MODULE 2

TOPIC NAME OF MEMBER REG NO:

Environment degradation Vishnu sai P K 5022205039

Population growth Jidev C D 5022205021
Economic development Akash Gilbert 5022205004
Pollution, pollution control Sreelekshmi S 5022205033
Sustainable development Ashish b Alappat 5022205011
Hazardous wastes Ahammed Rameez Bava 5022205003
Energy and environment Fousia Ajeeb 5022205016
Alternate sources of energy Ardra T Dayanand 5022205008
 ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION?

• Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment through depletion

of resources such as quality of air, water and soil; the destruction
of ecosystems; habitat destruction; the extinction of wildlife; and pollution.

• It is defined as any change or disturbance to the environment perceived to be

deleterious or undesirable.

TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

• Land and Soil Degradation: Degradation of soil quality from poor farming
practices, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, leakage from landfills etc.

• Water degradation: Pollution of water from trash dumped in oceans, illegal

dumping, disposal of large amounts of industrial waste into nearby rivers or lakes etc.

• Atmospheric degradation: This includes air degradation, particle pollution and

the depletion of the ozone layer.

• Several other kinds of pollution: Apart from land, water and atmospheric
degradation, many other kinds of pollution such as noise pollution, light pollution that
are part of environmental degradation.

CAUSES OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

Land Disturbance

• A more basic cause of environmental degradation is land damage. Numerous weedy

plant species, for example, garlic & mustard, are both foreign and obtrusive.

• A rupture in the environmental surroundings provides for them a chance to start

growing and spreading. These plants can assume control over nature, eliminating the
local greenery.
 • The result is a territory with a solitary predominant plant which doesn’t give
satisfactory food assets to all the environmental life. Thus, the whole environment can
be destroyed because of these invasive species.

Pollution

• Pollution, in whatever form, whether it is air, water, land or noise is harmful to the
environment. Air pollution pollutes the air that we breathe, which causes health
issues.

• Water pollution degrades the quality of water that we use for drinking purposes. Land
pollution results in the degradation of the earth’s surface as a result of human
activities.

• Noise pollution can cause irreparable damage to our ears when exposed to continuous
large sounds like honking of vehicles on a busy road or machines producing large
noise in a factory or a mill.

Overpopulation

• Rapid population growth puts strain on natural resources, which results in the
degradation of our environment. Mortality rate has gone down due to better medical
facilities, which has resulted in an increased lifespan.

• More population simply means more demand for food, clothes and shelter. You need
more space to grow food and provide homes to millions of people. This results in
deforestation, which is another factor in environmental degradation.

Landfills

• Landfills pollute the environment and destroy the beauty of the city. Landfills come
within the city due to the large amount of waste that gets generated by households,
industries, factories and hospitals.
 • Landfills pose a great risk to the health of the environment and the people who live
there. Landfills produce a foul smell when burned and cause substantial
environmental degradation.

Deforestation

• Deforestation is the cutting down of trees to make way for more homes and industries.
Rapid growth in population and urban sprawl are two of the major causes of
deforestation.

• Apart from that, the use of forest land for agriculture, animal grazing, harvest for
fuelwood and logging are some of the other causes of deforestation.

• Deforestation contributes to global warming as decreased forest size puts carbon back
into the environment.

Natural Causes

• Things like avalanches, quakes, tidal waves, storms, volcanoes and wildfires can
totally crush nearby animal and plant groups to the point where they can no longer
survive in those areas.

• This can either come to fruition through physical demolition as the result of a specific
disaster or by the long-term degradation of assets by the presentation of an obtrusive
foreign species to the environment.

EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

• Impact on Human Health: Human health might be at the receiving end as a result of
environmental degradation.

• Loss of Biodiversity: Deforestation, global warming, overpopulation and pollution

are a few of the major causes of loss of biodiversity.

• Ozone Layer Depletion: The presence of chlorofluorocarbons,

hydrochlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere, is causing the ozone layer to deplete.
 • Loss For the Tourism Industry: Environmental damage in the form of loss of green
cover, loss of biodiversity, huge landfills, increased air and water pollution can be a
big turn off for most of the tourists.

• Economic Impact: The huge cost that a country may have to borne due to
environmental degradation can have a significant economic impact in terms of
restoration of green cover, cleaning up of landfills and protection of endangered
species.

SOLUTIONS TO ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

• Stop Deforestation

• Government Regulations

• Fines and Punishment for Illegal dumping

• Reduce Consumption Levels

• Reuse and Reduce Waste Generation

• Education

REFERENCE

The 3R initiative. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2023, from

https://www.env.go.jp/recycle/3r/en/outline.html#:~:text=The%203R%20Initiative
%20aims%20to,use%20of%20resources%20and%20materials

Environmental degradation. Environmental Degradation - an overview | ScienceDirect

Topics. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2023, from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/environmental-
degradation
 POPULATION GROWTH

Population growth is one of the major concerns of the present world as the human population
is not a static factor. Rather, it is growing at a very alarming rate. In spite of the increasing
world population, the resources of the earth remain constant. Thus, the ability to maintain
sustainable development is becoming a major challenge to mankind today.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE POPULATION FLUCTUATION

The fluctuations in the population in a given area are influenced by four major factors, which
include the following:

 Natality – It is the number of births in a given period of time in a population

 Mortality – It is defined as the number of deaths that takes place in a population at a
given period of time.
 Immigration – It is defined as the number of individuals who come from another
population and add to the population under consideration during a period of time.
 Emigration – It is defined as the number of individuals from a population who leave
the habitat and go to a different habitat at a given period of time.

