GE3451

Environmental Science & Sustainability

Minimum Learning Material

 GE3451-ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AND SUSTAINABILITY
UNIT-I ECOSYSTEM AND BIODIVERSITY
Q1.Explain the structure and functions of an ecosystem (8 marks)
Abiotic Ecosystem
 It is essential for the growth and maintenance for the biotic community
 Example: Cimate, Temperature,Light,Minerals
Biotic Ecosystem
The living organism in an ecosystem collectively form its community called biotic community
Producer:
 It is also called Autotropes
 It can produce their own food through photosysthesis

Exmple : All green plants

Consumer:
Primary Consumer:
 It is also called herbivores
 It can’t produce their own food
 It depends on producers for food
 Example: Grass hopper,Goat,Deer
Secondary Consumer:
 It is also called primary carnivores
 It can’t produce their own food
 It depends on primary consumer for food
 Example : Frog,Fox
Tertiary Consumer:
 It is also called Secondary carnivores
 It can’t produce their own food
 It depends on secondary consumer for food
Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry
  Example: Lion,Tiger

Decomposer:
 It feed only on dead plants and animals
 It converts organic compounds into inorganic neutrients
 It initiate nutrient cycling
 Example : Bacteria and Fungi
Q2.Explain the Conservation of Biodiversity (8marks)
Conservation – Definition: (2 Marks)
 The management of biosphere so that it will yield the greatest sustainable benefit to
present generation while maintaining its potential to meet the needs of future
generation.
Factors affecting biodiversity (4 Marks)
 Construction of dams in forest areas,
 Release of industrials waste,
 Using pesticides and insecticides in the crop fields,
 Urbanization, etc.
 Poaching of wild animals,
 Over exploitation of natural resources,
 Degradation of habitats affect biodiversity.
 Global warming, ozone depletion, acid rain also affect the biodiversity.

Advantages (or) need of biodiversity conservation (2 Marks)

 Recreation and tourism
 Drugs, herbs, food and other important raw materials
 It also preserves the generate diversity of plants and animals.
 life supporting system.

Types of Biodiversity Conservation (4 Marks)

1. In-Situ conservation (within habitat)
2. Ex-Situ conservation (outside habitat)

1. In –Situ Conservation (2 Marks)

 It involves protection of fauna and flora within its natural habitat
 Important In-Situ Conservation - Biosphere reserves, National parks,
Wildlife sanctuaries, Gene sanctuary etc.

Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry

 Methods of in- situ conservation
In –Situ Conservation Numbers Available
Biosphere reserves 7
National parks 80
Wild-life sanctuaries 420
Botanical gardens 120
1. Biosphere reserves
Biosphere reserves cover large area, more than 5000 sq.km.
It is used to protect species for long time.
Name of Biosphere State
Nanda devi U.P
Nokrek Meghalaya
Manas Assam
2. National park
A national park is an area dedicated for the conservation of wildlife along with its
environment.
Name of National Park State Important Wildlife
Periyar Kerala Tiger, Elephant
Gir national park Gujarat Indian lion
Bandipur Karnataka Elephant
Dachigam J&K Hangul
3. Wildlife sanctuaries
A wildlife is an area , which is reserved for the conservation of animals only
At present there are 492 wildlife sanctuaries in our country.
Name of Sanctuary State Major Wild Life
Mudumalai Tamilnadu Tiger, Elephant ,leopard
Vedanthangal Tamilnadu Water birds
Sultanpur bird Haryana Migratory birds

4. Gene sanctuary
A gene sanctuary is an area, where the plants are conserved.
Examples
In northern India ,two gene sanctuary are found available
a) One gene sanctuary for citrus (Lemon family)
b) One gene sanctuary for pitcher plant (an insect eating plant).
5. Other projects for conservation of animals
For the protection and conservation of certain animals, some special projects
are framed in our country.
Examples: Project Tiger; Gir Lion Project; Crocodile Breeding Project.

Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry

 Advantages
 It is very cheap and convenenient method.
 The species gets adjusted to the natural disasters like drought, floods, forest.Disadvantage
 A large surface area of earth is required to preserve the biodiversity.
 Maintenance of habitats is not proper, due to shortage of staff and pollution.

2. Ex-situ conservation (2 Marks)

 Ex-Situ conservation involves protection of fauna and flora outside the natural habitats.
Role of Ex-situ conservation
 It involves maintain and breeding of endangered plant and animal
species under controlled conditions.
 It identifies those species, which are more important to extinction.
 It prefers the species, which are more important to man in near future
among the endangered species.

Important Ex-situ conservation

 Botanical gardens, seed banks, microbial culture collections, tissue and cell cultures,
musems zoological gardens.

Methods of ex-situ conservation

 National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR)
 National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR)
 National Facility for Plant Tissue Culture Repository (NFPTCR)
Advantages
 Survival of endangered species is increasing due tp special care and attention.
 Animals are assured food, water, shelter and also security and hence
longer life span.
Disadvantage
 It is expensive method
 The freedom of wildlife is lost
 The animals cannot survive in natural environment.

Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Q3.Explain the threats to biodiversity
Any disturbance in a natural ecosystem tends to reduce its biodiversity. Various threats to biodiversity are:

1. HABITAT LOSS:
Loss of population of interbreeding organism.
FactorsinfluencingHabitatLoss:
Deforestation:
Forest & grasslands are cleared for agricultural lands or developmental projects.
Many species disintegrate due to loss of natural habitat.
Destruction of wetlands:
Wetlands are destroyed due to pollution, draining etc.
Habitat fragmentation:
Habitat is divided into small & scattered So, many animal & birds are vanishing.
Raw materials:
For the production of hybrid seeds, wild plants are used as raw materials.
Production of Drugs:
Pharmaceutical companies collect wild plants for drugs production.
So, no of medicinal plants are on the verge of extinction.
Illegal Trade:
Trade on wild life reduces bio-diversity
2. POACHING:
Killing / Hunting of animals is poaching.
Types:
Subsistence Poaching- killing animals for food.
Commercial Poaching- hunting animals for selling

FactorsinfluencingPoaching:
Human Population:
Increase in population increases pressure on forest resources
Commercial activities:
Smuggling of wild life products for high profit
Wildlife products:
Furs,horns,tusk,live specimen,herbal products
Examples:
Male gorilla for its body parts
Blue morpho butterfly – making attractive trays
Elephant feet – for making Ash trays Elephant –
for ivory
Bengal tiger – soled for $1,00,000 in foreign
market
Dynamite fishing – high tech fishing, exhaust
marine life.Sea horses, Sea turtles

3. Man –wildlife conflicts (2 Marks)

 Man – wildlife conflicts arise, when wildlife starts causing immense damage and danger to the

Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry

 man.
 Under such condition it is very difficult for the forest department to compromise
the affected villagers and to gain the villagers support for wildlife conservation.

Factors Influencing man-animal conflicts:

1. Shrinking of forest compels wildlife to

move outside the forest
2. Electric wiring around crops
3. Animals suffer pain and attack humans
4. Female wildlife attack human more to safe its cubs.
5. Forest dept. don’t cultivate foods for wild
6. Cash compensation by Govt – 400/- per
quintal But market price 2400/-
7. Garbage near human settlement attract wild animals

Q4.Explain the following

(i)Hot – Spots of Biodiversity
 The hot spots are the geographic areas which possess high endemic species.
Criteria for recognizing hot spots
 The richness of the endemic species is the primary criterion for recognizing hot
spot
 The hot spots should have a significant percentage of specialized species.
 The site is under threat.
Reason for rich biodiversity in the tropics
 The tropics have a more stable climate.
 Warm temperature and high humidity
 Among plants rate of out-crossing appear to be higher in tropics.

Biodiversity hot spots in India (2 Marks)

1. Eastern Himalayas Indo-Burma region

2. Western Ghats Srilanka region.
Eastern Himalayas
 Geographically this area comprises Nepal, Bhutan and neighboring states of
northern
India.
 There are 35,000 plant species found in the Himalayas, of which 30% are endemic.
 The eastern Himalayas are also rich in wild plants of economic
value.
Examples: Rice, banana, citrus, ginger, chili, jute and

Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry

 sugarcane.
 63% mammals are from eastern
Himalayas.
 60% of the Indian birds are from north
east.
Western ghats:
 The area comprises Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Kerala.
 Nearly 1500 endemic, dicotyledonous plants species are found from Western Ghats.
 62% amphibians and 50% lizards are endemic in Western Ghats.
Some common plants: Ternstroemia, Japonica, Rhododendron and Hypericium.
Some common animals: Blue bird, Lizard, Hawk.

(ii)Endangered and Endemic Species of India

According to International Union of Conservation of Nature and Natural

Resources (IUCN) the species are classified into various types.
 Extinct species.
 Endangered species.
 Vulnerable species.
 Rare species.

1. Endangered Species Of
India
 A Species is said to be endangered, when its number has been reduced to a
critical level.
 Unless it is protected and conserved, it is in immediate danger of extinction.
Groups of Threatened Species No of Threatened Species
Plants 250
Birds 70
Mammals 86
Reptiles 25
Amphibians 3
Fishes 3
Mollusks 2
Insects 50
Important endangered species
1. Reptiles Tortoise, green sea turtle, gharial, python.
2. Mammals Indian wolf, red fox, sloth bear, tiger, Indian lion.
3. Primates Hoolock gibbon ,lion-tailed macaque.
4. Plants A large number of medicinal plants like rauvol fia serpentia.

Red – data book (2 Marks)

Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry

  RED –data book contains the list of endangered species of plants and animals
 The red –data gives the warning signal for those species which are
endangered and if not protected they become extinct in near future.
Factors affecting endangered species (2 Marks)
 Pollution
 Over-exploitation
 Climate change

2. Endemic species (2 Marks)

 The species which are found only in a particular region are known
as endemic species.
1. Fauna (1 Marks)
 Animals present in a particular region or
period. Examples:
 Saparia himalayana, ovaria lurida, nepenthes khasiama.
2. Flora (1 Marks)
 Plants present in a particular region or
period. Examples:
 Monitor lizards, reticulated python, Indian salamander and viviparous.
Endemic Species of Plants

Groups No.of Species

Pteridophyta 200
Angiosperms 4950

Endemic Species of Animals

Group No .of Species

Land 878
Fresh Water 89
Insecta 16214
Amphibia 110
Reptilia 214
Aves 69
Nannakua 38
Factors Affecting Endemic Species (2 Marks)
 Habitat loss and fragmentation, because of the draining and filling of
inland wetlands.
 Pollution also plays an
important role.

Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Q5. Explain the following (i) India as a mega diversity nation (ii) Ecological succession
(i)India as a Mega-Diversity Nation
 India is one among the 12 mega- diversity countries in the world.
 It has 89,450 animal species for 7.31% of the global faunal species and 47,000
plant species which accounts for 10.8% of the world floral species.
 The loss of biodiversity is about 33%.
 Distribution of species in some groups
Plants Number Animals Number
Fungi 23,000 Arthropod 57,525
Bacteria 850 Birds 1228
Algae 2500 Reptiles 428
 Endemism (or) Endemic species (2 Marks)
- It is defined as “the species which are confined to a particular area are
called endemic species”. Examples:
1. Plant diversity
 Nearly 5000 flowering plants and 166 crop plant species have their origin in India.
2. Marine diversity
 More than 340 coral species of the world are found here.
 Several species of mangrove plants and seagrases are also found in our country.
3. Agro-biodiversity
 There are 167 crop species and wild relatives.
 India is considered to be the centre of origin of 30,000 to 50,000 varieties of
rice, mango, turmeric, ginger, sugarcane, etc.
4. Animal biodiversity
 There are 75,000 animal species including 5,000 insects.
 India is a home to about nearly 2, 00,000 living organisms.

