are in the
troposphere. Atmospheric concentration of CFC is 0.00225 ppm that is increasing at a rate of
0.5% annually.
3. Methane:
It accounts for 18% of the increased greenhouse gases.
Sources:
1. Produced when bacteria break down dead organic matter in moist places like wetlands,
paddy fields etc.,
2. Production and use of oil and natural gas
3. Incomplete burning of organic material.
Methane stays in the atmosphere for 7-10 years. Each CH4 molecule traps about 25 times
as much heat as a CO2 molecule. Atmospheric concentration methane is 1.675 ppm and it is
increasing at a rate of 1% annually.
4. Nitrous Oxide (N2O):
It is responsible for 6% of the human input of green house gases.
Sources:
1. released from nylon products
2. from burning of biomass and nitrogen rich fuels [e.g., coal]
3. from the breakdown of nitrogen fertilizers in soil, livestock wastes
Its life span in the troposphere is 140-190 years and it traps about 230 times as much heat
per molecule as CO2.
The atmospheric concentration of N2O is 0.3 ppm and is increasing at a rate of 0.2%
annually.

37

Effects of greenhouse effect on environment:

1. Global temperature increase:
It is estimated that the earths mean temperature will rise between 1.5 to 5.5C by 2050 if
input of greenhouse gases continues to rise at the present rate.
2. Rise in Sea level:
With increase in global temperature sea water will expand. Heating will melt the polar
ice sheets and glaciers resulting in further rise in sea level. Current models indicate that an
increase in the average atmosphere temperature of 3C would raise the average global sea level
by 0.2 to 1.5 meters over the next 50-100 years.
Rising sea level erodes beaches and coastal wetlands, inundates low-lying areas and
increases the vulnerability of coastal area to flooding from storm surges and intense rainfall.
It is to be noted that a 1.0 m rise could affect a land area of about 5000 lakh hectares,
much of which is densely populated.
3. Effects on Human Health:
1. Warmer temperature increases the risk of mortality from heat stress.
2. According to WHO, mosquitoes may have larger lives and breed to spread due to
increase in mosquitoes and hence may spread Malaria.
3. Dengue, yellow fever, Encephalitis and Cholera are likely to spread due to increase in
mosquitoes and other disease carrying organisms
4. Higher temperature and humidity will increase respiratory and skin disease.
4. Effects on Agriculture:
i. Even a rise of 2C may be quite harmful to crops. Soil moisture will decrease and
evaporation of water increase, which may affect wheat and maize production.
ii. Increase in temperature and humidity will increase pest growth and result in greater use of
pesticide.
38

5. Disruption of the water cycle:

i. Among the most fundamental effect of climate changes are intensification and disruption
of the water cycle.
ii. Intensification of water cycle will produce more severe droughts in some places and
floods in others.

10. Explain the importance and formation of ozone layer and write a note on ozone layer
depletion
Ozone layer:
Earth has a protective umbrella in the form of Ozone layer, of 24 Km thickness in the
stratosphere about 15 Km away from the earths surface. The concentration of ozone in this
stratospheric ozone layer is about 10 ppm.
Importance of ozone layer:
This layer is considered as a protective shield or Earths umbrella, as it prevents the
harmful ultraviolet solar radiation (especially the UV wavelengths from 200 to 280nm) from
reaching the earth surface. Without the ozone layer, life on the earths surface would not be
possible.
Formation of ozone (O3):
In the stratosphere ozone (O3) is continuously being created by the absorption of short
wavelength UV radiations. UV radiations less than 242 nm decompose O2 into atomic oxygen
(O) by photolytic decomposition.
O2 + h

The atomic oxygen rapidly reacts with molecular oxygen to form ozone.
O + O2 + M

O3 + M

Where M = is third body such as nitrogen

39

Absorption of UV-B radiation by O3:

Ozone thus formed distributes itself in the stratosphere and absorbs harmful UV radiations
(200 to 320 nm) and is continuously being converted back to molecular oxygen.
O3 + h

O + O2

Absorption of UV radiations results in heating of the stratosphere.