CARRYING CAPACITY

Carrying capacity can be defined as a species’ average population size in a particular habitat.
The species population size is limited by environmental factors like adequate food, shelter,
water, and mates. If these needs are not met, the population will decrease until the resource
rebounds.
HUMAN POPULATION GROWTH IMPACTS

 Increasing the extraction of resources from the environment. These resources include
fossil fuels (oil, gas, and coal), minerals, trees, water, and wildlife, especially in the
oceans. The process of removing resources, in turn, often releases pollutants and
waste that reduce air and water quality, and harm the health of humans and other
species.
 Increasing the burning of fossil fuels for energy to generate electricity, and to power
transportation (for example, cars and planes) and industrial processes.
 Increase in freshwater use for drinking, agriculture, recreation, and industrial processes.
Freshwater is extracted from lakes, rivers, the ground, and man-made reservoirs.
 Increasing ecological impacts on environments. Forests and other habitats are disturbed or
destroyed to construct urban areas including the construction of homes, businesses, and
roads to accommodate growing populations. Additionally, as populations increase, more
land is used for agricultural activities to grow crops and support livestock. This, in turn,
can decrease species populations, geographic ranges, biodiversity, and alter interactions
among organisms.
 Increasing fishing and hunting, which reduces species populations of the exploited
species. Fishing and hunting can also indirectly increase numbers of species that are not
fished or hunted if more resources become available for the species that remain in the
ecosystem.
 Increasing the transport of invasive species, either intentionally or by accident, as people
travel and import and export supplies. Urbanization also creates disturbed environments
where invasive species often thrive and outcompete native species. For example, many
invasive plant species thrive along strips of land next to roads and highways.

The transmission of diseases. Humans living in densely populated areas can rapidly spread
diseases within and among populations. Additionally, because transportation has become
easier and more frequent, diseases can spread quickly to new regions.
 WHAT IS POPULATION CONTROL

Population control is the methodology or the practice used to control and maintain the
type, location and number of people that inhabit the earth
Quality and status of life have undergone a drastic change over a century. We have to
thank the improvised and advanced technologies around the world for this. One of the
impacts of advanced technology on the economy is reduced mortality rate and increased
the birth rate. This has led to one of the most dangerous problems crippling the world
today viz. population explosion.

BIRTH CONTROL METHODS OR CONTRACEPTION

Birth control is also known as contraception and fertility control, which is used to prevent
pregnancy and to control the growth of the population.
Undoubtedly, we can say that it is the high time to show a red signal to rapid population
growth. There are some easily accessible effective births control methods which can help to
avoid unwanted pregnancy as well as provide protection from sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs).
Contraception is an artificial method mainly used to prevent pregnancy as a consequence of
sexual intercourse. Contraception is a method that prevents birth by:

 Stopping the egg production.

 Keeping the egg distinct from the sperm.

By stopping the fertilized egg attaching to the lining of the womb.

There are around fifteen to twenty different types or methods of contraception. But none of
the contraceptive methods is ideal and 100% safe. Contraception promises a low rate of risk
on proper use. Listed below are the safest methods of contraception.

 IUDs.
 Barriers.
  Implants.
 Injectables.
 Abstinence.
 Surgical methods.
 Oral contraceptives.
 Natural/Traditional method.

Birth rate is mainly responsible for rapid population growth. Hence measures which can
reduce the birth rate should be adopted. These measures can be classified into 3 categories.

SOCIAL MEASURES

Minimum age of marriage: The problem of child marriage is highly prominent in certain
countries with high population like India, Pakistan or Bangladesh. A marriage at a tender age
leads to a long span for giving birth. Also, young age marriage devoid people of the
education and awareness required to be sensitive towards and understand the consequences of
raising too many children.

Raising the status of women: There is still discrimination to the women. They are confined
to four walls of the house. They are still confined to rearing and bearing children. So, women
should be given opportunities to develop socially and economically. Free education should be
given to them.

Spread of Education: The spread of education changes the outlook of people. The educated
men prefer to delay marriage and adopt small family norms. Educated women are health
conscious and avoid frequent pregnancies and thus help in lowering birth rate.

Adoption: Some parents do not have any child, despite costly medical treatment. It is
advisable that they should adopt orphan children. It will be beneficial to orphan children and
children couples. Government should also provide incentives for adopting.

Social Security: More and more people should be covered under-social security schemes. So
that they do not depend upon others in the event of old age, sickness, unemployment etc. with
these facilities they will have no desire for more children.
ECONOMIC MEASURES

More employment opportunities: The first and foremost measure is to raise employment
avenues in rural as well as urban areas. Generally, in rural areas there is disguised
unemployment. So, efforts should be made to migrate unemployed persons from the rural
side to the urban side. When their income is increased, they would improve their standard of
living and adopt small family norms. Another method to check the population is to provide
employment to women. Women should be given incentive to give services in different fields.
Women are taking an active part in competitive examinations. As a result, their number in
teaching, medical and banking etc. is increasing rapidly.