RED Data book (or) RED List (2 Marks)

 Red book is a catalogue of taxa facing risk of extinction.
 The purpose of preparation of red list is to.
1. Provide awareness.
2. Provide global index.
3. Identification of species.
4. Information about international agreement

(ii) ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION

The progressive replacement of one community by another till the development of stable community in a
particular area is called ecological succession.
Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Stages of ecological succession
1. Pioneer community:
The first group of organism, which establish their community in the area is called 'Pioneer' community.

2. Seres (or) Seral stage:

The various developmental stages of a community is called 'seres'.
Community
It is the group of plants (or) animals living in an area

Types of ecological succession

Ecologists recognize two types of ecological succession, based on the conditions present at the beginning
of the process.

1. Primary succession:
It involves the gradual establishment of biotic communities on a lifeless ground.
(a) Hydrarch (or) Hydrosere : Establishment starts in a watery area like pond and lake.
(b) Xerarch (or) Xerosere : Establishment starts in a dry area like, desert and rock.

2. Secondary succession:
It involves the establishment of biotic communities in an area, where some type of biotic
community is already present.

Process of Ecological Succession

The process of ecological succession can be explained in the following steps.

1. Nudation
It is the development of a bare area without any life form.
2. Invasion
It is the establishment of one (or) more species on a bare area through migration followed by establishment.

(a) Migration: Migration of seeds is brought about by wind,water or birds

(b) Establishment: The seeds then germinate and grow on the land and establishes their pioneer
communities.
3. Competition
As the number of individual species grows, there is a competition with the same species and between
different species for space, water and nutrients.
4. Reaction
The living organisms, take water, nutrients and grow and modify the environment is known as reaction.
This modification becomes unsuitable for the existing species and favour some new species, which replace
the existing species.
This leads to seral communities.
5. Stabilizations
It leads to stable community, which is in equilibrium with the environmet

Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 GE3451-ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AND SUSTAINABILITY
Unit 2.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Pollution is defined as the unfavorable alternation of our surroundings which affects the
Human beings, plants, animals etc., (2Mark)

1.Explain the sources,causes ,effects and control measures of Air pollution.

Air Pollution
It is defined as “the presence of one or more contaminants in air and its harmful to human beings
and animals.

Sources / causes of air pollution: (2Mark)

Natural sources: volcanic eruption, forest fires, biological decay, etc.
Man made sources: thermal power plants, vehicular emissions, fossil fuels, agricultural
activities etc.

Classification of air pollutants: (2Mark)

Primary and secondary air pollutants.
Primary air pollutants: which emits directly to the atmosphere and harmful to the living beings.
E.g. CO2, NO2 and SO2 etc

Secondary air pollutants:

Primary pollutants may react with one another to form new pollutant which is harmful to living
beings.
E.g. NO2 / SO2 moist/ H2O HNO3 / H2SO4
Types, sources and effects of air pollution: (8 Mark)

S. Type of
No air Sources /causes Effects
pollutants
CO2  Cigarette smoking,  Headache
1  incomplete combustion  anemia
(Carbon  global warming
of fossil fuel,
monoxide
 motor vehicle exhaust
)
 incomplete combustion  Lung irritation & damage
NO2 of fossil fuel in motor  Acid rain which affects
2 (Nitrogen di vehicles soil, aquatic bodies
oxide)  power plants  corrosion of metals,
damage to monuments,
fabrics etc.

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Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry
  Coal burning in  breathing problems
SO2 power plants  Reduces visibility
3 (Sulphur di  Industrial processes.  acid rain which affects
oxide) soil, aquatic bodies ,
 corrosion of metals,
damage to monuments,
fabrics etc.
Photo chemical  Chemical reactions  Breathing problems
4 smog (2 Mark) among nitrogen oxide  nose, eye irritation,
(Brownish and hydrocarbon by  heart diseases.
smoke sunlight
like appearance)
 Agriculture  Nose and throat irritation,
Suspended  burning of coal in  Lung damage
5 particulate power plant  Asthma
matter (SPM )  industrial plants  Cancer.
 Burning diesel.
 Chemical reactions by  Climatic change.
6 Ozone (O3) volatile organic
compound and nitrogen
oxide
 Leaded petrol  Mental retardation
7 Lead  lead storage batteries in children
 Cancer.
 Decay of vegetable matter  Carcinogenic (cancer
8 Hydrocarbon
producing) effects
s
 Paint  Cancer,
9 Chromium  Chromium manufacture  gastro intestinal problems
 Chromium plating  affect the central
nervous system

Control measures of air pollution: (4 Mark)

1. Use only unleaded petrol
2. Use petroleum products and other fuels that have low sulphur and ash content.
3. Reduce the number of private vehicles on the road by developing an efficient public transport
system and encouraging people to walk or use cycles.

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Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 4. Plant more trees
5. Industries and waste disposal sites should be situated outside the city.
6. Use catalytic converters to help control the emissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons

Control measures in industrial centers:

1. Emission rates should be restricted to permissible levels
2. Incorporation of air pollution control equipments in the design of the plant layout
3. Continuous monitoring of the atmosphere for the pollutants should be carried out to know the
emission levels.

Equipments used to control air pollution:

(a) Scrubbers, (b) Cyclones (c) Bag houses (d) Electrostatic precipitators

2.Explain the sources,effects and control measures of Water pollution

WATER POLLUTION
Water pollution is defined as “the alternation in physical, chemical and biological
characteristics of water which may cause harmful effects on human and aquatic life”.

Sources
1. Infectious agents
2. Oxygen demanding wastes
3. Inorganic chemicals
4. Organic chemicals
5. Plant nutrients
6. Sediment
7. Radioactive materials
8. Heat

Types, sources and effects of water pollution (8 Mark)

1. Infectious agents: Ex: Bacteria, viruses, protozoa and parasitic worms.

Sources
□ Human and animal wastes.

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Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 Effects
□ Variety of diseases.

2. Oxygen demanding wastes:

Ex: Animal manure and plant debris that can be decomposed by aerobic bacteria.
Sources
□ Sewage, paper mills, and food processing facilities.
Effects
□ Wastes can degrade quality by depleting water of dissolved oxygen.

3. Inorganic Chemicals: Water soluble inorganic chemicals. Ex: Compounds of toxic metals
such as lead, arsenic and selenium. Salt such as NaCl in Ocean water.
Sources
□ Surface runoff, industrial effluents and sewage
Effects
□ Genetic mutations, birth defects and certain cancers.

4. Thermal pollution (Heat)

Ex: Excessive heat.
Source
□ Water cooling of electric power plants
□ Some types of industrial plants.
□ Cooling electric power plants.
Effects
□ vulnerable to disease and toxic chemicals
□ fish and other organisms are affected

5. Chemical oxygen demand: (COD) The amount of oxygen required to oxidize all the organic
and inorganic impurities present in the sample
Source
□ Sewage (waste comes from house), industrial effluents (waste comes from industries)
Effects
□ Harmful to aquatic life
□ Unuseful to drinking and irrigation processes

6. Biological oxygen demand: (BOD) The amount of oxygen required to oxidize all the organic
compounds present in the water sample.

Source
□ Food processing Industries and paper mills

Effects
□ Degrade the water quality
□ Harmful to aquatic life
□ Unuseful to drinking and irrigation processes

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Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 7. Sediment E.x. soil, silt
Source
□ Land erosion
Effects
□ Reduce photosynthesis
□ Affect food chain and food web
□ Harmful to aquatic life

8. Radioactive materials E.x. isotopes of iodine, uranium and thorium

Source
□ Nuclear power plant
□ Mining industries
□ Nuclear weapons production
Effects
□ Genetic mutations
□ Birth defects
□ Cancer

Control of water pollution: (4 Mark)

1. Water pollution control should be in the hands of state and central government.
2. Scientific techniques are implemented (catchment areas of rivers ponds or streams).
3. Plant more trees.
4. Reduce deforestation.
4. Public awareness.
5. Reuse, reduce and recycle (3R) of sewage effluents and industrial waste. 2 Mark (3R rule)
6. Suitable laws and practices should be framed
7. Highly qualified and experienced persons should be consulted form time to time.
8. It is not advisable to discharge any type of waste, either treated or untreated in the fresh water
bodies.

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Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 3.Explain the process of solid waste management
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT (8 Mark)
 Management of solid waste is very important in order to minimize the adverse effects of
solid wastes. (2 Mark)

Types / sources of solid wastes (8 Mark)

 Solid waste can be classified as municipal, industrial, agricultural, medical, mining waste
and sewage sludge.
 They main sources of industrial solid wastes are chemical industries, metal and mineral
processing industries.

a) Urban waste Sources

 Domestic wastes – Food waste, Cloth, Waste paper.
 Commercial wastes – Packing material, cans, bottles, polythene.
 Construction Wastes – Wood, concrete, debris.
 Bio medical wastes – Anatomical wastes, infectious wastes.
b) Industrial waste Sources
 Nuclear power plants – generates radioactive wastes
 Thermal power plants – produces fly ash in large quantities
c) Chemical industries
 Produces large quantities of hazardous and toxic materials
d) Other industries
 They are produces packing materials, rubbish, organic waste, acids, alkalis, rubber,
plastic, paper, glass, wood, oils, paints, dies etc.,

Steps involved (control method) in solid waste management (8 Mark)

Flowchart
Solid waste generation

Collection of waste

Transportation

Storage

Segregation of waste

Disposal methods

Landfills Incineration Composting

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Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry
  Collection waste from various sources
 Transportation – to transfer the collected waste to the destination point
 Storage – To store the collected waste mean while time of the disposal
 Segregation – Home separation for recycling
 Disposal methods – It includes 3 methods
a) Land fill
b) Incineration
c) Composting
a) Land fill
Solid waste are placed in a sanitary landfill system
Alternate layers of 80 cm thick solid waste covered with soil at suitable intervals
After 2 to 3 years, solid waste volume shrink by 25-30%
Then land is used for parks,roads and small buildings
Advantages
It is simple and economical
Segregation not required
Landfilled area used for other purposes
Converts waste land into useful area
Natural resources are returned in to soil
Disadvantages
A large area is required
Transportation cost is heavy,if land is located far away from town
Bad odour if it is not properly managed
Source of mosquitoes and flies
Fire hazard
B,Incineration
Solid waste are segregated in to combustible and non combustible
Non combustible solid waste can be left out for recycling and reuse
Municipal solid waste is usually wet
It is preheated before burning
Combustible solid waste are burnt in a furnace
Temperature: 700 to 1000 degree celcius, Efficiency:100 to 150 tonnes per hour,
The left out ashes and clinkers from the incinerator are only 10 to 20%
Ashes are further disposed by landfill
Heat produced from the incinerator used in the form of steam power for producing electricity
Advantages
The residue is only 20-25 %
It require very little space
Safest from hygienic point of view
It is used to produce electricity.
Didadvantages
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Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 Capital and operating cost is high
Need skilled personnel
It need further disposal of ash
Air may be polluted
b) Composting
Bulk organic waste is converted in to a fertilizing manure by biological action
Separated compostable waste is dumped in underground
Coverd with a earth of 20 cm
Some microorganisms are introduced for active decomposition
Left over for decomposition
Within 2 to 3 days biological action starts
Finally the formation of brown odourless mass known as humus
It contain lot of N…used for agricultural field
Advantages
It increase the water retention and ion exchange capacity of soil
A number of industrial waste can be treated
Manure can be sold-so reducing the cost
Recycling occurs
Disadvantages
Non compostable waste have to be disposed separately
No assured market value

4.Explain the process of hazardous waste management?

Hazardous waste
It is the waste that has potential threats public health (or) the environment.