Ozone Layer Depletion:

The balance between the creation and removal of ozone is being affected by increasing the
stratospheric concentration of chlorine, nitrogen, bromine, hydroxide, etc., which act as a
catalyst thus speeding up the removal process.

Chlorofluorocarbons [CFCs] are mainly responsible for ozone depletion in the stratosphere.

CFCs are used as coolants in refrigerators and air conditioners, as propellants, cleaning
solvents and in Styrofoam etc.,

CFCs released in the troposphere reach the stratosphere and remain there for 65-385 years
destroying O3 molecule.

In the presence of UV-radiation from sun, CFC breaks up into chlorine free radical (Cl)
which readily consumes ozone. Thus each atom of Cl liberated attacks ozone molecules
further.
CFCl2

Cl

Cl + O3

ClO

O2

ClO + O

Cl

O2

CFCl3

Due to this continuous attack of Cl thinning of ozone layer takes place, which leads to the
formation of ozone hole.
Each atom of chlorine is capable of attacking several ozone molecules. A 1% loss of ozone
results in a 2% increase in UV rays reaching the earths surface.

40

Ozone depleting chemicals:

The chemicals causing ozone layer depletion are
1. Chloro Fluoro Carbons:
CFCs are a group of synthetic chemicals (Freon) CCl2 F2, CCl3F etc.
1. Trichlorofluoromethane, CCl3F called as CFC-11
2. Dichlorodifluoromethane, CCl2 F2 called as CFC-12
Sources: Refrigerants in refrigerators, propellant in aerosol spray cans, blowing agent.
2. Hydrochloro carbon (HCFC): refrigerants
3. BromoFluoro Carbons (BFC) Fire extinguishers
4. Nitrous Oxide (NO):
Sources:
i. NO emitted by supersonic aircrafts
ii. Nitrogen fertilizers
iii. Detonation of nuclear weapons.
iv. Biological activity and others.
Nitrous Oxide depletes the ozone layers by the following way.
NO + O3
(Nitrous Oxide)

NO2 + O2
(Nitrogen dioxide)

5. Other chemicals:
i. Certain halogen compounds.
ii. Atmospheric SO2; Sometimes the atmospheric SO2 converted into H2SO4 which greatly
increases the rate of ozone depletion.

11. Explain the objectives, activities and provisions of wildlife protection act
Objectives of wildlife protection act:
(i)

To maintain essential ecological processes and life supporting systems.

41

(ii)

To preserve the biodiversity and

(iii)

To ensure the continuous use of species, i.e., protection and preservation of wildlife.

The major activities and provisions in the act can be summed up as follows:
(i)

It provides for the appointment of wildlife advisory board, wildlife warden, their powers,
duties etc.

(ii)

Under the act, comprehensive listing of endangered wildlife species was done for the first
time and prohibition of hunting of endangered species was mentioned.

(iii)

Protection to some endangered plants like Beddome cycad, Blue Venda, Ladies slipper,
orchid, pitcher plant etc, is also provided under the act.

(iv)

The Act provides for setting up of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries etc.

(v)

The Act provides for the constitution of central zoo authority.

(vi)

There is provision for trade and commerce in some wildlife species with license for sale,
possession, transfer etc.

(vii)

The act imposes a ban on the trade or commerce in scheduled animals.

12. Explain the objectives and important features of air act

The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was established in the year 1981 with the
following objectives,
(i)

Prevention, control and abatement of air pollution,

(ii)

Maintaining the quality of air and

(iii)

Establishment of boards for the prevention and control of air pollution.

Important features of Air Act:

(i)

The Act provides for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution.

(ii)

In the Act, air pollution has been defined as the presence of any solid, liquid or gaseous
substance [including noise] in the atmosphere in harmful to human beings or any other
living creatures or plants or property or environment.
42

(iii)

Noise pollution has been inserted as pollution in the Act in 1987.

(iv)

Pollution control boards at the central or state level have the regulatory authority to
implement the Air Act. The boards have to check whether or not the industry strictly
follows the norms or standards laid down by the Board under section 17, regarding the
discharge of emission of any air pollutant. Based upon analysis report consent is granted or
refused to the industry.