Providing incentives: Incentives have proved to be an efficient policy measure in combating

most development issues including population. Providing a health, educational or even
financial incentive can be a highly effective population measure. There are certain incentive
policies like paying certain money to people with not more than two kids or free or
discounted education for single children etc. which are in place in most developing countries
facing population related challenges and has also proved to be a useful measure.

OTHER MEASURES

Medical Facilities: One big drawback of developing countries is that of limited and highly
centric medical facilities. Because of the high rural-urban divide in developing countries,
availability of good hospitals and doctors is limited to urban centres thus resulting in high
infant mortality rate in rural areas. Rural people, in order to ensure that at least some of their
kids survive, give birth to more and more kids thus contributing to the population growth. If
provided with optimum medical facilities population rate will almost certainly decline

Legislative Actions: Not much result can be achieved from these if family planning and use
of contraception remains optional instead of mandatory. Strict legal steps are required for
child marriage, education, abolition of child labour and beggary and family planning to reap
significant benefits from it. Proper enforcement of laws related to child labour, slavery and
beggary will ensure that parents don’t sell their children or send them out to work thus
forcing them to raise lesser number of kids.
Recreational Facilities: Birth rate will likely to fall if there are different recreational
facilities like cinema; theatre, sports and dance etc. are available to the people.

Spreading awareness: People need to be told and made to understand the consequences of
having too many children. Government and non-government institutions can carry awareness
campaigns informing people how they will be unable to provide good nutrition, education or
medical facilities to their children if they have too many. Population is also a reason for
illiteracy and diseases and malnutrition and the negative effects of it are required to be
communicated to the general public to expand their reasoning and understanding.

REFERENCES

Admin. (2022, July 29). Introduction to population growth: Population genetics and
evolution. BYJUS. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://byjus.com/biology/an-
introduction-to-population-growth/

Admin. (2021, February 26). Population control - measures to control population of India.
BYJUS. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://byjus.com/biology/population-
control/#:~:text=Population%20control%20is%20the%20methodology,drastic
%20change%20over%20a%20century.
 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ECONOMY

An entire network of producers, distributors and consumers of goods and services in a local
regional or national community. An Economy is a system which tries to balance the available
resources of a country against the wants and needs of consumers.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

An increase in the production of Economic goods & services compared from one period of
time to another. Increase in indicators like GDP.

DISADVANTAGE OF ECONOMIC GROWTH

Number of people living in absolute poverty can increase despite the increase in national
income. Increase in National Income could be due to increase in income of only a few people.
No tendency to bridge gap between rich and poor

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Increase in Economic Growth along with the increase in Living Standard, Educational
Standard and improvement in Healthcare & Infrastructure. Increase in Indicators like HDI

HDI (HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX)

A composite statistic of Life Expectancy, Education & Income Per Capita indicators

It is framed in terms of whether people are able to “be” and “do” desirable things in their life.
GOALS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

● Eradicate extreme poverty and Hunger.

● Tends to bridge the gap between Rich & Poor.
● Reducing unemployment
● Reduce child mortality
● Achieve Universal primary education
● Ensure environmental sustainability

FACTORS WHICH HINDER DEVELOPMENT

● Low natural resource availability

● Inadequate capital
● Poor technology used
● Poor Human Resource availability
● Unfavourable Domestic Environment

EFFECTS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON ENVIRONMENT

● Increased pollution
● Adverse usage of natural resources
● Deforestation
● Loss of biodiversity

WHAT IT MEANS

Over exploitation of resources will compel human society to compromise the ability to meet
the essential needs of their people in the future. Many scholars suggest ‘Sustainable
Development’ is a solution to this problem.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

To promote the kind of development that minimizes environmental problems.

To meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.

EXAMPLES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

● Wind Energy
● Solar Energy
● Crop Rotation
● Sustainable Construction

REFERENCE

Ministry of Jobs, E. R. and I. (2020, August 7). What is economic development? Province of
British Columbia. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/economic-development/
plan-and-measure/economic-development-basics#:~:text=Economic%20Development
%20is%20programs%2C%20policies,opportunities%2C%20challenges%2C%20and
%20priorities.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, inc. (2022, December 30). Economic growth. Encyclopaedia

Britannica. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from
https://www.britannica.com/topic/economic-growth
 POLLUTION AND POLLUTION CONTROL

POLLUTION

Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. These harmful
materials are called pollutants. Pollutants can be natural, such as volcanic ash. They can also
be created by human activity, such as trash or runoff produced by factories.

TYPES OF POLLUTION

• Air pollution

• Water pollution

• Soil pollution

AIR POLLUTION
Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical,
physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.
Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and forest fires are
common sources of air pollution.

CAUSES OF AIR POLLUTION

• The Burning of Fossil Fuels. ...

• Industrial Emission. ...

• Indoor Air Pollution. ...

• Wildfires. ...

• Transportation. ...

• Open Burning of Garbage Waste

EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION

• Health hazards.

• Damage crops.

• Environmental stress.

