SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING - MODULE-2

 The United States Environmental Protection Administration defines pollution as "Any

substances in water, soil, or air that degrade the natural quality of the environment, offend
the senses of sight, taste, or smell, or cause a health hazard”.
TYPES OF POLLUTANTS

Depending upon their existence in nature pollutants are of two types.

 Quantitative Pollutants: These are those substances normally occurring in the environment, who acquire
the status of a pollutant when their concentration gets increased due to the unmindful activities of man.

 Qualitative Pollutant: These are those substances which do not normally occur in nature but are added by
man, for example, insecticides.
 Depending upon the form in which they persist after being released into the environment, the pollutants are
categorized into two types.

• Primary Pollutants: The pollutants that are a direct result of the process can be called primary pollutants. Dust
storms and volcanic eruptions and through human activities like emission from vehicles, industries etc.

• Secondary pollutants: They are the ones that are caused by the intermingling and reactions of primary
pollutants. Smog created by the interactions of several primary pollutants is known to be a secondary pollutant.
From the ecosystem point of view, i.e., according to their natural disposal, pollutants are of two types:

(a)Bio-degradable Pollutants: These are the pollutants that are quickly degraded by natural means.

(b)Non-degradable Pollutants: These are the substances that either do not degrade or degrade very slowly
in the natural environment.

Classification of pollutants on the basis their physical state:

(a) Gaseous pollutants: CO, CO2, SO2, SO3, H2S, oxides of nitrogen etc.
(b) Liquid pollutants: Domestic sewage, industrial effluents, acid rains, runoff from the lands, oil pollutants
from cargos etc.
(c)Solid pollutants: Smoke, dust, smog, fog, aerosols, particulates, pollen grains.
MAJOR AIR POLLUTANTS

(a)Carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide is one of the major gases which contribute towards air pollution. It is mainly produced
during the combustion of fuel in factories, power stations, household etc.
(b)Sulphur dioxide: It is produced by the burning of coal in power houses and automobiles (car, trucks etc.).It causes chlorosis
and necrosis of plants, irritation in eyes and injury to the respiratory tract (asthma, bronchitis) in humans responsible for
discoloration and deterioration of buildings.
(c)Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide is produced as a result of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum
and wood charcoal. Automobiles using diesel and petroleum are the major sources of carbon monoxide which gets added to the
atmosphere.
(d)Fluorides: Upon heating rocks, soils and minerals that contain fluorides, give out hydrogen fluoride gas.
(e)Oxides of nitrogen: A few oxides of nitrogen, such as nitrous oxide (N 2O) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are produced by
natural processes as well as from thermal power stations, factories, automobiles and aircrafts due to burning of coal and
petroleum.
(f)Smog: Smog is a mixture of smoke, dust particles and small drops of fog.
(g)Aerosol spray propellants: Suspended fine particles in the air are known as aerosols.
CAUSES OF AIR POLLUTION

Burning of Fossil Fuels: Sulfur dioxide emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and other factory
combustibles is one of the major causes of air pollution.

Agricultural activities: Ammonia is a very common by-product of agriculture-related activities and is one of the most
hazardous gases in the atmosphere.

Exhaust from factories and industries: Manufacturing industries release a large amount of carbon monoxide,
hydrocarbons, organic compounds, and chemicals into the air thereby depleting the quality of air.

Mining operations: Mining is a process wherein minerals below the earth are extracted using large equipment.

Indoor air pollution: Household cleaning products, painting supplies emit toxic chemicals in the air and cause air pollution.
EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION
Respiratory and heart problems: The effects of Air pollution are alarming. They are known to create several respiratory
and heart conditions along with Cancer, among other threats to the body.
Global warming: Another direct effect is the immediate alterations that the world is witnessing due to Global warming.
Acid Rain: Harmful gases like nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides are released into the atmosphere during the burning of
fossil fuels.
Effect on Wildlife: Just like humans, animals also face some devastating effects of air pollution. Toxic chemicals present in
the air can force wildlife species to move to new places and change their habitat.
Depletion of the Ozone layer: Ozone exists in the earth’s stratosphere and is responsible for protecting humans from
harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Effects on plants: Gaseous pollutants enter the leaf pores and damage the leaves of crop plants, interfere with photosynthesis
and plants growth and reduces nutrient uptake and causes the leaves to turn yellow, brown or drop off altogether.
On materials: Air pollutants break down the exterior paint on cars and houses
WATER POLLUTION

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (e.g., lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers, and groundwater). This form of
environmental degradation occurs when pollutants are directly or indirectly discharged into water bodies without adequate
treatment to remove harmful compounds. Categories of Water Pollution includes Groundwater, Surface water, Ocean
water.