(v)

Just like the water Act, the Air Act has provisions for defining the constitution, powers and
function of pollution control Boards, funds, accounts, audit, penalties and procedures.

(vi)

Section 20 of the Act has provision for ensuring emission standards from automobiles.

(vii)

The State Boards are to examine the manufacturing processes and the control equipment to
verify whether they meet the standards prescribed.

(viii) The State board can advise the state government to declare certain heavily polluted areas as
the burning of waste products which cause air pollution in such areas. No person shall,
without prior consent of State Board operate or establish any industrial unit in the air
pollution control area.
(ix)

Violation of law is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three
months or fine up to Rupees ten thousand or both.
This act applies to all pollution industries. The Air Act, like water act, gives wide powers on

State Boards to order closure of any industrial unit or stoppage of supply of water, electricity or
other services, if it is highly polluting.
13. Explain the possible actions or power to the central government to protect the
environment according to the environmental protection act, 1986.
1. The act has given power to the central government to take measures to protect and improve
environment while the state governments coordinate the actions.
The most important functions of Central Govt. under this Act include setting up of:
43

1. The standards of quality of air, water or soil for various areas and purposes.
2. The maximum permissible limits of concentration of various environmental pollutants
(including noise) for different areas.
3. The procedures and safeguards for the handling of hazardous substances.
4. The prohibition and restriction on the location of industries and to carry on process and
operations in different areas.
5. The procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents which may cause environmental
pollution and providing for remedial measures for such accidents.
Powers of the central government
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UNIT V
HUMAN POPULATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
SYLLABUS
Human population: Population growth - characteristics - variation among nations - population
explosion - women and child welfare programmes - value education - HIV / AIDS. Role of
information technology in environment and human health - occupational safety and health
administration (OSHA).
IMPORTANT TWO MARK QUESTIONS AND ANSWER
1. Define population
Population is the number of individual organisms of same species in a given area. For Example,
the human population in a country is the number of human beings present in that country.
2. What is called demography and explain the terms involving in demography
The study of human population is called demography. Some of the topics studied under
demography are the rate and the trends of growths of population with time, ratio of female to
males, percentages of population in each age group etc.
Number of births
Birth rate

Original population Number of years

100%

Number of deaths
Death rate

Infant mortality

Original population Number of years

100 %

Number of babies died

Number babies born Number of years

100 %

Change of population
Growth rate

Original population Number of years

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100 %

3. Define the terms population density, doubling time and total fertility rate
Population Density
It is expressed as the number of individuals of the population per unit area.
Doubling time
The time needed for a population to double its size at a constant annual size at a constant
annual rate is known as doubling time. It can be calculated as follows.
Td = 70/r
Td

Doubling time (in years)

annual growth rate

If a nation has 2% annual growth rate, its population will double in 35 years. [i.e., Td =
70/2 = 35 yrs].
Total Fertility Rate
TFR is defined as the average number of children that would be born to a woman in her life
time. The value of TFR varies from 1.9 in developed nations to 4.7 in developing nations.
4. Write a short note on population growth rate
It is usually expressed as a percent increase per year. Currently, the world population growth
rate is approximately 1.7% per year, or 17 people per year per 1000 population. For any
country, the growth rate of population is determined by four principle components.
1) Birth rate (or crude birth rate) (r): The number of live births per 1,000 populations in a
given year.
2) Death rate or mortality (d): The number of deaths per 1,000 populations in a given year.
3) Immigration (i): It denotes the arrival of individuals from neighbouring population.
4) Emigration (e): It denotes the dispersal of individuals from the original population to
the new areas.

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Growth rate: The number of persons added to (or subtracted from) a population in a year due to
natural increase and net migration; The Growth rate can be defined by the
Growth rate = (r - d) + (i e)
5. Define the terms Infant mortality rate, Zero population growth (ZPG), Male Female
ratio and Life expectancy
Infant mortality rate:
It is an important parameter affecting future growth of a population. It is the percentage of
infants died out of those born in a year. Although this rate has declined in the last 50 years,
but the pattern differs widely in developed and developing countries.
Zero population growth (ZPG):
When birth plus immigration in a population are equal to deaths plus emigration, it is said to
be zero population growth. (Constant population with time).
Birth + Immigration = Death + Emigration
Male Female ratio:
Due to female infanticides and gender based abortions, the ratio has been upset in many
countries including India. In china, the ratio of boys to girls becomes 140:100 in many regions
which lead to scarcity of brides.
Life expectancy:

It is the average number of years a new born baby is expected to live.