• Affect Earth

WATER POLLUTION

Water pollution is the contamination of water sources by substances which make the water
unusable for drinking, cooking, cleaning, swimming, and other activities. Pollutants include
chemicals, trash, bacteria, and parasites. All forms of pollution eventually make their way to
water.

CAUSES OF WATER POLLUTION

• Industry, agriculture and livestock farming.

 • Rubbish and fecal water dumping.

• Maritime traffic.

• Fuel spillages

• Chemical fertilizers and pesticides. ...

• Sewage and Wastewater. ...

EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION

Increasing water pollution can cause an entire ecosystem to collapse if left unchecked.

• Affects the food chain.

• Low crop yield.

• Human deaths and diseases.

SOIL POLLUTION

Soil pollution refers to the contamination of soil with anomalous concentrations of toxic
substances. It is a serious environmental concern since it harbors many health hazards. For
example, exposure to soil containing high concentrations of benzene increases the risk of
contracting leukemia.

CAUSES OF SOIL POLLUTION

• Wrong Agricultural Practices.

• Industrial Waste.

• Urbanization.

• Plastic wastes.

• Deforestation.

• Dumping of Solid Waste.

EFFECTS OF SOIL POLLUTION

• Disruption of biochemical process.

• Affect plant growth and animal life.

• Soil pollution causes a chain reaction.

POLLUTION CONTROL

Pollution control, any of a variety of means employed to limit damage done to the
environment by the discharge of harmful substances and energies.

TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION

• Use public transports. ...

• Recycle and Reuse. ...

• No to plastic bags. ...

• Use filters for chimneys. ...

• Avoid usage of crackers.

• Implement Afforestation

TO REDUCE WATER POLLUTION

 • The sewage should not be discharged directly into the rivers.

• Decrease use of excess fertilizers and pesticides.

• Dead human and animal bodies should not be thrown into rivers.

• Toxic Chemicals should be Properly disposed ...

• Do Not Pour Fat and Grease Down the Drain: ...

• Use Phosphate-Free Detergent and Dish Cleaner: ...

TO REDUCE SOIL POLLUTION

• Use of pesticides should be minimized.

• Use homemade compost.

• Special pits should be selected for dumping wastes.

• Planning of soil binding grasses along banks and slopes prone to rapid erosion.

• Avoid dumping of polythene and plastics in soil.

3R - REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE

• Reduce means to minimize the amount of waste we create.

• Reuse refers to using items more than once.

• Recycle means putting a product to a new use instead of throwing it away.

REFERENCE

Pollution. National Geographic Society. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2023, from
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/pollution
The 3R initiative. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2023, from
https://www.env.go.jp/recycle/3r/en/outline.html#:~:text=The%203R%20Initiative
%20aims%20to,use%20of%20resources%20and%20materials

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The concept of sustainable development is an important one in today's world as it is focused

on creating a better future for all, not just the present. It is based on the idea that economic
and social progress should not come at the expense of the environment. Sustainable
development seeks to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs. This includes the development of renewable
energies, conservation of natural resources, reduction of pollution, and the development of
policies that reduce negative environmental impacts. In order for sustainable development to
be effective, it needs to take into account the needs of all stakeholders and be balanced
between economic, social, and environmental considerations.
FEATURES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Sustainable development can be achieved if we follow the following points,

1. Development should be economically viable and socially beneficial.

2. It should be beneficial to present and future generations.
3. Development should be equitable and inclusive.
4. It should focus on the preservation of natural resources.
5. Development should be based on a holistic approach.
6. It should be based on the principles of sustainability.
7. Sustainable development should be participatory and transparent.
8. It should involve local stakeholders in decision making.
9. Development should be based on technology that is appropriate and eco-friendly.
10. Sustainable development should be implemented with a long-term vision.

NEED FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

1. Sustainable development is necessary to ensure that the world’s natural resources are
used efficiently, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
needs.
2. It is essential to ensure the availability of resources such as food, water, and energy,
as well as the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems.
3. Sustainable development helps to reduce the adverse environmental and social
impacts of economic activities.
4. It is essential to ensure the equitable distribution of resources and the equitable access
to services across all population groups.
5. Sustainable development also helps to protect local cultures and traditional knowledge
and to prevent and reduce the effects of climate change.
6. It is important to create economic opportunities for those living in poverty and to
promote social inclusion, gender equality, and respect for human rights.
7. Sustainable development is necessary to reduce the global burden of disease and to
ensure access to quality healthcare in all regions of the world.
 8. Sustainable development is necessary to ensure long-term economic growth and
social stability.
9. It is important to reduce the risk of accidents and disasters and to promote the safe use
of natural resources.
10. Sustainable development is essential to reduce poverty and hunger and increase the
standard of living.
11. It is important to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and to promote the use of
renewable energy sources.
12. Sustainable development is necessary to protect the environment and to conserve
natural resources.
13. It is important to promote sustainable agricultural practices and to reduce the use of
hazardous chemicals and pollutants.

14. Sustainable development is important to reduce air and water pollution and to
promote the conservation of forests and wildlife.
15. It is necessary to promote sustainable urban development and to reduce the human
ecological footprint.
WAYS TO HAVE A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

1. Invest in renewable energy: Investing in renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind,
and geothermal can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and help reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.