Examples
(i) Cleaning solvents (acids and bases).
(ii) Spent acids and bases.
(iii) Metal finishing wastes.
(iv) Painting wastes.
(v) Sludges from air and water pollution control units.
(vi) Disinfectants and pesticides.
•
Types and characteristics of hazardous wastes
1. Toxic wastes
These are poisonous even in very small (or) trace amounts. They may have
(i) Acute effects
Causing death (or) violent illness
(ii) Chronic effects

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Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 Slowly causing harmful effect.
2. Carcinogenic waste
It causes cancer after many years of exposure.
3. Mutagenic
It causes major biological changes in the off-spring of exposed humans and wild life.
4. Reactive wastes
These are chemically unusable and react violently
with air (or) water.
They cause explosions (or) form toxic vapours.
5. Ignitable wastes
They burn at relatively low temperatures and cause an immediate fire hazard
6. Corrosive wastes
These include strong acidic (or) alkaline substances.
They destroy solid material and living tissue upon contact.
7.Infectious wastes
These include used bandages, hypodermic needles from hospitals (or) biological research facilities.
8. Radioactive wastes
These emit ionizing energy that can harm living organisms

Hazardous waste management

Analysis
Collection & Transport,
Treatment (Or)Recovery
Disposal of waste materials.
Step 1: Analysis:
Physical and chemical properties of hazardous waste must be analysed before collection
Recovery of useful components.
It is essential because it can be used as a fertilizer, liming material (or) soil amendment.
Step 2: Collection and transport
Hazardous waste, generated at a particular place, is generally collected and transported by truck over
public highways.
Step 3: Treatment (or) Recovery
Hazardous waste can be treated (or) recovered by
(i) Chemical method.
(ii) Thermal method.
(iii) Biological method.
(iv) Physical method.
1.Chemical method
It includes
• Ion-exchange,
• Precipitation,

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Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 • Oxidation,
• Reduction and
• Neutralization.
2. Thermal method
High temperature incineration
It not only can detoxify certain organic wastes but also can destroy them.
Examples
Fluidized-bed incinerator, multiple hearth furnace, rotary kiln and liquid-injection incinerator.
Problem
Hazardous-waste incineration is the source of air pollution.
3. Biological treatment
Example
Land farming
Treating hazardous waste biologically,
Waste is mixed with surface soil on a suitable land.
Microbes may be added, along with nutrients.
Bio-remediation
Microbes can also be used for stabilizing hazardous wastes on previously contaminated sites. This
process is called bio-remediation.
4. Physical treatment
Example
Evaporation,
sedimentation,
solidification,
flotation and filtration.
The above treatment reduces the volume of the waste.

Step 4: Storage and disposal

This can be done by the following methods.
1. Surface storage Temporary method
2. Deep-well injection
3. Land fills

• 1. Surface storage Temporary method

• It includes
(i) New waste piles
(ii) Ponds (or) lagoons.

• (i) New waste piles

It is carefully constructed over an impervious base.
The piles must be protected from wind dispersion, erosion and leaching.
Only non-flowing waste material can be stored in a new waste pile.
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Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 (ii) Ponds (or) lagoons
It is lined with impervious clay soils and flexible
membrane liners inorder to protect ground water.
2. Deep-well injection
It involves pumping liquid waste through a steel casing into a porous layer of limestone (or) sandstone.
High pressure is applied to force the liquid into the pores, where it is permanently stored.
3. Land fills
It provides at least 3 metres (10 ft) of separation between the bottom of the landfill and the underlying
bed rock (or) ground water table.
It is also provided with two impermeable liners and leachate collection system.

5.Explain the objectives and important features of Act

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The practice of protecting the natural environment by individuals, organizations and
governments.
Objectives
To conserve natural resources,
To conserve the existing natural environment,
Importance (or) Goal of environmental protection
(i) To reduce air, water and land pollution.
(ii) To facilitate the conservation of natural resources for our future generations.
(iii) To ensure the protection of biodiversity.
• (iv) To implement sustainable development.
(v) To restore the ecological balance.
(vi) To save our planet from harmful effects of global warming.
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Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 •
Environment Act,1986
This Act empowers the Central government to fix the standards for quality of air, water, soil and
noise
•
Objectives
• Prevention and control of environmental pollution
• Maintain the quality of Environment
• Establishing the state and central board for the prevention and control of environmental pollution

Important features
This act aims at to protect the environment from all kind of pollution
The Act further empowers the Government to lay down procedures and safe guards for the prevention
of the environmental pollution
The Government has the authority to close (or)prohibit (or) regulate any industry (or) its operation
The directions of the Central board are mandatory on state board
This act empowers the officers of cenral govt to inspect the site at any time to collect the samples of
air,water,oil for testing
Any violation, Imprisonment-5 years & Fine-Rupees 1 lakh
If violation continues Additional fine Rs.5000/day..
Water Act,1974
• Objectives
• Prevention and control of water pollution
• Maintain the quality of water
• Establishing the state and central board for the prevention and control of water pollution

Important features
This act aims at to protect the water from all kind of pollution
The Act further empowers the Government to lay down procedures and safe guards for the prevention
of the water pollution
The Government has the authority to close (or)prohibit (or) regulate any industry (or) its operation
The directions of the Central board are mandatory on state board
This act empowers the officers of cenral govt to inspect the site at any time to collect the samples of
water for testing
Any violation, Imprisonment-3 month to 6 years & Fine-Rupees 1 lakh
If violation continues Additional fine Rs.5000/day..

Air Act,1981
• Objectives
• Prevention and control of air pollution

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Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 • Maintain the quality of aiir
• Establishing the state and central board for the prevention and control of air pollution

Important features
This act aims at to protect the air from all kind of pollution
The Act further empowers the Government to lay down procedures and safe guards for the prevention
of the air pollution
The Government has the authority to close (or)prohibit (or) regulate any industry (or) its operation
The directions of the Central board are mandatory on state board
This act empowers the officers of cenral govt to inspect the site at any time to collect the samples of air
for testing
Any violation, Imprisonment-3 month & Fine-Rupees 10000

Forest Act,1980
• Objectives
• Prevention and conserve the forest
• Maintain the quality of forest
• Establishing the state and central board for the conservation of forest

Important features
This act aims at to protect the forest from all kind of pollution
The Act further empowers the Government to lay down procedures and safe guards for the
conservation of forest
The Government has the authority to stop any illegal non forest activity within a forest area
The directions of the Central board are mandatory on state board
Clearance of any forest land for re-afforestation is forbidden
The diversion of forest land for non forest use is offence
Any violation, Imprisonment & Fine will be imposed

Wildlife Act,1972
• Objectives
• Preservation of wild life
• Maintain the essential ecological process
• Ensure the continuous use of species
Important features
This act aims at to protect the wildlife from all kind of problems
The Act further empowers the Government to lay down procedures and safe guards for the
preservation of wildlife
The directions of the Central board are mandatory on state board
This act covers the rights and non rights of forest dwellers
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Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 This act prohibit the collection of non timber forest
6. Explain the sources,effects and control measures of Soil pollution

SOIL POLLUTION
The contamination of soil by human and natural activities may cause harmful effects on
living things.

Sources and Effects of Soil pollution: (8 Mark)

1. Industrial wastes
2. Urban wastes.
3. Agricultural practices
4. Radioactive pollutants.
5. Biological agent

1. Industrial wastes
Sources
 Pulp and paper mills, chemical industries, oil refineries, sugar factories.

Effects
 Alter the chemical and biological properties of soil.
 Affect the food chain & food web
 Disturb the bio chemical process and finally lead to serious effects on environment.

2. Urban wastes
Sources
 Plastics, Glasses, metallic cans, fibers, papers, rubbers, street sweepings etc.
Effects
 Alter the chemical and biological properties of soil.
 Industrial waste can still be dangerous
 They cannot be easily degraded

3. Agricultural practices
Sources
 fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and weedicides etc.
Effects
 These farm wastes, manure, slurry, are reported to cause soil pollution.
 Alter the chemical and biological properties of soil.
 Inorganic chemicals are reported to cause soil pollution

4. Radioactive pollutants
Sources
 Nuclear testing laboratory and industries, radio nuclides of radium, thorium, uranium
and isotopes of K- 40 and C- 14.
Effects
 Penetrate the soil and accumulate there by creating land pollution.
 Affect brain and central nervous system
 Serious health effects
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Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 5. Biological agents
Sources
 Human, animal and birds excreta (solid waste)
Effects
 Land pollution by biological agents.
 Serious effects to plants
 Affects the agriculture practice and heavy soil pollution

Control measures of soil pollution: (4 Mark)

1. Control of soil erosion
2. Proper dumping of unwanted materials
3. Production of natural fertilizers
4. Proper hygenic condition
5. Public awareness
6. Recycling, reduce and reuse (3R) of wastes
7. Ban on toxic chemicals.

7. Explain the sources,effects and control measures of noise pollution

NOISE POLLUTION
It’s defined as “the unwanted or disagreable sound that cause discomfort for all living
beings”. It is measured using “Decibel” unit.

Types of noise ( 2Mark)

1. Industrial noise
2. Transport noise
3. Neighborhood noise

Sources and Effects of noise pollution: (8 Mark) Sources

 Transportation (Motor vehicles, buses, trucks and diesel engine vehicles)
 Celebration functions
 Elections and electric home appliances.
 Heavy machineries, industries and factories
 Road and train traffic noise
 Aircraft noise
 Neighborhood noise (Musical instruments, TV, radios, transistors, telephones and loud
speakers)
Effects
 Affect human health, comfort and efficient
 Affect central nervous system and tension
 Damage to heart, brain, kidneys and liver
 Produce emotional disturbances
 Physiological and psychological changes.
 Loss of hearing
 Neurological problems
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Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry
  Birth defects and abortion
 Increase the rate of heart beat and contraction of blood vessels

Control of noise pollution: (4 Mark)

 Reduction in sources of noise
 Heavy vehicles and old vehicles may not be allowed in the populated areas.
 Noise making machines should be kept in containers with sound absorbing media.
 Proper oiling will reduce the noise from the machinery.
 Use of sound absorbing materials.
 Plant more trees.
 Through law of legislation can ensure that sound production is minimized at various
social functions.
 Unnecessary horn blowing should be restricted especially in vehicle congested area

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Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry
[Type here]
Dr.A.Charles,Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 GE3451-ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AND SUSTAINABILITY
Unit 3.
RENEWABLE SOURCES OF ENERGY
Q1.15 ways to conserve energy (or) conservation
There are 15 ways to start conserving energy.
1. Adjust your day-to-day behaviors
Example
Switch off lights (or) appliances when you do not need them.
2. Replace your light bulbs
Traditional incandescent light bulbs consume more amount of electricity and must be replaced
by energy efficient alternatives like CFL and LED bulbs.
3. Use smart power strips
"Phantom loads" (or) the electricity used by electronics, when they are turned off (or) stand by
mode, are the major source of energy waste. Smart power strips,eliminate this problem, when
they are not in use.
4. Install a programmable (or) smart thermostat
It automatically turn-off (or) reduce heating and cooling during the time when you are asleep
(or) away.
5. Purchase energy efficient appliances
These will consume less energy during use.
6. Reduce your water heating expenses
Efficient water heaters can be 8% to 300% more energy efficient than a conventional storage
water heater.
7. Install energy efficient windows
To prevent heat loss through your windows,
(i) you can replace single-pane windows with double-pane windows,
(ii) gas filled windows with "low-e" coatings can be fixed.
8. Upgrade your HVAC system
Most energy efficient way to upgrade your home's HVAC system is installing air source heat
pump.
In order to heat and cool your home a heat pump transfers heat from one place to another.
9. Weatherize your home
Air leaks into your home are windows, doors and vents. To prevent these leaks, care must be
taken in such a way that no cracks (or) opening between the walls and windows is present.
10. Insulate your home
Insulation retains heat during the winter and keeping heat out of your home during the summer.
11. Wash your clothes in cold water.
12. Replacing dirty air filters regularly can reduce energy consumption upto 15%.
13. Use Microwave oven
As microwave is more energy efficient, microwave oven can be used instead of ordinary stove.
14. Using natural light, like sun, we can reduce the energy consumption.
15.Dress appropriately for the weather inside and outside.