The average life expectancy, over globe, has risen from 40 to 65.5 years over the
past century.
Life expectancy
Country
Year
Male
Female
India
1900
22.6
23.3
India
2000
60.3
60.5
Japan & Sweden
77 77.4
82.1 84.2

6. What is carrying capacity of an environment

Carrying Capacity of an environment is the maximum number of individuals of any species
that can be supported by environment on a long-term basis.

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IMPORTENT BIG QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

1. How can Age structure pyramids serve as useful tools for predicting population growth
trends of a nation? Explain with examples
Age structure of population of a nation can be represented by age pyramids, based upon
people belonging to different age classes like pre-reproductive [0-14 years], reproductive [1544 years], and post reproductive [45 years and above]. We get three types of age pyramids.
(a) Pyramid shaped:
Here the very young population is
more, making a broad base and old people
are less. This type indicates growing
population.

India, Bangladesh, Ethiopia,

Nigeria are example of this type.

(b) Bell shaped:

It occurs in countries like Frances, USA and
Canada where birth rates have in the past one or
two decades declined resulting in people of almost
equal number in age group 0-35 years. So in the
next 10 years, the people entering into reproductive
age group is not going to change much and such age
pyramids indicate stable population.

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(c) Urn shaped:

Here number of individuals in very young
class is smaller than the middle reproductive age
class. In the next 10 years the number in
reproductive age class will thus become less than
before resulting in a decline of population growth.
Germany, Italy, Hungary, Sweden and Japan are
examples of this type.

2. Explain the values of value based environmental education

The environment belongs to each one of us and our actions affect the environment. When
the environment gets degraded it affects our-health, well-being and our future. So we have a
right to know about the environment and also have a right to safe and clean environment. Let
us see how environmental education be made value-based.
1. Personal Value:
Personal values mean the desires of an individual whatever they are in the social relationship.
The individual wants to achieve his targets without interaction of any other person.
Examples: Excellence, honesty, self-confidence, self-motivation, punctuality, ambition, courage,
creativity, imagination.
The basic human value man in nature rather than nature for man needs to be infused
through the same.
2. Social Values:
Individual cannot live in the world without having interaction with others. Social values like
love, compassion (pity), tolerance, justice, service, hospitality, forgiveness and coordination

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are more important for healthy, good environment for every organism. These kind of aspects
need to be included into environmental education.
Social values create team spirit and coordination in the society. So, that all forms of life
and the biodiversity on this earth are protected.
3. Moral values:
The term morality concerns with:
(a) What ought or ought not to be done in a given situation.
(b) What is right or wrong in handling it.
(c) What is good or bad about the persons policies and principles involved in it.
Moral values imparts respecting others and ourselves, respecting the right of others,
keeping promises, avoiding unnecessary problems with others and avoiding, cheating and
dishonesty etc.
4. Ethical values:
Environmental education should encompass the ethical values of earth-centric rather than
human-centric world-view. Instead of considering human being as supreme we have to think of
the welfare of earth.
5. Spiritual values:
Spiritual value arises from the inner depth dimension of man. The spiritual values are
meditation, yoga, self-discipline, control, purity, devotion to god, reduction of wants, freedom
from greed etc. All these values promote conservationism and transform our consumeristic
approach.
6. Behavioural values:
Individual behaviour is very important to lead successful life. Behaviour values refer to all
good manners that are needed to make our life successful and joyful.

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Value based environmental education can bring in a total transformation of our mind-set,
our attitudes and our life-styles.

