NAME : EOGHN VITHOBA PATEL

ROLL NO : 2214507072

PROGRAM : BBA

SEMESTER : IV

COURSE NAME : ENVIRONMENTAL

SCIENCE
COURSE CODE : DBB2204
 SET I
QNO -1
Ans –
THE BIOSPHERE
The biosphere consists of all spheres, i.e., lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. The
biosphere is part of the earth where life exists and is extended from trees, dark environment
of the ocean to high mountaintops. Life forms are part of all the spheres that are part of all the
spheres on the ground, in air, and in the water, and biosphere overlaps all these spheres. The
biosphere extends to around 20 kms but almost all life forms exist around about 500 meters
below the ocean's surface to about 6 kms above sea level.

. ANTHROPOSPHERE
The Anthroposphere includes the presence of entire mankind across the earth system from
culture, technology, environment, and other activities that are part of our daily activities. The
Anthroposphere came into existence in Anthropocene. Scientists mark this age with the
beginning of agriculture, while others associate it with the industrial revolution. The
geologist's community started recognizing Anthropocene as a new geological era, and it
started around the 1950s. We can also define Anthropocene as the earth system component,
which comprises the towns, cities, villages, and every transportation network to every other
establishment that marks civilization.

QNO -2
Ans- The biological diversity contained within ecosystems underpins all activities of human
life. This continued diversity of our ecosystem contributes to sustainability, economic
prosperity, and many different aspects of human welfare.
Reasons for Degradation of Ecosystems:
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: This is often due to urbanization, agriculture,
infrastructure development, and deforestation, leading to reduced biodiversity and ecosystem
functionality.
Pollution: Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, air pollution, and plastic debris can degrade
ecosystems, harm wildlife, and contaminate water sources.
Climate Change: Alterations in temperature, precipitation patterns, and sea levels can disrupt
ecosystems, leading to shifts in species distributions and loss of habitat.
Overexploitation of Resources: Unsustainable fishing practices, logging, mining, and
hunting can deplete natural resources faster than they can regenerate, threatening species
survival and ecosystem integrity.
Invasive Species: Introduction of non-native species can outcompete native species, disrupt
food webs, and alter ecosystem dynamics, leading to biodiversity loss.
Land Use Change: Conversion of natural ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and grasslands
into agricultural or urban areas reduces habitat availability and ecosystem services.
Disease Outbreaks: Changes in ecosystem structure and function can increase the
vulnerability of species to diseases, leading to population declines and ecosystem
destabilization.
Lack of Awareness and Policy: Insufficient understanding of the value of ecosystems and
inadequate conservation policies can lead to unsustainable practices and degradation.

QNO -3
Ans-
Physical contaminants primarily persuade the physical existence and alternative physical
properties of water. For example, sediment and organic material hung within the rivers, lakes
and streams that turn to soil erosion. The problems associated with the water pollution due to
its physical properties are colour contamination, corrosiveness (pH), radio nuclides, opacity,
and bad odours.
Chemical contaminants are compound materials. These can be created by human beings or
occur naturally such as nitrogen, bleach, salts, metals, pesticides and toxic elements that are
generated by bacteria, human and animal dung. Chemical pollutants like selenium and
uranium cause harmful effects in humans through drinking water like loss of hair, weakened
nails and changes in peripheral nerves. Iron, manganese, fluoride also have extremely
harmful effects.
Radiological contaminants are chemical elements with inequitable compounds of protons
and neutrons causing the creation of movable atoms which can release ionizing radiation.
Such as cesium, uranium and plutonium. One of the most hazardous radiological
contaminants is radon gas, which enters homes through well water and emits alpha radiation.
Radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer, apart from smoking.
Biological contaminants are considered harmful organisms in the water. They are also
known as microbes or microbiological contaminants. Examples are viruses, protozoa,
parasites and bacteria. The microorganisms present in these pollutants are responsible for
waterborne diseases like typhoid, cholera, fever, polio and hepatitis. The contamination
through these pollutants is mainly due to human and animal waste.
Organic water contaminants include petroleum hydrocarbons comprising lubricants and
fuels, insecticides and herbicides, food processing waste, detergents, drug pollutants, and
chlorinated solvents. More than one atom is linked with atoms and other elements within the
molecular structure to form a new one.
Inorganic water contaminants include ammonia, chemical waste, fertilizers like nitrates
and phosphates, heavy metals and acidity caused by industrial discharges. Arsenic is a major
inorganic component in water pollution that gets mixed with water through erosion of natural
deposits, which causes skin damage, cancer and circulatory problems.
Macroscopic contaminants include trash, nurdles, shipwrecks. They are huge and visible.
They must be removed to avoid harm to aquatic ecosystems and contamination due to the
breakdown of these materials. Pieces of metal and wood also come under this. The pollution
due to these contaminants is the most manageable one.
Thermal contaminants are due to the sudden rise or sharp fall in the temperature of natural
water bodies due to the intervention of humans. A basic cause of thermal contamination is the
use of water as a coolant agent by industries and power plants. Elevated water temperatures
lead to a decrease in oxygen levels which hampers aquatic life
Microbial contaminants majorly include faecal coliform bacteria. Turbidity and lack of
clarity is a sign of microbial contamination. These pollutants usually enter the environment
through faecal matter from inappropriately treated sewage, leakage from septic systems and
livestock runoff..