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Q2.Explain the application of Hydrogen energy
Hydrogen energy
The fuel widely used in the future is hydrogen gas (H2).
Like natural gas hydrogen can be burned to heat buildings, cook food and produce electricity in
power plants.
Hydrogen possess high calorific value.
It is non-polluting, because the combustion product is water.
2H2 + O2→→→ 2H2O + 150 kJ
H₂ gas can be compressed in a fuel tank and used to power cars and buses.

Sources of hydrogen
(i) Electrolysis of water produce hydrogen
(ii) Natural gas and biomass resources.
(iii) Ethanol reacts with high-temperature steam to produce hydrogen.
(iv) Fermentation of sugar rich feed stocks
(v) Microbes such as green algae, consume water in the presence of sun light and produce
hydrogen as a by-product.

Hydrogen fuel cell

Hydrogen can be used in fuel cells.
The electrons in hydrogen atoms generate electricity in the fuel cell.
The combination of H₂ and O, creates water and heat from the reaction.
The heat may be used to produce electricity
At anode, hydrogen is split into protons and electrons.
The electrons moves to cathode and generates electricity.

Large banks of fuel cells—---Electrical Power plant,

Small groups of cells provide electricity for individual home and commercial buildings.

Problem
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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
(i) Difficulties in storing enough hydrogen for motor vehicles to run long distances.
(ii) Infrastructure to refuel these vehicles.
(iii) Highly inflammable and explosive in nature.
(iv) Safe handling is required.

APPLICATIONS OF HYDROGEN ENERGY

1.Hydrogen is a reagent, used in many industries, including chemicals, textile fiber
manufacturing, glass, electronics and metallurgy.
2.It is also used as a fuel for rocket launchers.
3.It is used as a carrier gas, for the manufacture of electronic components
4.Hydrogen is used in industries for many applications
Examples
(i) It combines with nitrogen to produce ammonia, a base for fertilizers.
(ii) It is a good reagent for textile fibers like nylon, polyurethane foam.
5. It is used in metallurgy for heat treatment process to produce mechanical parts (or) to alter
their properties.
6.Hydrogen is used during fuel refining to remove this sulphur via a process of desulphurization.
7 Atomic hydrogen welding (AHW) is a type of are welding which utilizes a hydrogen
environment
8.A mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen is used to prevent oxidation in flat glass production.
9. It is used to create semiconductors, LEDs, displays.(as reducing agent,etching agent)
10. Hydrogen gas is used as a therapeutic gas for a number of different diseases.
11. Hydrogen fuel cell

Hydrogen fuel cell uses hydrogen as a fuel in an electrochemical process that combines
H2 and O2 to produce electrical energy with water and heat as the only by-product. Two main
applications of fuel cells are,

(1) Stationary power sources.

(a) These are used to power office buildings, data centres, grocery stores and off-grid
telecommunication tower
(b) It is used as a part of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system, where continuous uptime is
critical.

(i) Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVS)

(a) The heat produced by the hydrogen fuel cell can be used for space and water heating (or)
industrial process
(b) Hydrogen fuel cells power clean trucks, fork lifts,etc.,
(c) hydrogen fuel cell buses.
(d) Hydrogen fuel cell trains have now appeared.

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
(e) Some of the hydrogen fuel cells were developed by NASA to provide electricity for rockets
and shuttles in space.
(f) Hydrogen fuel cells have found a number of marine applications (used in boats and
submarines).

Advantages
1. Hydrogen is readily available.
2.It does not produce harmful emissions.
3. It is environmentally friendly.
4. It can be used as fuel in rocket.
5. It is energy efficient and more powerful than fossil fuels.
6. It is renewable.
7. It reduces carbon foot prints.
8. Charging times is fast.
9. It does not make noise and visual pollution.
10. It can be used for long time.

Disadvantages
1. It is expensive.
2. It is difficult to store.
3. It is highly inflammable.
4. Infra-structure.
5. Regulatory issues.

Q3. Explain the applications of Ocean thermal energy (OTE)

Ocean thermal energy (OTE)
Energy obtained due to the large temperature difference between the surface level and deeper
level of the tropical oceans.
Condition: The temperature difference should be of 20°C (or) more
Significance of OTE
*OTE is continuous,
*It is renewable
*It is pollution free.
*The use of cold deep water, as the chiller fluid in air-conditioning, has also been proposed.
*It can be used to produce hydrogen.

APPLICATIONS OF OCEAN ENERGY RESOURCES

1. Ocean waves
Potential energy associated with ocean waves can be harnessed using modular technologies.
2. Temperature gradients

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Difference in thermal energy between sea surface and deep water can be harnessed by Ocean
Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) process.
3.Salinity gradient
At the mouth of rivers, where fresh water mixes with salt water, energy associated with the
salinity gradient can be harnessed using pressure retarded reverse osmosis process and associated
conversion technologies.
4. Ocean wave energy convertors
These are the technology used to trap the mechanical energy of the wave to convert it to
electrical power.
5. Oscillating bodies
Oscillating waves uses hydraulic motors (or) electrical generators as a power take-off system.
6. Overtopping wave energy convertors
The overtopping wave energy convertors (or) terminators, using the low head hydraulic turbines,
converts the potential energy formed by the height of accumulated water over the wave surface
to electrical power.
7. Ocean thermal energy (OTE)
The temperature difference, between the surface level and deeper level of the tropical oceans,
can be utilized to generate electricity.
Advantages (or) Benefits
(1)It is cheaper
(2) It is environment-friendly.
(3)It is efficient.
(4) It is inexhaustible
(5)Operational and maintenance costs are low.
(6) It protects coastal floodings due to the stability of rock armor.

Disadvantages (or) limitations

(1) It is expensive
(2) capital investment is high
(3) Maintenance and equipment repairing is a challenge.
(4) Negative influence on marine life forms.
(5) Storage capacity is required.
(6) Environmental problems like habitat change arises.

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Q4.Explain the applications of Tidal energy (or) Tital power

Tidal energy (or) Tital power

The energy powered by the natural rise and fall of ocean tides and currents.

Significance of tidal energy

(i) Tidal power plants do not require large areas
(ii) It is inexhaustible
(ii) it is completely independent of the uncertainty of precipitation (rainfall).
(iii) It is pollution-free energy source,

APPLICATIONS OF TIDAL ENERGY CONVERSION

1.It is used to rotare turbine
2.It is used to produce Electricity
3. It is used in grinding mills
4.Tidal barrages and reservoirs can be modified to store energy.
5.Tidal energy is used as large energy storage.
6.Tidal barrages are capable of preventing damages to the coast during high storms.
7.Tidal barrages also help to create easy transport between the two arms of an estuary (or) a bay.

Advantages and Advantages (or) Merits

1.It is environment friendly.
2.Low operating and maintenance costs
3.It is efficient
4.It is inexhaustible
5.Protects coastal flooding.
6.Power output is highly predictable.

Disadvantages
1.High capital investment.
2.Maintenance is difficult.
3.Environment problems, like habitat change, arises.
4. Storage capacity is required.
5. Negative influence on marine life forms.
6. Location limited.

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Q5.Explain the applications of Geo-thermal energy

Geo-thermal energy
The heat produced deep in the Earth's core is called Geothermal energy. The energy
harnessed from the high temperature present inside the earth can be used to produce electricity.

Significance of geothermal energy

(i) The power generation level is higher than solar and wind energies.
(ii) Construct Geothermal power plant more quickly than most other energy sources.
(iii) GTE is effectively and efficiently used for direct uses such as hot water bath, resorts,
aquaculture, greenhouses.

GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANT (GTE)

Geothermal Power
It is the electrical power generated from geothermal energy.
Geothermal Energy
It is the heat produced deep in the earth's core.
Concept

•When we move down the earth,temperature of the earth increases at a rate of 20-75 °C per km
•High temp and high pressure steam fields exist in many places
•It can be used directly for heating (OR)
Steam used for rotate turbine to produce electricity

Power plants of GTE

Geothermal power plant uses hydrothermal resources that have both water (hydro) and heat
(thermal).
Geothermal power plants requires high temperature (300°F to 700°F) hydrothermal resources
that come from either dry steam wells (or) from hot water wells.
Generally we use these resources by drilling wells into the earth and then piping steam (or) hot
water to the surface.
The hot water (or) steam rotates a turbine that generates electricity.
The depth of the geothermal wells is as much as 2 miles.

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Types of geothermal power plants
There are three basic types of geothermal power plants.
1.Dry steam power plant

It uses steam directly from a geothermal reservoir to derive generator's turbine

2.Flash steam power plant

It takes high-pressure hot water from deep inside the earth and converts it into steam to drive
generator's turbine.
When the steam cools, it condenses to water and is injected back into the ground to be used
again. Most geothermal power plants are flash steam plants.
3.Binary cycle power plant

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
*Hot water passed through a heat exchanger
*It heats a second liquid(isobutane)
*Isobutane boils at low temp
*It’s steam rotate turbine
Advantages
1. GTE is environmentally friendly.
2. GTE is a source of renewable energy.
3. It is the sustainable form of energy.
4. The potential of GTE is huge.
5. Energy generated from this resource is reliable.
6. As GTE is natural, no fuel is required.
Disadvantages
1.Location is restricted.
2. As GTE does not release green house gases, there are many other gases released into the
atmosphere (cause side effects).
3. May cause earthquakes.
4. It is expensive resource.
5. Management is required to maintain sustainability.
Applications of GTE
1.It is used for space heating and cooling
2. It is used to generate electricity.
3. It is also used for industrial process heat.
4. It is used for desalination of geothermal water and heavy water production.
5.It is also used in the extraction of minerals from geothermal fluids.
6. Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHPs) are used to heat buildings in the winter and cool them in
summer.
7..The direct use of GTE involves the use of heated water from the ground without the need for
any other sources.
Q6.Explain the various sources of energy
5. Solar energy
Solar energy is derived by capturing radiant energy from sunlight and converting it into heat,
electricity
Significance of solar energy
(1) Solar cells are noise and pollution free.
(ii) Solar water heaters, cookers, require neither fuel nor attention while cooking food.
(iii) Solar cells can be used in remote and isolated areas, forests, hilly regions.
6. Wind energy
Moving air is called wind. Energy recovered from the force of wind is called wind energy.
The wind energy is harnessed by making use of wind mills.
Condition:
Minimum speed 15 km/hr
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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Significance of wind energy
(i) It is cheap
(ii) It is used for new energy sources.
(iii) It is made available easily in many off-shore,on-shore and remote areas.
(iv) It does not cause pollution
7. Bio-mass energy
Biomass is the organic matter, produced by plants (or) animals, used as sources of energy. Most
of the biomass is burned directly for heating, cooling and industrial purposes.
Examples Wood, crop residues, seeds, cattle dung, sewage, agricultural wastes, etc..
Significance of bio-mass energy
1. The production cost is low
2. Biomass consumes more CO2 than is released during combustion.
3. It provides a stored form of energy and in cases in a form suitable for vehicle propulsion.
8. Artificial intelligence (AI) in the energy sector
Artificial intelligence (AI) is used to forecast demand and manage the distribution of resources,
to ensure that power is available at the time and place it's needed with a minimum of waste.
Significance
1.It plays an essential role in the world's transition to clean energy.
2.It is particularly important in the renewable energy industry,
9. Photo Voltaics (PV)
Solar companies are integrating PV systems to minimize the need for additional land usage.
As a result, integrated PV, floatovoltaics and agrivoltaics are logical shift in trends.
Now thin film PV cells are being developed
Significance:
1.It is cost-effective,
2.It is light weight
3.Environment friendly.