3. Write a note on structure and mode of transmission of HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
HIV was first identified by the French Scientists and
called as LAV [Lymphadenopathy Associated Virus].
Later on US scientists identified the virus and called it
as Human T-cell L-virus III [HTLV III].
Finally in May 1986, the international committee
called this virus as HIV.
The virus is 1/10,000 mm in diameter. It has a lipid
envelope cell wall with a nuclear protein capsule
containing two short strands of RNA and enzymes.
The virus is readily killed by heat and inactivated by ether, acetone, 20% ethanol, but it is
relatively resistant to ionizing radiation and UV-rays.
Source of infection: The virus is found in blood and semen in greatest concentration. Lower
concentrations have been found in tears, saliva, breast milk, urine and vaginal secretions.
Methods of Transmission: The basic modes of transmission of AIDS are,
1. Sexual Transmission: AIDS is a sexually transmitted disease. Any vaginal, anal or oral sex
with infected person can spread AIDS. Biologically the male to female transmission of HIV
is 2 to 4 times more efficient than female to male transmission because a larger surface is
exposed. Anal intercourse carries a higher risk of transmission than vaginal intercourse.
2. Blood Contact: AIDS can also be transmitted through contaminated blood transfusion.
Needle sharing of drug uses is also a major cause of AIDS.
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3. Maternal foetal transmission: HIV may pass from an infected mother to her foetus
through the plasma or to her infant during delivery or breast feeding. Experts are of the
opinion that about 1 out of 3 babies born to infected mother likely to be infected with HIV.
4. By Surgical Equipments: AIDS is transmitted of surgical equipments with contaminated
HIV are used. Sharing a common razor at the barbers shop carries some risk of spreading
HIV.
AIDS is not spread by
1. HIV does not spread through casual everyday physical contact such as touching,
handshaking, working together, sitting nearby, by sharing equipments like telephones,
books, toilets, etc.
2. It does not spread through air by means of sneezing or coughing.
3. Saliva, tears etc.
Symptoms of AIDS
Most people who are infected by HIV look and feel perfectly healthy. After a few years,
however many will develop AIDS related complex (ARC), which includes,
The major sign of AIDS are:
1. Fever for more than one month.
2. Weight loss more than 10% of body weight.
3. Diarrhoea for more than one month. 4. Night sweats.
The minor signs of AIDS are:
1. Cough for more than one month.
2. General skin disease.
3. Viral infection.
4. Fungus infection in mouth and throat.
5. Enlargement of lymph glands.
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4. Explain about the diagnosis and treatment of AIDS

Diagnosis of AIDS
Screening Tests
A person whose blood contains HIV antibodies is said to be HIV positive or
seropositive meaning that he or she is infected with HIV. There is now a wide range of
screening tests based on detection of HIV antibodies. At first a sensitive test is used to detect the
HIV antibodies while a second test is confirmatory test.
The first test is ELISA. The confirmatory test is Western Blot.
1. Elisa Test (Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay)
It is a sensitive blood test which is used to detect the HIV antibodies. It currently costs
Rs. 50 to 100.
2. Western Blot
This is the confirmatory test and is used to find out any false positive results. It is highly
specific test. It is based on detecting specific antibody to viral core protein and envelops
glycoprotein. Testing should be done only by trained doctors.
Treatments
Following are the best drugs known,
1. AZT ( Aziodothymidine or Zidovudine or Retrovir )
2. DDT ( Dideoxyinosine )
The treatment yielded only limited success.
5. Explain about prevention and control measures of AIDS
Control and preventive measures
Once a person is infected with HIV the person remain infected for life. There is neither a
cure nor a vaccine but can be prevented.

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1. Education: There is no vaccine available at present for the prevention of AIDS. Therefore
the only means at present available is Health Education to enable people avoiding
indiscriminate sex, use of condom will give full protection. One should also avoid the use
of shared razors and toothbrushes, needles and syringes. Sex education is to enable proper
sexual responsibility and behaviour. Educating senior school students about AIDS will make
them aware of activities. All mass media should be involved in the education of the people
on AIDS. 1st December is declared as World AIDS Day in an effort to create public
awareness.
2. Prevention of HIV Transmission: HIV is transmitted by blood transfusion. All blood
should be screened for HIV before transfusion and strict sterilization practices should be
followed in hospitals.
3. Safe sex: As, HIV is transmitted by sexual activities. Use of good condoms by men will
protect both the partners from AIDS. AIDS is mainly an imported disease in India. HRI i.e.,
High Risk Individuals such as truck drivers, who have several partners each year, develop
STDs very easily and hence should be subjected to special treatments frequently. The best
method to avoid AIDS is to avoid casual sex with unknown persons and HRIs.
4.