2. Reduce waste: Reducing waste and promoting reuse and recycling of materials can help
conserve resources and reduce pollution.

3. Protect natural resources: Protecting natural resources such as forests and wetlands can
help preserve biodiversity and reduce the impacts of climate change.

4. Increase efficiency: Increasing the efficiency of our energy use can reduce the amount of
energy needed and help reduce emissions.

5. Create green jobs: Investing in green jobs in areas such as renewable energy, energy
efficiency, and sustainable agriculture can help create new employment opportunities and
contribute to economic growth.
6. Invest in sustainable transportation: Investing in sustainable transportation options such as
public transportation, biking, and walking can reduce emissions and improve air quality.

7. Support sustainable agriculture: Supporting sustainable agriculture practices such as

organic farming, agroforestry, and permaculture can help reduce the environmental impacts
of food production.

8. Educate and engage: Educating people about the importance of sustainable development
and engaging them in the process is essential.

EXAMPLES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

1. Energy Efficiency: Increasing the efficiency of energy use by investing in renewable

energy sources and energy-efficient technologies.
2. Sustainable Agriculture: Implementing farming techniques that protect soil and water
resources while supporting crop yields.
3. Green Building: Constructing buildings using materials and methods that reduce their
environmental impact.
4. Sustainable Transportation: Promoting public transportation and non-motorized
transport such as walking and biking.
5. Sustainable Waste Management: Utilizing waste management techniques that reduce,
reuse and recycle waste.
6. Sustainable Land Use: Practicing land management techniques that conserve natural
resources and protect wildlife habitats.
7. Renewable Energy: Utilizing sources of renewable energy such as solar, wind, and
geothermal energy.
8. Water Conservation: Developing and implementing water management strategies that
reduce water consumption.

REFERENCE
Sustainable development goals: United Nations Development Programme. UNDP. (n.d.).
Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-
goals?
utm_source=EN&utm_medium=GSR&utm_content=US_UNDP_PaidSearch_Brand_E
nglish&utm_campaign=CENTRAL&c_src=CENTRAL&c_src2=GSR&gclid=Cj0KCQ
iAz9ieBhCIARIsACB0oGJiBMgfEKxBOGvRQF-
fVmt4_k5r9vKguWL4Je8q1Rwvl6V0vo9ycl8aAknYEALw_wcB

UNESCO and Sustainable Development Goals. UNESCO. (2020, January 14). Retrieved
January 30, 2023, from https://en.unesco.org/sustainabledevelopmentgoals

HAZARDOUS WASTE

The collection, treatment, and disposal of waste material that, when improperly
handled, can cause substantial harm to human health and safety or to the environment is
known as hazardous-waste management. Hazardous wastes can take the form of solids,
liquids, sludges, or contained gases, and they are generated primarily by chemical production,
manufacturing, and other industrial activities. They may cause damage during inadequate
storage, transportation, treatment, or disposal operations. Improper hazardous-waste storage
or disposal frequently contaminates surface water and groundwater supplies as harmful water
pollution and can also be a source of dangerous land pollution.
HAZARDOUS-WASTE CHARACTERISTICS

Hazardous wastes are classified on the basis of their biological, chemical, and physical
properties. These properties generate materials that are either toxic, reactive, ignitable,
corrosive, infectious, or radioactive.

Toxic wastes are poison, even in very small or trace amounts. They may have acute effects,
causing death or violent illness, or they may have chronic effects, slowly causing irreparable
harm. Some are carcinogenic, causing cancer after many years of exposure. Others are
mutagenic, causing major biological changes in the offspring of exposed humans and
wildlife.

Reactive wastes are chemically unstable and react violently with air or water. They cause
explosions or form toxic vapours. Ignitable wastes burn at relatively low temperatures and
may cause an immediate fire hazard. Corrosive wastes include strong acidic or alkaline
substances. They destroy solid material and living tissue upon contact, by chemical reaction.

Infectious wastes include used bandages, hypodermic needles, and other materials from
hospitals or biological research facilities.

Radioactive wastes emit ionizing energy that can harm living organisms. Because some
radioactive materials can persist in the environment for many thousands of years before fully
decaying, there is much concern over the control of these wastes.

TRANSPORT OF HAZARDOUS WASTE

Hazardous waste generated at a particular site often requires transport to an approved

treatment, storage, or disposal facility (TSDF). Because of potential threats to public safety
and the environment, transport is given special attention by governmental agencies. In
addition to the occasional accidental spill, hazardous waste has, in the past, been intentionally
spilled or abandoned at random locations in a practice known as “midnight dumping.” This
practice has been greatly curtailed by the enactment of laws that require proper labelling,
transport, and tracking of all hazardous wastes.
TRANSPORT VEHICLES

Hazardous waste is generally transported by truck over public highways. Only a very
small amount is transported by rail, and almost none is moved by air or inland waterway.
Highway shipment is the most common because road vehicles can gain access to most
industrial sites and approved TSDFs. Railroad trains require expensive siding facilities and
are suitable only for very large waste shipments.

TREATMENT, STORAGE, AND DISPOSAL

Several options are available for hazardous-waste management. The most desirable is to
reduce the quantity of waste at its source or to recycle the materials for some other productive
use. Nevertheless, while reduction and recycling are desirable options, they are not regarded
as the final remedy to the problem of hazardous-waste disposal. There will always be a need
for treatment and for storage or disposal of some amount of hazardous waste.