10. Distributed energy storage systems (DESS)

A distributed energy storage system (DESS) is a packaged solution that stores energy for use at a
later time.
The system is provided with two main components.
(i) DC charged batteries and (ii) Bi-directional inverter.
Significance:
1.It is used to prevent power fluctuation
2.It is used to prevent power quality problems

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
11. Grid integration
Grid integration is the practice of developing efficient ways to deliver variable renewable
energy to the grid.

12. Space technologies

Space-based energy technologies like
(i) harvesting hydrogen from the moon to power fuel cell on earth,
(ii) orbiting solar rays that absorb around-the-clock direct sunlight and send the energy back
down to stations on the ground via radio (or) microwaves, are being developed as the new energy
technology.

13. Norwegian crystals

Norwegian Crystals specialize in manufacturing high-quality and cost-efficient monocrystalline
silicon products, such as bricks, wafers, and ingots.
Example:
(1) Low carbon mono crystalline silicon ingots, is a type of crystal, used for high performance
photovoltaic devices.
(ii) Gallium-doped ingots, that increases lifetime of the solar cells.

14. Algal bio-fuels

Algae is an alternative to liquid fossil fuels.
It offers huge commercial potential. Like fossil fuel,
It releases CO2 when burnt which is removed from the atmosphere via., photosynthesis as the
algae (or) plant grew.
It has low impact on the atmosphere
It can be produced using seawater (or) even grey waste water.

15: Body heat

The body heat, liberated by humans in the crowded area like central station, market place, is
channelled through the station's vent system.
Then it is used to warm up water in underground tanks and pumped through the heating system.

16. Dance floors

The kinetic energy of the dance floor is converted to electricity that lights up the dance floor
itself.
Example:
Pavegen, a london based company is demonstrating this with its development of the energy
harvesting "smart street".

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 GE3451-ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AND SUSTAINABILITY
Unit 4.
SUSTAINABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT
1.Explain the Goals /Target/Indicators of Sustainable Development
There are a total of 17 goals
1.End poverty everywhere, in all its forms.
2.End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition.
3. Ensuring good health and promote the well-being of all age groups.
4. Ensuring equitable quality education.
5.Ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
6.Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, clean and modern energy for all.
7.Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.
8.Promoting sustainable economic growth.
9.Promoting peaceful societies for sustainable development.
10.Promoting sustainable industrialisation.
11.Protecting, restoring and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
12.Conserving and sustainabily using marine resources for sustainable development.
13. Achieving gender quality and empowering all women and children.
14. Reducing inequality within and among countries.
15. Making cities and human settlements safe and sustainable.
16.Strengthening the global partnership for sustainable development.
17.Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Target
1-17
18.Halve the number of global death and injuries from road accidents.
19.Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services like family planning.
20. Achieve universal health coverage including financial risk protection.
21. Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, soil
pollution.
2.What is development. Explain its types ,principle,character and steps involved in it
DEVELOPMENT
Development is a process that creates growth progress, positive change in economic, and
social component without damaging the resources of the environment.
Types of development
1. National development
National development starts from the national planning frame work.
These are developments that would make a significant contributions to overall success
2. Major development

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 Some categories falling under "major development" fish farms, offices, storage and
distribution centres, housing estates, renewables, waste management (or) disposal facilities,
mineral extraction sites, etc.,
Local development
This is the most common form of development and comprises of small scale
developments including house extensions, conversions, small and medium housing, industrial
development and small scale renewable developments.
Principles of development
The following 7 principles are the important for the development.
1. Equitable use.
2. Flexibility in use.
3. Simple and intuitive use.
4. Perceptible information.
5. Tolerance for error.
6 Low physical effort.
7. Size and space for approach and use."
Characteristics of development
1. It is a continuous process.
2. It is the result of interaction of individual and environment.
3. It is predictable.
4. It is both quantitative and qualitative.
5.It follows a particular pattern like infancy, childhood,adolescence and maturity.
Steps involved in concept development
There are 5 important steps involved, in the development process.
Step 1:
Brain storming to create a pool of potential product
Step 2:
Performing customer research to target your ideal customer.
Step 3:
Estimating the market potential for your product
Step 4:
Creating a prototype for your product.
Step 5:
Devising a marketing strategy.
Effects of development
1.It increases wealth
2. It improves standards of living, health, education, infrastructure and technology.
Factors affecting development
1. Natural resources

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 Examples Trees, soil, water, minerals, coal, oil, etc., They help countries develop by
creating jobs and increasing their wealth through the sales.
2. Power and energy resources
Examples Oil, gas, coal and water.
They, being natural, can be mined and sold quickly They are important for producing
power and energy within the country.
3. Capital accumulation
If a country has more capital, it can creates more job. Low capital countries may have a
low living wage and high unemployment.
4. Technological resources
Examples Computers, cell phones, etc.,
It refers to ability to use advanced technologies within a country. It increases business
capabilities and economic development of the country. Countries with low technological
resources have poor economic development.
5. Available labour force
Number of skilled labours within the country the development.
6. Transportation and communications.
7. Education and training.
Advantages of development
1.Increased job satisfaction
2. Increased employee motivation.
3. Increased efficiencies in processes, resulting in financial gain.
4. Increased capacity to adopt new technologies and methods.
5. Economic growth increases state capacity and the supply of public goods.
Disadvantages of development.
(1) Population growth.
(ii) Weak governance and rapid urbanization.
(iii) Poverty.
(iv) Pollution like smog, acid rain, green house effect, depletion of ozone layer, sewage
and garbage.
3.Define GDP.Explain its types,significance,calculation and mention its
advantages and drawbacks
GDP (GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT)
GDP is the total market value of the goods and services, produced within a country,
during the specified period of time (usually 12 months (or) a year)
It is the broadest financial measurement of a nation's total economic activity.
Types of GDP
1. Normal GDP
It is the total value of all goods and services produced at current market prices.

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 2. Real GDP
It is the sum of all goods and services produced a constant prices.
3. Actual GDP
It is the real-time measurement of all outputs at any interval (or) any given time.
Significance (or) importance of GDP
(1) It identifies the present state of economy.
(ii) It is used to compare the economics between countries.
(iii) GDP is objective of policy formulation.
(iv) GDP is the root cause.
(v) It gives information about the size of economy and how an economy is performing.
(vi) It is used to determine the development and performance of the economy.
Calculation of GDP
There are three different ways of calculating GDP
(i) The value added approach.
(ii) The income approach
(iii) Expenditure approach
Of three, the expenditure approach is followed.
Expenditure approach
The expenditure approach calculates the GDP by calculating the sum of all the services
and goods produced in an economy.
It is calculated with the following formulae.

GDP = Private consumption+ (Gross private investment + Government investment) +

Government spending +(Exports-Imports)

Y=C+I+G+(X-M)
where, Y= Gross Domestic Product.
C= Consumption.
I= Investment.
G= Government spending.
X Exports.
M= Imports.
Advantages of GDP
(1) GDP is a broad indicators of development.
(ii) It is easy to measure growth in percentage.
(iii) It is easy to compare to itself and other countries.
(iv) GDP is easy and cheap to collect.
(v) GDP is calculated from a formula which all countries use therefore it is reliable
indicator.

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 (vi) It is the very good way for government to know whether economic policies have
been successful.
(vii) It can be broken up into GDP per capita which accounts for the population of the
country when it is calculated.
Disadvantages of GDP
(i) It does not include non-market transactions.
(ii) It is narrow indicator that fails to show quality of life, standard of living, happiness,
health care.
(iii) It fails to indicate whether the growth of a nation is sustainable.
(iv) GDP does not account inequality.
(v) It doesn't account for environmental impacts of the economic policies.
(vi) It doesn't include the activity of informal sector
(vii) Overseas income not taken into account.
(viii) High inflation may be behind a high GDP rate.
(ix) Government could adjust the figures to gain power
(x) Production process could be immoral.
(xi) It measures the growth in the past are not hugely relevant.
4.Define sustainability.Explain the various aspects of sustainability
SUSTAINABILITY
It is defined as "meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs".
Need of sustainability
1. Sustainability is key to preserving our planet.
2. Sustainability helps reduce pollution and conserve resources.
3. Sustainability creates jobs and stimulates the economy
4. Sustainability improves public health.
5. It protects biodiversity.
Aspects of sustainability
There are 4 aspects of sustainability, of them environmental sustainability is the fundamental and
important aspect.
1. Environmental aspect
Environmental aspect acknowledges the need to enhance and maintain the biophysical
systems that sustain all the life on earth. It includes the structure and function of natural
ecosystems and the interactions between them and people and calls for guardianship of our
environment.
2. Social aspect
Social aspect acknowledges the need for equity
(i) within and between generations,
(ii) within and between ethnic and social groups.
It is inclusive of people's mental and physical well-being and fair distribution of resources.

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3. Cultural aspect
Cultural aspect acknowledges the need to nourish and share attitudes and values that
represent diverse world views and the political need for all people to express their views freely
and to participate in decision making. Addressing these needs can build resilience for the future.
4. Economic aspect
Economic aspect acknowledges the interactions of humans with the natural environment
in using resources to create goods and services which add value to their lives.
It acknowledges the resource use and waste disposal must occur within the capacity of
our planet.
It encourages a fair trading system that equitably distributes benefits and costs. It further
encourages innovation and creativity in developments that lead to a sustainable future.

Relationship between these aspects

This relationship means that any impact (or) change to our environment will impact on society
and the economy.

5.Explain the following (i) Carbon credit (ii) Carbon footprint

CARBON CREDIT
A carbon credit is a tradable permit (or) certificate that represents the right to emit a set amount
of CO2 (or) 1 tone of CO2 (or) the equivalent amount of green house gas.
Concept
Kyoto protocol is an international agreement that aims to manage and reduce carbon dioxide
emissions and house gases. Kyoto protocol introduced the concept of carbon credits.
According to this, a country should reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere.
1. A carbon credit is a tradable certificate that allows its holder to emit green house gases.
2.One carbon credit is equal to one ton of carbon dioxide.
3.Countries need to reduce their emissions by compared to the numbers recorded.

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4.Countries and companies need to be designed to reduce carbon emissions without the need to
buy credits
5.Less the purchase, less will be the carbon release into the atmosphere.
Types of carbon credits
There are two types of carbon credits.
Voluntary emissions reduction (VER)
It is a carbon offset that is exchanged in the over-the-counter (or) voluntary
market for credits.
Certified emissions reduction (CER)
It relies on emission credits created through a regulatory frame work with the
purpose of off-setting a project's emissions.
How to get carbon credit
Carbon credits and carbon markets are a component of a national and international
attempts to mitigate the growth in concentrations of green house gases (GHGs).
One carbon credit is equal to one ton of CO2 (or) CO₂ equivalent gases.
There are many companies, that sell carbon credits to commercial and individual who are
interested in lowering their carbon foot print.
Buyers and sellers can also use an exchange platform to trade, which is like a stock
exchange for carbon credits.
Advantages of Carbon Credit
1.Each carbon credit corresponds to one ton of carbon that was not emitted into the
atmosphere.
2.The company that does not have an alternative reduce its emission finds an advantage
in the purchase of this credit.
3. The purchase of carbon credits by companies that are environmentally conscious is
favorable for their image.
4. Sometimes the company behaves sustainably, but it cannot stop emitting some amount
of carbon. In this case, the purchase of credit shows how much the company activities. cares
about encouraging sustainable
5.It enables companies to support decarbonization beyond their own carbon footprint.
Disadvantages of Carbon Credit
1. Some institutions and countries can accommodate themselves in the exchange market
to continue emitting their greenhouse gases.
2. Companies do not invest in action to avoid emissions because they are able to buy
unlimited credits.
3.The reduction of ton of carbon that is 1 credit, will never be enough.
4. It is an alternative for emergency needs, not to rest on the fact that the other has saved.
5. Main focus of carbon credit is to reduce green house gas emissions, but it is not
possible to stop the negative impacts caused by the globle warming.