Primary Health Care: AIDS awareness programmes should be encouraged. Voluntary

health agencies should participate in large. Training Programmes to doctors and paramedical
workers should be conducted.

5. Counselling Services: Counselling services on telephone or in person are provided by

trained counsellors.
6. HIV / AIDS programme: The objectives of AIDS awareness programmes are to create
awareness of the problems, to give accurate and reliable information about HIV / AIDS to
clear the existing doubts and misconceptions.

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The state AIDS cell started functioning in Tamil Nadu from 1990. Its prime functions are:
1. To ensure blood safety.
2. Enhance STD treatments.
3. Reduces the high risk behaviour of men and women of all ages in Tamil Nadu.
4. It also encourages the voluntary health agencies, AIDS awareness programme and
importance of condom usage.
5. The training programmes are conducted by the cell to the doctors, paramedical workers,
voluntary agencies and teachers.
6. Educating illiterates as well as the educated public about AIDS prevention measures
using different Medias such as radio, TV, news papers etc.

6. Write a note on woman and child welfare

Women and children are usually the soft targets, who suffer in a number of ways
mainly because they are weaker, helpless and economically dependent.
Women welfare

Women usually suffer gender discrimination and devaluation at home, at workplace, in

matrimony, in inheritance, in public life and power, particularly in developing countries. The
gender violence, victimization and harassment take many forms across nation. Women are
often the worst victims of communal enmities.

The human rights of women are violated too often in a male dominated patriarchal society.

Women play an important role in environment. Opportunities should be given to women in

employment, education and economic independence for improving their status in the society.

The following factors are very important for women.

1. Providing education
2. Importing vocational training.
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3. Creating awareness about the environment.

4. Problems of population.
5. Self-dependent.
6. Improving employment opportunities.

There is a full-fledged ministry for women and child development whose sole aim is to
work for the welfare and upliftment of women encompassing family

planning, healthcare,

education and awareness.

Besides the government initiatives there are now a number of non-governmental

organisations (NGOs) mostly as Mahila mandals to create awareness amongst women of
remote villages even to empower them, train them, educate them and help them to become
economically self-dependent.

On an international level, the United Nations Decade for Women (1975-85) witnessed
inclusion of several women welfare related issues on international Agenda.

The CEDAW [International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of

Discriminations against Women, 1979] has been a landmark outcome of the decade to be
accepted as an international standard for the protection and promotion of womens human
rights and Socio-economic upliftment.

Child welfare

In childhood period, there is need for good food but many do not have. Most of the diseases
that affect children are either by environmental problem or malnutrition. Due to
environmental hazards, children face more health problems than the adults.

The type of diseases commonly that affect the children are

Malnutrition
Pneumonia
Diarrhoea
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Measles and
Malaria

Children are considered to be the assets of society. Around 20 million children in our
country are estimated to be working as child labours. Poverty is the main reason to drive
these children into long hours of work of miserable, unhealthy conditions.

In order to solve the above problem, a scheme of Integrated child Development Services
was started in 1975-76 on an experimental basis in 33 rural and tribal banks and urban
slum areas. The scheme protect the children by provides the following services.
1. Supplementary nutrition.
2. Immunisation.
3. Health-checkups
4. Nutrition and health education
5. Non-formal education.

In 1959 United Nations have declaration of the rights of the child. This states that all
children have the right to
1. Love and understanding.
2. Food.
3. Housing
4. Medical care
5. Education
6. Play facilities.

A national plan of action for children has been formulated by the Ministry of Human
Resource Development (MHRD), in the following area,
1. Health education.
2. Nutrition.
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3. Clean and safe drinking water.

4. Sanitation.

6. Explain the Role of Information Technology in Environment

Information technology plays a vital role in the field of environmental education and health.
Development of internet facilities, World Wide Web (www), Geographical Information
System (GIS) and information through satellites has generated a wealth of up-to-date
information on various aspects of environment and health.
A number of softwares have been developed to study about the environment and health.