Control Measures for Water Contamination:

Source Control:
Implementing measures to prevent contaminants from entering water sources, such as better
industrial practices, agricultural management, and proper waste disposal.
Water Treatment:
Physical Treatment: Filtration techniques like sand filters or membrane filtration to remove
suspended solids.
Chemical Treatment: Adding coagulants and flocculants to precipitate and remove
contaminants.
Biological Treatment: Using biological processes like activated sludge or constructed
wetlands to degrade organic pollutants.
Advanced Treatment Technologies:
Ozone Treatment: Effective for disinfection and removal of organic compounds.
Activated Carbon Adsorption: Adsorbs organic contaminants and certain chemicals.
Reverse Osmosis: Removes dissolved salts, metals, and some organic compounds through a
semi-permeable membrane.
Regulatory Measures:
Establishing and enforcing water quality standards and regulations to limit the discharge of
contaminants into water bodies.
Monitoring and reporting requirements to ensure compliance with water quality standards.
Public Education and Awareness:
Informing communities about the importance of clean water and proper water use practices.
Encouraging water conservation and responsible use of chemicals and fertilizers.
Infrastructure Improvement:
Upgrading and maintaining wastewater treatment plants and sewage systems to ensure
effective treatment and disposal of wastewater.
International Cooperation:
Collaborating with neighboring countries on transboundary water management to address
pollution sources that affect shared water bodies.
 SET II
Qno – 4
Reasons for Population Growth:
Population growth refers to the increase in the number of individuals in a population over
time. There are several reasons that contribute to population growth:
High Birth Rates: When the number of births exceeds the number of deaths in a population
over a period of time, it leads to natural population growth. Factors influencing high birth
rates include cultural norms, religious beliefs, social security (children as economic assets),
lack of access to contraception, and high infant survival rates due to advances in healthcare.
Decline in Death Rates: Advances in medicine, healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition have
significantly reduced mortality rates worldwide. This increase in life expectancy and reduced
mortality rates, particularly among infants and children, contributes to population growth as
more individuals survive to reproductive age.
Improvements in Healthcare: Access to healthcare services, vaccinations, antibiotics, and
medical treatments has contributed to reduced mortality rates and increased life expectancy.
This has resulted in larger populations as more individuals survive various diseases and
health challenges.
Migration: Population growth can also occur due to immigration, where individuals or
groups move into a region or country from elsewhere. Factors influencing migration include
economic opportunities, political stability, conflict, environmental conditions (e.g., climate
change impacts), and social factors (e.g., family reunification).
Economic Factors: Economic prosperity can influence population growth through several
mechanisms. Higher incomes and economic stability can lead to better living conditions,
improved healthcare, and greater access to education, which can in turn lead to lower birth
rates and population stabilization in some cases. However, initially, economic growth can
contribute to population growth by improving living standards and healthcare.
Effects of Population Growth on the Environment:
Resource Depletion: Growing populations increase demand for natural resources such as
water, land, energy, and minerals. This leads to overexploitation of resources, depletion of
freshwater sources, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity.
Pollution: Higher population densities contribute to increased levels of pollution. This
includes air pollution from transportation and industries, water pollution from untreated
sewage and industrial discharges, and soil contamination from agricultural chemicals and
waste disposal.
Land Use Change: Rapid population growth drives urbanization and expansion of
agricultural land. This results in habitat loss, fragmentation of ecosystems, and conversion of
natural landscapes into urban or agricultural areas, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem
services.
Climate Change: Population growth intensifies anthropogenic activities such as fossil fuel
combustion, deforestation, and industrial processes, leading to higher greenhouse gas
emissions. This contributes to global warming, sea level rise, altered weather patterns, and
ecosystem disruption.
Waste Generation: Increased population density generates more waste, including solid
waste, wastewater, and hazardous materials. Inadequate waste management practices can lead
to environmental contamination, health risks, and ecosystem degradation.