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CARBON FOOTPRINT
It is the total amount of green house gases (including CO2 and CH4) that are generated
(emitted) by our direct and indirect activities.
Individual carbon footprint
It is the sum total of their direct and indirect carbon emissions over the course of a year..
i.e..
Smaller your carbon footprint : better for the future
Bigger your carbon : Have bigger negative impact in environment footprint

The average carbon footprint for a person in united state is 16 tons. Globally, the average
is closer to 4 tones. To avoid 2°C rise in global temperatures, the average global carbon footprint
per year needs to drop under 2 tons by 2050.
Sources of carbon footprint
1. Climate change.
2.Natural process like volcanos.
3. Green house gases emitted from human activities
4.Pollution released by human beings doing human things.
5.Transportation accounted for about 28% of total country.
6.Electricity generation accounted for about 28%.
7. Industrial activities 22%.
8.Heating and cooling in homes and businesses contribute 11%.
Causes of a carbon footprint
The contributors to carbon footprints are
(i) food: (especially meat (beef))
(ii) consumption
(iii) transportation
(iv) house hold energy
How to lower (control) carbon footprint (or) 15 ways to reduce your carbon footprint
Lowering individual carbon footprint from 16 tons to 2 tons does not happen over night.
But, by making small changes in our action we can reduce carbon footprint.
you understand where your emission comes from, you can take steps to reduce your
impact.
1. Calculate your carbon footprint.
2. Drive less.
3.Switch to an electric (or) hybrid car
4. Travel smart.
5. Switch to renewable energy.
6. Consider solar panels.
7. Make your home more efficient.
8.Turn your thermostat just 2 degrees cooler in winter and 2 degrees warmer in summer.

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 9. Get energy efficient appliances.
10. Unplug electrical devices when not in use.
11. Buy locally sourced food.
12. Start a home garden.
13. Eat less meat.
14. Don't waste water.
15. Reduce, reuse and recycle.
6.What is climate change.Explain the causes,effects and control measures with
any one case studies
CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change refers to the long-term shifts in temperatures and weather pattern.
Causes of climate change
1. Presence of green house gases in the atmosphere increases the global temperature.
2. Depletion of ozone layer also increases the global temperature.
3. Uneven distribution of rainfall.
4. Rotation of earth on its axis.
5. Seasonal changes.
Effect (or) Issues of climate change
1. Even small changes in climatic conditions may disturb agriculture that would lead to
migration of animals including humans.
2.Climate change may upset the hydrological cycle, results in floods and droughts in different
regions of the world.
3.Global pattern of winds and ocean currents also gets disturbed by climate.
4.More frequent and intense drought.
5. Sea levels gets raised.
6.Melting glaciers and warming oceans can directly harm animals and destroy the places they
live.
7. Higher temperature increases heat related illnesses and make working outdoors more difficult.
8. If conditions are hot wild fires start more easily and spread more rapidly.
9. As green house concentration increases, global surface temperature also increases.
Possible solutions to climate change
1. Burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas must be avoided.
2. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, tidal and geothermal power must be used instead
of fossil fuels.
3. Reducing petrol and diesel vehicles, planes and ships and switching to electric vehicles stop
climate change.
4. Heat our homes in a green way, by insulating walls and roofs and switching away from oil (or)
gas boilers to heat pumps.
5. Reducing individuals meat and dairy consumption (or) by going fully vegetarian.
6.Planting more trees in the right place will absorb more carbon from the emissions.

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
7. Protect forests, which fight against climate change.
8. Oceans also absorb large amounts of CO₂ from the atmosphere, which helps to keep our
climate stable.
9.Reducing overall consumption in more wealthy countries can help put less strain on the planet.
10.Avoid of using plastics.
11.Reduce carbon pollution to avoid the worst consequence of climate change.
12. Provide financial support to developing countries, so people and nature can successfully
adapt.
CASE STUDIES
Climate change on Chennai, East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road
(OMR)
ECR and OMR are the today's landmark will receive the highest climate impact.
Due to Chennai's land use patterns, population stress and abuse of natural resources climate has
changed drastically in the last few year.
Climate induced impacts like drought, floods, heavy rains and winds are becoming increasingly
evident in the city.
On one end of the continuum is summer water crises and on the other end is monsoonal flood
disasters.
Reason for flood in Chennai
Increasing population and building / Land use pattern have changed the natural hydrology
of the city. The water which needs to naturally drain into the sea via, the regional watershed are
now blocked by buildings and artificial man-made structures. These are all reason for flood in
Chennai city.
Remedy
Researchers predicts that Chennai's climate is more unpredictable and aggressive.
Climate change will affect people and the environment. People need to take action to reduce the
emission of green house gases that is the root cause for climate change.
Climate change on Chennai, Ennore
Ennore thermal power station
coal-fired thermal power plant
CPCL's oil refinery,
Madras Fertilizers Ltd, Tamil Nadu
Petroproducts Ltd and
Madras Petrochemical Ltd.
These six factories were, operating in violation of prescribed air pollution norms for
nearly 60%, responsible for drastic climate change.

More than 56 lakh tonnes of coal ash is spread over the river bed with flyash deposits ranging in
depth from 1 ft to 8 ft.

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Issues (or) effects
1.Ground-level particulate matter pollution
2. Ground-level SO2 and NO2 pollution exceeded the carrying capacity of the area.
3. In Ennore, children and women are particularly affected and gynecological problems were
particularly reported by respondents.
4. Natural drainage pattern have been considerably altered due to fly ash pond construction and
ash contamination.
5. Climate change manifeasts in the form of rising sea levels, increased heat stress, intense rain
events and droughts and ocean desertification due to warming seas.
6.More than 120 million litres of hot waste water is discharged daily, which create localised
marine deserts.
7.Define environmental management.Explain the objectives,principles and
steps involved in the environmental management with one case study
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Environmental management is a set of practices and processes that enable any
organization, whether private (or) public, to reduce its environmental impacts and increasing its
operating efficiency.
Objective (or) Aim of EM
1.To mitigate adverse impacts on various environmental components, which have been
identified during the rapid environmental impact assessment study.
2 To protect environmental resources.
3. To enhance the value of environmental components where possible.
4. To monitoring plan to enable evaluation of the success (or) failure of environmental
management measures.
5.To carry out reorientation of the plan if found necessary.
6. To implement the protective and enhancement measures by adopting suitable planning
and design criteria for construction of the project.
7. To improve the quality of human life.
8.To prevent and solve environmental problems.
9.To establish limits and standards.
10. To warn against threats and identify opportunities.
11. To develop strategy for improving quality of life.
12. To identify new eco-friendly technologies for sustainable development.
13. To protect the environment from the effects of manufacturing byproducts.
14. To protect your business from non compliance fines and penalties.
Principles of environmental management
There are 7 basic principles, which are some guiding principles of environmental
management. These principles are helpful in environmental decision making.
1. Polluter pays principle (PPP)

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 It states that firms discharge polluting effluent to the environment. If measures are
adopted to reduce pollution, the cost should be paid by the polluters (firms).
2.The user pays principle (UPP)
It states that all resource users should pay the cost of the use of a resource and related
services.
3. The precautionary principle (PP)
It states that a substance (or) activity, posing a threat to the environment, is prevented
from adversely affecting the environment.
4. Principle of effectiveness and efficiency
The efficiency of resource use may be accomplished by the use of policy instruments that
create incentive to minimize wasteful use.
5. The principle of responsibility
It is the responsibility of all persons, to use the environmental resources in an ecological
sustainable, economically efficient and socially fair manner.
6. The principle of participation
It is the duty of all the persons to participate in collectively environmental decision
making activities.
7. The principle of proportionality
It is based on the concept of balance. A balance is to maintain between the economic
development on the one hand and environmental protection on the other hand.
Steps involved in environmental management
The following 5 steps are involved in environmental management.
Step 1: Environmental policy
It is the mission of an organization, which starts with establishing an environmental policy.
Step 2: Planning
It involves identifying the resources, processes, significant impacts and pollution prevention
opportunities. It also includes objectives and targets for improvement efforts.
Step 3: Implementation
This step consists of defining the structure, responsibilities and programs. It also develops and
implements standard operating procedures and training.
Step 4: Checking and correction
It includes monitoring and measuring problems identification and corrective and preventive
action implementation.
Step 5: Management review
It involves modification on environmental management system to ensure solutions on
compliance.Based on the result of checking and correction, management must take corrective
actions.
Characteristics of environmental management
1. Environmental management supports sustainable development.
2.It demands the multidisciplinary approach.

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 3. It has to integrate different development view points.
4. It seeks to integrate natural and social science.
5. It can extend from short-term to long-term and from local to global level.
6. It deals with a world affected by humans.
Benefits of Environmental Management
1. Improved environmental performance
2.Enhanced compliance
3.Pollution prevention
4. Resource conservation
5.Attracts new customers/markets
6. Increased efficiency/reduced costs
7. Enhanced employee morale
8. Enhanced image with public, regulators, lenders and investors.

CASE STUDIES
Electronic waste (E-waste) Recycling, Dell company
Dell company
It create more eco-friendly products.
It plans to use 50 m pounds of recycled plastic and other sustainable materials,
It create 100% recyclable (or) compostable packaging
It recover 2 bn pounds of electronic waste.
Dell sourced 45 m kilos of recycled plastic to make monitors and desktops
Dell eliminated 20 m pounds of packaging waste
It generating more than 18 m in cost savings
Aim
To reduce packaging waste,
To replacing non-biodegradable, oil-base material with organic alternatives such as bamboo and
mushrooms.
To encourage others to see waste as a valuable resource
As a part of its effort. Finally, the most appropriate environmental management strategy to
control environmental pollution is cleaner production.

8. What is sustainability? Explain the various challenges of sustainability

SUSTAINABILITY
It is defined as "meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs".
Need of sustainability
1. Sustainability is key to preserving our planet.
2. Sustainability helps reduce pollution and conserve resources.
3. Sustainability creates jobs and stimulates the economy
4. Sustainability improves public health.
5. It protects biodiversity.
6. It protects the natural environment.
7. It is the choice of non-toxic materials.
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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
8.It reduces and reuses the resources.
9. It minimizes waste.
10. It is used for life-cycle analysis.
Concept (or) Approaches (or) Significance of Sustainability
To build up the sustainability development, the following approaches (or)
methods are proposed.
1. Developing appropriate technology:
It is the one, which is locally adaptable, eco-friendly, resource-efficient and culturally
suitable. It uses local labours, less resources, and produces minimum waste.
2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3-R) approach:
Reduce the usage of natural resources,
Reusing it again and again
Recycling the material into further products.
It reduces pressure on our natural resources and reduces waste generation and pollution.
3. Providing environmental education and awareness:
By providing environmental education and awareness, the thinking and attitude of
people towards our earth and the environment can be changed.
4. Consumption of Renewable Resources:
In order to attain sustainability, the consumption of renewable resources should not
exceed regeneration capacity.
5. Conservation of non renewable resources:
Non-renewable resources should be conserved by recycling and reusing.
6. Population Control:
By controlling population growth, we can make very good sustainability development.
Economic and Social Challenges of Sustainability
Economic sustainability
It refers to the organisation's ability to manage its resources and responsibly generate
profits in the long term.
Examples
I. A company uniliver
It has followed a strategy to achieve a balance between sustainability and the company's
economic performance.
So, it implemented several measures like increasing package recycling,
promoting the use of recycled materials
responsible consumption awareness campaigns
2. A company suez
It has reduced its emissions, related to electricity consumption, by 95% by using renewable
energy and conservation of natural habitats.
Economic challenges
(i) High rates of unemployment

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
(ii) High rates of poverty and low growth.
(iii) Increasing inequality
(iv) Disruption of major economic activities due to pandemic situation like tourism.
(v) Volatile growth dependent on one source.
(vi) Low productivity due to poor human capital development.
(vii) Skills mismatch between skills you have and the jobs you want to create.
(viii) Lack of quality jobs.
(ix) Macro economic instability and recurrent balance of payments shocks.