DATABASE

Database is the collection of inter-related data on various subjects. It is usually in

computerized form and can be retrieved whenever required.
The ministry of environment and forests, government of India has taken up a task of
compiling a database on various biotic communities.
The comprehensive database includes wildlife database, conservation database, forest cover
database, etc.,
Database is also available for diseases like HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Fluorosis, etc.

National Management Information System [NMIS]

NMIS of the Department of Science and Technology [DST] has compiled a database on
Research and Development projects along with information about research scientists and
personnel involved.
Environmental Information System [ENVIS]
The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India has created an Information
system called Environmental Information System [ENVIS].
With its headquarters in Delhi, it functions in 25 different centres all over the country.
The ENVIS centre work for generating a network of database in the following areas.
1. Pollution control
2. Clean technologies
3. Remote sensing
4. Coastal ecology,
5. Biodiversity
6. Western ghates and eastern ghates
7. Environmental management
8. Media related to environment,
9. Renewable energy
10. Desertification
11. Mangrove forest
12. Wildlife
13. Himalayan ecology
14. Mining etc,
The website is www.envis.tn.nic.in
GEOMATICS
One of the important fields of IT for environmental studies in Geomatics.
Geomatics is a science and technology for collecting, analysing, interpreting, distributing
and using geographic information.
Geomatics involves the following disciplines.
(i)
Surveying and mapping (ii) Remote sensing (iii) Geographic Information System
[GIS] (iv) Global Positioning Systems [GPS]
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REMOTE SENSING SYSTEM

Remote Sensing is the science of making inferences about objects from measurements
made at a distance, without coming into physical contact with the objects under study
A remote sensing system consists of a sensor to collect radiations and other important parts
includes
1. A platform
2. An Aircraft
3. A balloon
4. rocket and
5. Satellite.
The information received by the sensors is suitably manipulated and transported back to earth.
The data are reformed and processed on the ground to produce photographs, computer
compatible magnetic tapes [CCT] or other digital storage medium(CD).

Some of the remote sensing satellite sensors are

1. U.S Land state Multispectral Scanner [MMS],
2. French SPOT,
3. Indian Remote Sensing Satellite [IRS].
Remote Sensing for Resource Management
Remote sensing plays a vital role in environmental research and planning.
Remote sensing information is very useful to predict cyclones, floods well in advance.
Remote sensing plays a key role in resource mapping, environmental conservation,
management, planning and environmental impact assessment (EIA).
Remote sensing data [image] have been used to derive thematic information on various
natural resources and environment.
Applications
1. In Agriculture: Remote sensing can provide valuable information for land and water
management. The remote sensing technology using satellite also play a major role in the
environmental studies of water bodies such as lakes, rivers etc.,
2. In Forestry: Remote sensing provides information about the type, density and extent of
forest cover, wood volume and biomass, forest fire, pest and disease induced losses,
encroachment etc.,.
3. In land cover: It provides information about topography of the earth.
4. Water resources: Remote sensing data has been used in many applications related to water
resources such a surface water body mapping, ground water targeting, flood monitoring, water
quality monitoring, oceans, ice, snow, irrigation water management etc.,
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM [GIS]
GIS has proved to be a very effective tool in environmental management.
GIS is a technique of superimposing various thematic maps, using digital date on a large number of
inter-related or independent aspects.
Several useful soft-wares have been developed for working in the field of GIS.
59

Different thematic maps containing digital information on a number of aspects like water resources,
industrial growth, human settlement, road network, soil type, forest land, crop land or grassland etc., are
superimposed in a layered form in computer using software. Such inform is very useful for fortune
land-use planning.
Even interpretations of polluted zones, degraded lands or decreased cropland etc can be made based on
GIS.
Planning for locating suitable areas for industrial growth is now being done using GIS by preparing
Zoning Atlas.
Thus remote sensing and GIS play a key role in resource mapping, environmental conservation,
management, and planning and environmental impact assessment.
It also helps in identifying several disease infected areas, which are prone to some vector-borne
diseases like malaria, etc based upon mapping of such areas.
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