SURFACE STORAGE AND LAND DISPOSAL

Hazardous wastes that are not destroyed by incineration or other chemical processes need
to be disposed of properly. For most such wastes, land disposal is the ultimate destination,
although it is not an attractive practice, because of the inherent environmental risks involved.
Two basic methods of land disposal include landfilling and underground injection. Prior to
land disposal, surface storage or containment systems are often employed as a temporary
method.

Temporary on-site waste storage facilities include open waste piles and ponds or lagoons.
New waste piles must be carefully constructed over an impervious base and must comply
with regulatory requirements similar to those for landfills. The piles must be protected from
wind dispersion or erosion. If leachate is generated, monitoring and control systems must be
provided. Only non-containerized solid, non-flowing waste material can be stored in a new
waste pile, and the material must be landfilled when the size of the pile becomes
unmanageable.
A common type of temporary storage impoundment for hazardous liquid waste is an open pit
or holding pond, called a lagoon. New lagoons must be lined with impervious clay soils and
flexible membrane liners in order to protect groundwater. Leachate collection systems must
be installed between the liners, and groundwater monitoring wells are required. Except for
some sedimentation, evaporation of volatile organics, and possibly some surface aeration,
open lagoons provide no treatment of the waste. Accumulated sludge must be removed
periodically and subjected to further handling as a hazardous waste.

SECURE LANDFILLS

Landfilling of hazardous solid or containerized waste is regulated more stringently than

landfilling of municipal solid waste. Hazardous wastes must be deposited in so-called secure
landfills, which provide at least 3 metres (10 feet) of separation between the bottom of the
landfill and the underlying bedrock or groundwater table. A secure hazardous-waste landfill
must have two impermeable liners and leachate collection systems. The double leachate
collection system consists of a network of perforated pipes placed above each liner. The
upper system prevents the accumulation of leachate trapped in the fill, and the lower serves as
a backup. Collected leachate is pumped to a treatment plant. In order to reduce the amount of
leachate in the fill and minimize the potential for environmental damage, an impermeable cap
or cover is placed over a finished landfill

A groundwater monitoring system that includes a series of deep wells drilled in and around
the site is also required. The wells allow a routine program of sampling and testing to detect
any leaks or groundwater contamination. If a leak does occur, the wells can be pumped to
intercept the polluted water and bring it to the surface for treatment.

REMEDIAL ACTION

Disposal of hazardous waste in unlined pits, ponds, or lagoons poses a threat to human health
and environmental quality. Many such uncontrolled disposal sites were used in the past and
have been abandoned. Depending on a determination of the level of risk, it may be necessary
to remediate those sites. In some cases, the risk may require emergency action. In other
instances, engineering studies may be required to assess the situation thoroughly before
remedial action is undertaken.

One option for remediation is to completely remove all the waste material from the site and
transport it to another location for treatment and proper disposal. This so-called off-site
solution is usually the most expensive option. An alternative is on-site remediation, which
reduces the production of leachate and lessens the chance of groundwater contamination.
Onsite remediation may include temporary removal of the hazardous waste, construction of a
secure landfill on the same site, and proper replacement of the waste. It may also include
treatment of any contaminated soil or groundwater. Treated soil may be replaced on-site and
treated groundwater returned to the aquifer by deep-well injection.

A less costly alternative is full containment of the waste. This is done by placing an
impermeable cover over the hazardous-waste site and by blocking the lateral flow of
groundwater with subsurface cut off walls. It is possible to use cut off walls for this purpose
when there is a natural layer of impervious soil or rock below the site. The walls are
constructed around the perimeter of the site, deep enough to penetrate to the impervious
layer. They can be excavated as trenches around the site without moving or disturbing the
waste material. The trenches are filled with a bentonite clay slurry to prevent their collapse
during construction, and they are backfilled with a mixture of soil and cement that solidifies
to form an impermeable barrier. Cut off walls thus serve as vertical barriers to the flow of
water, and the impervious layer serves as a barrier at the bottom.

REFERNCE

Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). EPA. Retrieved January 29, 2023, from
https://www.epa.gov/hw/learn-basics-hazardous-waste

Marketing. (2022, April 5). What is hazardous waste? definition and identification.
ACTenviro. Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://www.actenviro.com/what-is-hazardous-
waste/
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
WHAT IS ENERGY?

In environmental science energy is something related to electricity. It is the generation of

electricity for human use. There are several means of producing such energy, including coal-
burning power plants, nuclear power plants, hydroelectric dams, solar energy from
photovoltaic cells, and electricity from wind turbines.

WHAT IS ENERGY RESOURCE?

The term energy resource refers to any material that can be used as a basis or source of
energy. Energy resources are used to generate electricity and other forms of power for human
use. There are two kinds of energy resources - Renewable Energy Resources and Non-
Renewable Energy Resources.

1. RENEWABLE ENERGY: Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that
are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. E.g.: solar energy, wind energy, tide
energy etc.

2. NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY: Non-renewable energy comes from sources that will run
out or will not be replenished in our lifetimes. E.g.: Petroleum, hydrocarbon gas liquids,
natural gas, coal, nuclear energy.

NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY

Non-renewable energy is energy which is taken from the sources that are available on the
earth in limited quantity and will vanish fifty-sixty years from now. Non-renewable sources
are not environmentally friendly and can have serious effect on our health. They are called
non-renewable because they cannot be re-generated within a short span of time. Non-
renewable sources exist in the form of nuclear energy, natural gas, oil and coal.

There are four major types of non-renewable resources: oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear
energy.

Oil, natural gas, and coal are collectively called fossil fuels. Fossil fuels were
formed within the Earth from dead plants and animals over millions of years—hence the
name “fossil” fuels. They are found in underground layers of rock and sediment. Pressure and
heat worked together to transform the plant and animal remains into crude oil (also known as
petroleum), coal, and natural gas.
 The plants and animals that became fossil fuels lived in a time called
Carboniferous Period, around 300 to 360 million years ago. The energy in the plant and
animal remains originally came from the sun; through the process of photosynthesis, solar
energy is stored in plant tissues, which animals then consume, adding the energy to their own
bodies. When fossil fuels are burned, this trapped energy is released.

Crude oil is a liquid fuel fossil fuel that is used mostly to produce
gasoline and diesel fuel for vehicles, and for the manufacturing of plastics. It is found in
rocks below Earth’s surface and is pumped out through wells.

Natural gas is widely used for cooking and for heating homes. It consists
mostly of methane and is found near oil deposits below Earth’s surface. Natural gas can be
pumped out through the same wells used for extracting crude oil.

Coal is a solid fossil fuel that is used for heating homes and generating
power plants. It is found in fossilized swamps that have been buried beneath layers of
sediment. Since coal is solid, it cannot be extracted in the same manner as crude oil or natural
gas; it must be dug up from the ground.

Nuclear energy comes from radioactive elements, mainly uranium,

which is extracted from mined ore and then refined into fuel.

IMPACT OF USE OF NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY ON

ENVIRONMENT

When coal and oil are burned, they release particles that can pollute the air, water, and land.
Some of these particles are caught and set aside, but many of them are released into the air.
Burning fossil fuels also upsets Earth’s “carbon budget,” which balances the carbon in the
ocean, earth, and air. When fossil fuels are combusted (heated), they release carbon dioxide
into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a gas that keeps heat in Earth’s atmosphere, a process
called the “greenhouse effect.” The greenhouse effect is necessary to life on Earth, but relies
on a balanced carbon budget. The carbon in fossil fuels has been sequestered, or stored,
underground for millions of years. By removing this sequestered carbon from the earth and
releasing it into the atmosphere, Earth’s carbon budget is out of balance. This contributes to
temperatures rising faster than organisms can adapt.
RENEWABLE ENERGY?

Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate
than they are consumed. Sunlight and wind, for example, are such sources that are constantly
being replenished. Renewable energy sources are plentiful and all around us.

Generating renewable energy creates far lower emissions than burning

fossil fuels. Transitioning from fossil fuels, which currently account for the lion’s share of
emissions, to renewable energy is key to addressing the climate crisis. Renewables are now
cheaper in most countries, and generate three times more jobs than fossil fuels.

FEW RENEWABLE RESOURCES

SOLAR ENERGY

Solar energy is the energy generated from the sun. Solar technologies can deliver heat,
cooling, natural lighting, electricity, and fuels for a host of applications. Solar technologies
convert sunlight into electrical energy either through photovoltaic panels or through mirrors
that concentrate solar radiation. The cost of manufacturing solar panels has plummeted
dramatically in the last decade, making them not only affordable but often the cheapest form
of electricity. Solar panels have a lifespan of roughly 30 years, and come in variety of shades
depending on the type of material used in manufacturing.

WIND ENERGY

Wind energy harnesses the kinetic energy of moving air by using large wind turbines located
on land (onshore) or in sea- or freshwater (offshore). Wind turbines transform the energy in
the wind into mechanical power, further converting to electric power to generate electricity.
Wind energy has been used for millennia, but onshore and offshore wind energy technologies
have evolved over the last few years to maximize the electricity produced - with taller
turbines and larger rotor diameters. Many parts of the world have strong wind speeds, but the
best locations for generating wind power are sometimes remote ones. Offshore wind power
offers tremendous potential.

HYDRO POWER
Hydraulic power can be captured when water flows downward from a higher level to a lower
level which is then used to turn the turbine, thereby converting the kinetic energy of water
into mechanical energy to drive the generator. Hydro power is cheapest, and cleanest source
of energy but there are many environmental and social issues associated with big dams as
seen in projects like Tehri, Narmada, etc. Small hydro power is free from these problems.

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

Geothermal energy utilizes the accessible thermal energy from the Earth’s interior. Heat is
extracted from geothermal reservoirs using wells or other means. Reservoirs that are naturally
sufficiently hot and permeable are called hydrothermal reservoirs, whereas reservoirs that are
sufficiently hot but that are improved with hydraulic stimulation are called enhanced
geothermal systems. Once at the surface, fluids of various temperatures can be used to
generate electricity. The technology for electricity generation from hydrothermal reservoirs is
mature and reliable, and has been operating for more than 100 years.