2. Social sustainability
It refers to strengthening the cohesion and stability of specific social groups.
Examples
1. A Company CEMEX
It is working to contribute to the social development of communities.
Thus, it offers decent housing through self-building programmes and loans with favourable
access conditions.
2. A Gigante group
It contributes funds and resources to a range of social causes like school materials for
collaborators and grants to improve visual health.
Social Challenges
Though social impact,social sustainability challenges, issues are not easily measurable,
they are easier to identify. Social sustainability performance challenges include

(i) Human rights.

(ii) Fair labour practices.
(iii) Living conditions.
(iv) Health and safety.
(v) Wellness, diversity and equity.
(vi) Work-life balance.
(vii) Empowerment.
(viii) Community engagement.

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 UNIT-V
SUSTAINABLITTY PRACTICES
1.Explain the concept,principle and steps to achieve zero waste.Mention its advantages and
drawbacks
ZERO WASTE
Zero waste is a set of principles, focused on waste prevention, that encourages redesigning
resource life cycles, so that all products are reused
Goal
1. The material should be reused until the optimum level of consumption is reached.
2. It provides guidelines for continually working towards eliminating waste.
3. To avoid sending trash to landfills, incinerators (or) the ocean.
Concept
The conservation of all the resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse
and recovery of products, packaging and materials without burning and with no discharges to
the environment.
Examples of zero waste
(i) one way recyclable glass bottles.
(ii) one way milk bags.
(iii) one way aseptic cartons.
(iv) one way table top paper board cartons.
Principles of zero waste( 5 R)
1.Refuse what you don't need:
2.Reduce what you do use:
3. Reuse whatever you can.
4.Recycle what you can't refuse (or) reduce.
5. Regulate of what's left over:

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Steps to achieve zero waste
1. Identify the high waste areas of our life-style.
2. Know where to apply the principle of zero waste,
3.Substitute single use plastic with eco-friendly zero waste options.
4. Buy zero waste (or) eco-friendly products.
5.Support eco-friendly businesses.
6.Put all your kitchen waste to good use (compositing).
7. Reuse, upcycle and re-purpose.
Advantages (or) Benefits
(i) It reduces our climate impact.
(ii) It conserves resources and minimizes pollution.
(iii) It promotes social equity and builds community.
(iv) It supports a local circular economy and creates jobs.
(v) It needs businesses to play a key role.
Disadvantages (or) problem of zero waste
(i) Since zero wastes are solids, it is difficult
(ii) It is more expensive.
(iii) Zero waste in time-consuming.
(iv) It can cause anxiety.
(v) Zero waste can be misleading.
(vi) It can be difficult for a large household.
(vii) Zero waste products are hard to find.

2.What is ISO?List out the ISO 14000 series.Mention its advantages and
disadvantages
ISO 14000
International Organization for Standardization.
It provides standards and guidelines for a variety of businesses and purposes and publishes
technical reports.
ISO 14000 series
It is a family of standards related to environmental management that exist to help
organizations.
(a) minimize how their operations negatively affect the environment.
(b) comply with applicable laws, regulations and other environmentally oriented requirements.
(c) continually improve with above.
Objective of ISO14000 series
To promote effective environmental management systems in organizations.
List of ISO 14000 Series Standards

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
 ● ISO 14001 Environmental management systems - Requirements with guidance
for use
● ISO 14004 Environmental management systems - General guidelines on
implementation
● ISO 14005 Environmental management systems - Guidelines for a flexible
approach to phased implementation
● ISO 14006 Environmental management systems - Guidelines for incorporating
ecodesign
● ISO 14015 Environmental management - Environmental assessment of sites and
organizations (EASO)
● ISO 14020 to 14025 Environmental labels and declarations
● ISO/NP 14030 Green bonds -- Environmental performance of nominated
projects and assets; discusses post-production environmental assessment
● ISO 14031 Environmental management - Environmental performance
evaluation - Guidelines
● ISO 14040 to 14049 Environmental management - Life cycle assessment;
discusses pre-production planning and environment goal setting
● ISO 14050 Environmental management - Vocabulary; terms and definitions
● ISO/TR 14062 Environmental management - Integrating environmental aspects
into product design and development
● ISO 14063 Environmental management - Environmental communication -
Guidelines and examples
● ISO 14064 Greenhouse gases; measuring, quantifying, and reducing greenhouse
gas emissions
● ISO 14090 Adaptation to climate change — Principles, requirements and
guidelines
Core elements of ISO 14000
It contains the following six key elements.
(1) Environmental policy.
(ii) Planning.
(iii) Implementation and operation.
(iv) Checking and corrective action.
(v) Management review.
(vi) Continuous improvement.
Advantages (or) Benefits
(i) It identifies risks and opportunities.
(ii) It prevents problems from reoccurring.
(iii) It boosts your marketing and sales efforts.
(iv) It improves employee performance.
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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
(v) It improves your control over the business.
(vii) It helps to reduce waste.
(vii) It helps to minimize the carbon footprint of a company.
(ix) It is recognised internationally.

Disadvantages (or) limitations

1. It is extremely costly to implement if not done properly.
2. It requires a lot of administrative work.
3. No improvement in environmental performance.
4. Organizations face a lot of challenges while implementing this standards.

3. What is energy cycle? Explain the carbon cycle with neat diagram.
ENERGY CYCLES
The cyclic flow of energy between biotic and abiotic components in an ecosystem is
called energy cycle
Important energy cycles
(1) Carbon cycle.
(ii) Nitrogen cycle.
(iii) Phosphorus cycle.
Carbon cycle
Carbon cycle is the movement of carbon (or) carbon compounds continuously from the
atmosphere to the earth and then back into the atmosphere.
Carbon in the atmosphere is present in the form of carbon dioxide.
Carbon enters the atmosphere through natural process such as respiration and industrial
applications such as burning of fossil fuels
Sources of CO, in atmosphere.
1. Respiration of plants
2.Respiration of animals
3. Combustion of fuels also release CO2.
4. Volcanic eruptions also release CO2

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Various steps involved in carbon cycle Carbon cycle
Step 1:Producers
Carbon present in the atmosphere is absorbed by plants by the processes photosynthesis,
which involves the absorption of CO2 by plants to produce carbohydrates

CO₂+ H₂O+ energy—-------------> (CH₂O)n+0₂

Step 2: Consumers
These plants are then consumed by animals and carbon gets bioaccumulated into their
bodies
Step 3: Decomposers
These animals and plants eventually die and decomposers eat the dead organism and
return the carbon from their body back into the atmosphere
(CH2O)+02→→CO2 + H2O+ energy
Step 4: Fossil fuel formation
Some of the carbon that is not released back into the atmosphere eventually become fossil
fuels.
Step 5: Usage of fossil fuels
These fossil fuels are then used for man-made activities, which pump more carbon back
into the atmosphere.
Importance (or) benefits of carbon cycle
i) It avoids global warming.
ii)Carbon cycle is an important aspect of the survival of all life on earth.
iii) Carbon is the building block of life and forms bonds with other elements necessary for life.

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4. What is EIA? Explain the objectives, process and benefits of EIA.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)
It is a formal process of predicting the environmental consequences of any development
projects.
Purpose (or) Alm of EIA
It is used to identify the environmental, social and economic impacts of the project prior to
decision making.
Objectives of EIA
1. To identify the main issues and problem of the parties.
2. To identify who is the party.
3. To identify what are the problems of the parties.
4. To identify why are the problems arise.
Benefits of EIA
1. Cost and time of the project is reduced.
2. Performance of the project is improved.
3. Waste treatment and cleaning expenses are minimised.
4. Usages of resources are decreased.
5. Biodiversity is maintained.
6. Human health is improved.
Process of EIA (or) Key Elements of EIA
The key elements used in the process of EIA are
1. Scoping
2. Screening
3. Identifying and evaluating alternatives
4. Mitigating measures dealing with uncertainty
5. Issuing environmental statements
1. Scoping
It is used to identify the key issues of the concern in the planning process at an early
stage.
It is also used to identify any possible alternatives.
2. Screening
It is used to decide whether an EIA is required (or) not based on the information
collected.
3. Identifying and evaluating alternatives
It involves knowing alterative sites and alternative techniques and their impacts.
4. Mitigating measures dealing with uncertainty
It reviews the action taken to prevent (or) minimize the adverse effects of a project.
5. Environmental statements
This is the final stage of the EIA process. It reports the findings of the EIA.
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5. What is green engineering? Explain the goals, principles and benefits of
green engineering.
GREEN ENGINEERING
Green engineering is the design, commercialization and use of processes and products
that minimizes pollution, promotes sustainability and promotes human health without affecting
environment.
Examples
1. Biodegradable cups and straws.
2. Enhanced industrial emission filters.
3. Waste water treatment.
4. Radiant floors (heat homes efficiently .
Goal of green engineering
1.Reduce pollution
2.Reduces energy consumption.
3.Reduce water consumption.
4.Reduces waste
5.Reduce our carbon footprint.
6.Reduce human population exposure
7. Improved uses of matter and energy throughout the life cycle of the product.
8. Improves business efficiency
Principles of green engineering
1.All materials and energy inputs and outputs are inherently non-hazardous as possible.
2.It is better to prevent waste that to treat (or) clean up waste after it is formed.
3 To minimize energy consumption and material use.
4.Products, processes and systems must be designed to maximize mass, energy, space and time
efficiency.
5.Products, processes and systems must include integration and inter-connectivity with available
energy and materials flow.
6.Products, processes and system should be "output pulled" rather than "input pushed"
7.To enhance recycle, reuse.
8. Durability rather than immortality should be a design goal.
9. Material diversity in multi-component products should be minimized.
10. Material and energy inputs should be renewable rather than depleting.
Benefits of green engineering
1.It improves business practices by eliminating improper production methods.
2. It improves a company's reputation by showing consumers it cares about the environment.
3. It minimizes energy (or) production waste.

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4. It provides tax incentives.
5.It helps the global environment.
6. It reduces air, water and soil pollutions.
7.It provides new business opportunities.
Limitations (or) disadvantages of green engineering
1. R & D costs, production and implementation costs are high.
2. Implementation will take many years.
3.Green technology is still quite immature.
4.Some companies may go out of business.
5.Job losses.
6. Not everything that is labeled as green is actually green.