QNO -5
Classification of Solid Waste:
Solid waste is classified based on various criteria such as its source, composition, and
potential environmental impacts. Here are the main classifications of solid waste:
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW):
Generated from households, commercial establishments, institutions (e.g., schools, hospitals),
and small businesses.
Typically consists of household waste, packaging materials, food scraps, paper, plastics,
glass, metals, and yard waste.
Industrial Solid Waste:
Generated from industrial processes and manufacturing activities.
Includes by-products, scrap materials, and process residues such as sludge, ash, and
manufacturing waste.
Commercial Solid Waste:
Generated from businesses, offices, stores, and markets.
Includes packaging materials, paper waste, food waste, and other materials discarded during
commercial activities.
Construction and Demolition (C&D) Debris:
Generated from construction, renovation, and demolition activities.
Includes materials such as concrete, wood, metals, asphalt, bricks, and gypsum from
buildings and infrastructure.
Hazardous Waste:
Poses significant risks to human health and the environment due to its chemical, physical, or
biological properties.
Includes substances such as solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, radioactive materials, and
certain industrial chemicals.
Biomedical or Healthcare Waste:
Generated from healthcare facilities, laboratories, and research institutions.
Includes infectious waste (e.g., discarded sharps, contaminated materials), pathological
waste, pharmaceutical waste, and radioactive waste.
Electronic Waste (E-waste):
Consists of discarded electronic devices and equipment.
Includes computers, cell phones, TVs, refrigerators, and other electronic gadgets containing
hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium.

Plan on Disposal Methods and Effects:

Landfilling:
Method: Solid waste is buried in engineered landfills designed to minimize environmental
impacts.
Effects:
Negative: Landfills can produce leachate (liquid formed from rainwater percolating through
waste), which can contaminate groundwater if not properly managed. Methane gas, a potent
greenhouse gas, is also generated from decomposing organic waste.
Positive: Modern landfills incorporate liners and monitoring systems to reduce environmental
impacts. Landfill gas can be captured and used for energy generation.
Incineration:
Method: Waste is burned at high temperatures in controlled combustion chambers.
Effects:
Negative: Incineration emits air pollutants such as particulate matter, heavy metals, and
dioxins. Ash disposal requires careful management due to potential toxicity.
Positive: Energy can be recovered from waste combustion, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Advanced incineration technologies can minimize emissions and recover metals from ash.
Recycling:
Method: Waste materials such as paper, plastics, metals, and glass are sorted, processed, and
converted into new products.
Effects:
Positive: Recycling conserves natural resources, reduces energy consumption, and decreases
landfill space. It helps mitigate environmental impacts associated with extraction and
production of raw materials.
Negative: Recycling processes can be energy-intensive and may generate pollutants
depending on the materials processed.
Composting:
Method: Organic waste such as food scraps and yard waste undergoes controlled
decomposition to produce compost, a nutrient-rich soil amendment.
Effects:
Positive: Composting reduces methane emissions from landfills, improves soil fertility, and
reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
Negative: Improper composting can lead to odor issues, nutrient leaching, and contamination
if not managed correctly.

QNO -6
Air Pollution:
Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the air, emitted from natural
sources or human activities, that can cause harm to humans, animals, plants, and the
environment. These pollutants can be in the form of gases, particulate matter (PM), or
biological molecules.
Effects of Air Pollution:
1. Human Health Effects:
Respiratory Diseases: Inhalation of air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen
dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and reduced lung function.
Cardiovascular Diseases: Air pollution is linked to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases,
including heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone
exposure are particularly associated with these health impacts.
Cancer: Long-term exposure to certain air pollutants, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and
particulate matter, can increase the risk of developing lung cancer and other types of cancer.
Reproductive and Developmental Effects: Exposure to air pollutants during pregnancy can
affect fetal development and increase the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and
developmental disorders in children.
Neurological Effects: Some air pollutants, like lead and mercury, can impair neurological
development in children and contribute to cognitive deficits and behavioral disorders.
2. Environmental Effects:
Ecosystems: Air pollution can damage plants, crops, and forests by reducing photosynthesis,
impairing growth, and increasing susceptibility to diseases. Acid rain, caused by sulfur
dioxide and nitrogen oxides, can also harm aquatic ecosystems, soil, and wildlife.
Climate Change: Certain air pollutants, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4),
are greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and climate change. They trap heat in
the atmosphere, leading to shifts in weather patterns, rising sea levels, and ecosystem
disruptions.
Visibility: Air pollutants like particulate matter and ozone can reduce visibility, impacting
scenic views and tourism. This is particularly evident in urban areas with high levels of smog.
Air Quality: Poor air quality due to pollution can lead to reduced visibility, unpleasant odors,
and health advisories. It can also affect outdoor activities and quality of life in affected areas.