OCEAN ENERGY

Ocean energy derives from technologies that use the kinetic and thermal energy of seawater -
waves or currents for instance - to produce electricity or heat. Ocean energy systems are still
at an early stage of development, with a number of prototype wave and tidal current devices
being explored. The theoretical potential for ocean energy easily exceeds present human
energy requirements.

Efficient use of renewable energy would reduce our dependence on non-

renewable sources of energy, make us energy self-sufficient and make our environment
cleaner. As more green power sources are developed displacing conventional generation, the
overall environmental impacts associated with energy generation will be significantly
reduced.

REFERENCES
United Nations. (n.d.). What is renewable energy? United Nations. Retrieved January 28,
2023, from https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-renewable-energy

Non-renewable resources. National Geographic Society. (n.d.). Retrieved January 28, 2023,
from https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/nonrenewable-resources

United Nations. (n.d.). What is renewable energy? United Nations. Retrieved January 28,
2023, from https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-renewable-energy

ALTERNATE SOURCES OF ENERGY

Alternative sources are any amount of energy derived from non-fossil fuel sources. “Any
source of energy that can be an alternative or can supplement the conventionally used sources
of energy”. Conventional sources: fossil fuel base – coal, petroleum, natural gas etc.
Alternative sources: solar, wind, tidal, geothermal etc.

WHY ALTERNATE ENERGY SOURCES ARE IMPORTANT?

Alternative energy sources are important for two reasons: conventional fuels are finite and
will eventually run out, and alternative sources provide energy without adding to the amount
of greenhouse gases (GHG) that are accumulating in the atmosphere.

ALTERNATE ENERGY SOURCES V/S RENEWABLE SOURCES

ENERGY

Alternative energy sources are any source we use to supplement or even replace traditional
energy sources used for power. All renewable sources of energy come under Alternative
source of energy, but there is a subtle difference. Renewable energy is derived naturally. And
unlike fossil fuels, this naturally occurring continual renewable makes them inexhaustible. In
case of alternative sources, sources are exhaustible.

BENEFITS OF USING ALTERNATE SOURCES OF ENERGY

 CONSERVE FOSSIL FUEL: We generate renewable sources of energy from

inexhaustible resources, which helps to conserve fossil fuel that are dangerously close
to depletion.

 SLOW AND REVERSE CLIMATE CHANGE: The top cause contributing to

carbon dioxide emissions is the electricity generation from fossil fuels. Alternative
sources have much lower carbon footprint than natural gas, coal, and other fossil
fuels.

 SAVE LIVES: switching to hydropower, wind energy, and solar can potentially save
up to 7 million lives each year by reducing air pollutants.

 REDUCE SEVERE WEATHER: By slowing climate change and eventually

reversing them, we can expect to see a reduction in extreme weather like droughts,
floods, storms caused by global warming.
  MINIMIZE FUEL DEPENDENCY: By using large scale renewable sources of
energy, the overall energy supply can be diversified which help to reduce the
dependency on fuel.

 ECONOMIC AND JOB DEVELOPMENT: Producing more utility scale energy

systems can create economic growth as well as jobs in the installation and
manufacturing industries, not to mention the sustainable energy industry.

SOME COMMONLY USED ALTERNATE SOURCES

Some commonly used alternate sources of energy are:

 WIND ENERGY
 SOLAR ENERGY
 HYDRO ELECTRIC ENERGY
 NUCLEAR POWER
 BIO ENERGY

WIND ENERGY

It is one of the largest renewable energy sources. It is versatile and can be produced from
small scale wind mills or wind turbines to large scale offshore windfarms in the ocean. India
owned ‘Suzlon’ is a major player and accounts about 7.7% of global windmill sales.
‘Muppandal’ wind farm in Tamil Nadu is the largest in India.

SOLAR ENERGY

Solar power uses solar cells to create energy. India has 4346 MW of solar power capacity as
of 2015. Rajasthan and Gujarat are India’s leading solar power producing states. Gujarat solar
power park is the largest in Asia.

HYDRO ELECTRIC ENERGY

Hydroelectricity also known as hydro power is produced when water behind a dam causes
turbine blades to move as it flows through an intake. Turbine blades then rotate a generator to
produce electricity India is the 6 th largest producer of hydroelectric power in the world.
‘Koyna Hydro power plant’ in Maharashtra is the largest in India.

NUCLEAR POWER
It is created in the form of heat through fission process of atoms. The initial fission process
create energy and triggers a chain reaction that repeat the process and generate more energy.
In nuclear power plants this heat that fission produces creates steam, the steam then rotates
turbine, which produces electricity. India is 9 th in terms of number of operational nuclear
power plants.

BIO ENERGY

Bio energy can be generated from organic materials known as bio mass or bio fuels. Eg:
methane can be captured from landfills to produce bio energy, which then is used to produce
electricity and heat. Ethanol is also another example of bio fuel.

REFERNCE

Just Energy. (2022, August 22). Why Alternative Energy Sources are the future? Just Energy.
Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://justenergy.com/blog/why-alternative-energy-
sources-are-future/

United Nations. (n.d.). What is renewable energy? United Nations. Retrieved January 30,
2023, from https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-renewable-energy