6.Explain the carbon emission and sequestration

CARBON EMISSION
Carbon emission is the release of green house gases and their precursors into the
atmosphere over a specified area and period of time.
Types of corbon emissions :
I.Direct emissions
(a) Stationary combustion
All fuels that produce GHG.
(b) Mobile combustion
All vehicles owned by a firm, burning fuel.
Example: cars, vans, trucks.
(c) Fugitive emissions
These are leaks from green house gases (GHG).
Example
Refrigeration, air-conditioning units.
(d) Process emission
These are from industrial processes and on-site manufacturing.
Example
Cement manufacturing, chemical manufacturing.
II. Indirect emissions
Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy
(purchased electricity steam, heat and cooling) from a utility provider (end user).
Sources (or) Couses of carbon emissions
1. Natural sources of CO2 emission
It includes
(a) Decomposition of matter.
(b) Ocean release.
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 (c) Respiration.
(d) Most animals, which exhale CO2 as a waste product.
(e) Carbonate rocks.
2. Human sources of CO2 emission
It includes
(a) Burning of fossil fuels like coal, natural gas and oil.
(b) Deforestation.
(c) Industrial activities
(d) Transportation sector
Harmful effects of carbon emissions
1.It affects the planet significantly.
2.It causes global warming
3.It affects climate change.
Reduction of carbon emission
There are many ways to reduce green house gas emissions like
1. energy efficiency.
2. fuel switching.
3. combined and power.
4. use of renewable energy.
5. more efficient use.
6. recycling of materials.
7. plant more trees.
8. reduce air travel.
9. driving more efficient.
CARBON SEQUESTRATION
It is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbondioxide.
Goal:
To reduce global climate change.
Scenario:
25% of our carbon emissions have been captured by earth's forests,
30% of the carbon dioxide, we emit from burning fossil fuels, is absorbed by the upper
layer of the ocean.
45% of carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere the rest in sequestered naturally by the
environment.
Concept (or) Aim of carbon sequestration
The concept of carbon sequestration is to stabilize carbon in solid and dissolved forms so
that it doesn't cause the atmosphere to warm.
Methods (or) Types of carbon sequestration
There are three main types of carbon sequestration.
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1. Biological carbon sequestration:
It is the storage of CO, in vegetation like grassland, forests, soils and oceans.
2. Geological carbon sequestration
It is the process of storing CO₂ in underground geologic formations (or) rocks.
Typically, CO2 is captured from an industrial sources and injected into the porous rocks for
long-term storage.
3. Technological carbon sequestration
The use of CO2 as a raw material to produce graphene (a technological material).
Graphene is used to create screens for smart phones and other technical devices.
Advantages (or) merits
1. It prevents the occurrence of climate change,
2..Deep injection of CO2 improves the extraction of fuels
3. Since the gas can be easily liquefied, it can be easily transmitted through pipelines.
4. No CO₂ leaking out from the injection site.
5. It lowers carbon emission by 80% to 85% while using fossil fuels.
Disadvantages (or) limitations
1.Due to this, in power plants, 40% additional coal is consumed
2. It uses a lot of electrical power.
3. It can be disastrous if the injected gas leaks
4.The ocean can become acidic due to the large amounts of carbon dioxide being injected into it,
endangering aquatic life..
5.Planting trees, requires more time for the trees to mature.
6. There is no enough available geological resources to sequester carbon.

7.Explain the following (i) Green building (ii) Green materials

GREEN BUILDINGS
Green building is an efficient method of construction that produces healthier buildings,
which have less impact on the environment and climate. It requires less cost to maintain.
Criteria for green building
1. Green builders are encouraged to build on previously developed land rather than developing
new land.
2. It is also important to build near existing infrastructure like bus routes, market, libraries.
3.The building site should be smaller because there is less environmental foot print.
4.Sites must be sustainably landscaped and don't suffer from soil erosion (or) light pollution.
5.Water reduction is built in by design using low-flow toilets, grey water systems.
6.Green buildings are constructed using clean energy like geothermal, solar, wind energies.
7 Green builders reduce material usage wherever possible.
8.Selecting low emitting materials.
Features of green building
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(i) Efficient use of resources.
(ii) Use of renewable energy
(iii) Reduce Pollution and waste production
(iv) Good indoor air quality.
(v) Use of non-toxic, sustainable materials
Principles of green building
The five principles of green building are
(i) Livable communities.
(ii) Energy efficiency.
(iii) Indoor air quality.
(iv) Resource conservation.
(v) Water conservation.
Components of green building
Seven important components of green buildings are
1. Aluminium weather resistant insulated access panel.
2.Energy efficient windows.
3. Green roof.
4. Solar power.
5. Water conservation.
6. Recycling.
7. Landscaping.

Advantages of green buildings

1. Green buildings are energy efficient.
2. Higher eco-friendly materials.
3. Water efficient devices.
4. Reduction in waste.
5.Less air pollution.
6. Reduction in green house gas emissions.
7.Protection of our natural resources.
8.Indoor air quality is improved.
9. Use of recycled metal and other construction materials.
10. Emphasis on renewable energies.
11. Day lighting is utilized as best as possible.
12.Use of renewable plant materials.
13. Higher market value.
14. Rainwater collection and use of compost bins.
15. Overall health improvements.
Disadvantages of green building
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1. High initial costs.
2. Energy supply may depend on weather condition.
3.Technology problems are more.
4.Maintenance may be difficult.
5. Indoor air temperature may greatly vary over time.
6. Experienced green construction workers may be rare.
7.Green construction is not suitable for all locations.
8. Availability of green construction materials.
9.Funding problems for green buildings.
GREEN MATERIALS
Green materials also called eco-friendly materials, building construction materials that
have low impact on the environment.
Due to the properties of non-toxic, organic and recycling, green materials are widely used
in various industrial applications.
Examples
Naturally occurring materials like wood. ceramics, glass, clay, sand, stone.
Criteria for green materials
Following criteria can be used to identify the green materials.
(i) Local availability of materials.
(ii) Embodied energy of materials.
(iii) % of recycled materials used.
(iv) Rapidly renewable materials.
(v) Contribution in energy efficiency of building.
(vi) Recyclability of materials.
(vii) Durability.
(viii) Environmental impact.
Characteristics of green materials
1. Green materials are energy efficient products, it uses less energy to do the same task.
2.It lowers energy cost and lesser pollution.
3.Green materials are mostly renewable.
Example
Bamboo grows quickly while pine grows more slowly, but both are renewable.
4. Green materials are recyclable
5. Green materials are non-toxic, they do not emit odors, hazardous compound
6.They are durable and no need to upgrade
7.They are cost-effective.
8. They can be locally sourced, so transport cost can be reduced.

Important green building materials

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1. Stone: It is low maintenance and durable.
2. Cob: (mud mixture of natural ingredients like soil. sand, straw and lime). It is cheap and
energy efficient.
3. Bamboo:It is durable and light weight.
4. Cork: (Cork canes from oak trees):It is a very good thermal insulator and mold resistant
5. Adobe brick: (brick made of clay and straw):Natural noise protection and posses unique
design (can be easily cut and transformed).
6. Straw bale:Easily renewable and cheap.
7. Cord wood Affordable (cheap and easy construction), thermal efficiency.
8. Earth bags (or) sand bags:Locally sourced and provide natural insulation.
9. Mycelium (or) mushroom roots :Strong and light weight.
Examples of green materials
(i) Bamboo floorings.
(ii) LED lightings.
(i) Reclaimed wood.
(iv) Energy efficient appliances,
(v) High-efficiency glass windows.
(vi) Solar panels.
(vii) Recycled steel.
(viii) Cork.
(ix) Precast concrete slabs.
(x) Low VOC paint.

8.Explain the 3R concept

3R CONCEPT (REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE)
The principle of reducing waste, reusing and recycling resources and products is often
called 3Rs.
1. Reduce
Reducing means choosing to use things with care to reduce the amount of waste
generated. If the usage of raw materials are reduced, the generation of waste also g gets reduced.
2. Reuse
Reusing involves the repeated use of items (or) parts of items which still have usable
aspects. (a) The refillable containers, which are discarded after use, can be reused. (b) Rubber
rings can be made from the discarded cycle tubes, which reduces the waste generation during
manufacturing of rubber bands.
3.Recyle
Recycling means the use of waste itself as the resources
It involves reprocessing of the discarded materials into new useful products.
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Examples
(i) Old aluminium cans and glass bottles are melted and recast into new cans and bottles.
(ii) Preparation of cellulose insulation from paper.
(ii) Preparation of fuel pellets from kitchen waste.
(iv) Preparation of automobiles and construction materials from steel cans.
The above process saves money, energy, raw materials, and reduces pollution.
Concept of 3R
The concepts of 3R refers to reduce, reuse and recycle, particularly in the topic of
production and consumption.
It forces 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.
Principle
3R is the order of priority of actions to be taken to reduce the amount of waste generated
and to improve overall waste management processes and programs.
Importance of 3 Rs
(1) It reduce the amount of solid waste produced.
(ii) The resources like water and energy can be saved.
(iii) It avoids creating waste
(iv) Recycling helps families save money because they pay for less disposal costs.
(v) Recycling produces less air and water pollution than manufacturing with new
materials.
(v)i By recycling less materials are sent to landfills,
(vii) Proper disposal and recycling will prevent water and soil contamination.

Advantages (or) Benefits of 3 Rs

(1) Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
(ii) Saves energy.
(iii) Helps sustain the environment for future generations.
(iv) Reduces the amount of waste that will need to be recycled (or) sent to landfills and
incinerators.
(v)Save money.
(vi)Prevent pollution.
Disadvantages of 3 Rs
1. High upfront capital cost.
2 Recycling sites are always unhygienic, unsafe and unsightly.
3. Products from recycled waste may not be durable.
4.Recycling might not be inexpensive.
5.3R is more energy consumption and pollution.
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 6. 3R generates pollutants.
7. Processing cost is high.
8.Quality of resultant product is low.
9.Explain the following (i) Circular economy (ii) Material Life cycle
Assesment
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Circular economy is a new production and consumption model that ensures sustainable
growth over time.
It reduces the consumption of raw materials and recover wastes by recycling (or) giving
it a second life as a new product.
Aim (or) Purpose
Applying three basic principles reduce, reuse and recycle.
The life cycle of products is extended,

Benefits of circular economy

(1)It protects environment.
(ii) Circular economy benefits the local economy.
(iii) It drives employment growth.
(iv) It promotes resource independence.

Necessary steps (7Rs) to achieve a circular economy

1. Redesign
Redesigning process consumes fewer raw materials, extends their life cycle and generates
less waste.
2. Reduce

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If we reduce consumption, waste generation and use of raw materials, impact on the environment
gets reduced.
3.Reuse
Reusing the products extends their life cycle.
4.Repair
Repairing avoids the use of new raw materials, saves energy and does not generate
environmental waste.
5. Renovate
Update old objects, so that they can be reused.
6 Recycle
Waste product can be used as raw material to manufacture new products.
7. Recover
The products that are going to be discarded, can be used for new uses.
Example for Circular Economy
(1) Manufacturers design products to be reusable.
(ii) Electrical devices designed in such a way that they are easier to repair.

(ii)MATERIAL LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a process of evaluating the effects of a material on the
environment over the entire period of its life,
Stages of a life cycle assessment
Step 1:Raw materials (Resources) extraction and processing.
Step 2:Manufacturing.
Step 3: Transportation.
Step 4:Distribution.
Step 5: Usage and retail.
Step 6: Waste disposal (end of life).

Benefits (or) Advantages of LCA

1.It is widely used to Support sustainable development
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2. It allows decision makers to select the product that has lowest impact on the environment.
3. It is a modelling tool to assess environmental impacts of a product during its entire lifespan.
4.It provides a holistic view on the environmental impacts,
5. It is purely based on internationally accepted standards.
Disadvantages (or) Limitations
1.It assesses the real world in a simplified model.
2. The assumptions may vary from one study to the other leading to different LCA results.
3.Variations in LCA results may be confusing especially for non-experts.
4.LCA study requires large amount of data.
5. If data collection is poor, the study will not lead to solid conclusions.
6.It is not easy to communicate the results of a LCA study.

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Dr.A.Charles, Assistant Professor of Chemistry