SOURCES OF WATER POLLUTION

Point Source refers to the pollutants that belong to a single source. An example of this would be emissions from factories
into the water.
Non-Point Source on the other hand means pollutants emitted from multiple sources. Contaminated water after rains that
has travelled through several regions may also be considered as a Nonpoint source of pollution.
CAUSES OF WATER POLLUTION
Industrial waste: Many industries do not have a proper waste management system and drain the waste in the fresh water which
goes into rivers, canals, and later into the sea.
Eutrophication is the process in which a water body becomes overly enriched with nutrients, leading to the plentiful growth of
simple plant life.
Sewage and wastewater: The sewage and wastewater that is produced by each household are chemically treated and released
into the sea with fresh water.
Mining activities: Mining is the process of crushing rock and extracting coal and other minerals from underground. These
elements when extracted in the raw form contain harmful chemicals and can increase the number of toxic elements when mixed
up with water which may result in health problems.
Marine dumping: The garbage produces by each household in the form of paper, aluminum, rubber, glass, plastic, food, etc.
are sometimes deposited into water bodies.
Accidental Oil leakage: Oil spill pose a huge concern as a large amount of oil enters the sea and does not dissolve with water;
thereby opens problem for local marine wildlife such as fish, birds, and sea otters.
Burning of fossil fuels: Fossil fuels like coal and oil when burnt produce a substantial amount of ash in the atmosphere.
OIL SPILLAGE
MINING
MARINE DUMPING
Chemical fertilizers and pesticides: Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used by farmers to protect crops from insects
and bacteria. They are useful for the plant's growth. However, when these chemicals are mixed up with water produce
harmful for plants and animals.

Radioactive waste: Nuclear energy is produced using nuclear fission or fusion. The element that is used in the production
of nuclear energy is Uranium which is a highly toxic chemical. The nuclear waste that is produced by radioactive material
needs to be disposed of to prevent any nuclear accident.

Leakage from the landfills: Landfills are nothing but a huge pile of garbage that produces an awful smell and can be seen
across the city.
CHALIYAR ISSUE
CONTROL OF WATER POLLUTION

Sewage treatments: The household water should be treated properly so that they become environmentally safe. Adequate

care should be taken to ensure that an effective sewage treatment process is in place and that contaminated water does not get

mixed with the environment. In order to prevent water pollution, human and animal excreta should be prevented from mixing

with its sources.

Prevent river water from getting polluted: The flowing water of the river cannot be cleaned easily by natural process. Since

large number of external substances are discharged into the water, the river water becomes polluted.

Treatment of wastes before discharge: Factories are expected to treat their effluent wastes prior to discharge.
Strict adherence to water laws: Laws and legislation relating to pollution should be strictly followed by all.
(water pollution control act)

Treatment of drainage water: In cities, a huge amount of water is put into drains every day. The water that flows through
the city drainage system should be properly treated.

Treatment plants: Big cities and towns usually have effluent treatment plants. These plants filter out undissolved materials.
Chemical treatment is also given to separate out unwanted dissolved chemicals.

Routine cleaning: Ponds, lakes, and wells meant for human use should be routinely cleaned and treated, so that it remains
fit for human use.

Self-hygiene: Self-hygiene must be maintained and drinking water must not be polluted. Drinking water should be kept
undercover in a clean place.
 Sanitation: The sanitation system must be improved. The benefits of cleanliness on human health need to be understood

Human contact with hazardous materials should be prevented.

➢ Public Awareness: Common public should be aware of the effect of water pollution. Voluntary organizations should go

door-to-door to educate people about environmental problems. They should perform street plays for creating awareness about

the environment. They should run environmental education centers. Students can impart health education to enable people to

prevent water pollution

ZERO WASTE CONCEPT

 Zero Waste Concept is a philosophy that encourages the redesign of resource life cycles so
that all products are reused, and no wastes will be produced. The process recommended is
similar to the way that resources are reused in nature. Implementing Zero Waste will eliminate
all discharges to land, water or air that are a threat to planetary, human, animal or plant health.
Zero Waste concept requires: -
➢ Designing and managing products and processes to systematically avoid and eliminate the
volume and toxicity of waste and materials.
➢ Conserving and recovering all resources.
➢ Investment in community waste reduction and recovery systems.
➢ Public participation in recycling.
➢ Eliminate all discharges to land, water, or air that are a threat to planetary, human, animal, or
plant health.
➢ Adopting 3R concepts (reduce, reuse, recycle).
Benefits proposed include:
 Saving money- Since waste is a sign of inefficiency, the reduction of waste can reduce
costs.
 Faster Progress-A zero waste strategy improves upon production processes and improving
environmental prevention strategies which can lead to taking larger, more innovative steps.
 Supports sustainability-A zero waste strategy supports all three of the generally accepted
goals of sustainability - economic well-being, environmental protection, and social well-
being.
 Improved material flows- A zero waste strategy would use far fewer new raw materials
and send no waste materials to landfills. Any material waste would either return as reusable
or recycled materials or would be suitable for use as compost.
Reduce

"Reduce" means using fewer resources in the first place. This is the most effective of
the three R's and the place to begin.

➢ Lower the consumption of products through hiring, sharing, borrowing.

➢ Reduce the number of components in product design .
➢ Minimize wastes.
➢ The best way to manage waste is to not produce it.
➢ Avoid over-packaged goods.
➢ Avoid disposable goods.
➢ Buy durable goods.
➢ Maintain central files rather than using several files for individuals.
REUSE
 A jam jar can store leftovers.
➢ Food scraps can become compost.
➢ An old shirt can become a pajama top.
➢ An opened envelope can become a shopping list

RECYCLE

Recycling is a process to change waste materials in to new products to prevent waste of

potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduce energy usage,

reduce air pollution (from incineration) and water pollution and lower green house gas

emissions.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Solid waste means any garbage, refuse, sludge from a wastewater treatment plant, water supply treatment plant, or
air pollution control facility and other discarded materials including solid, liquid, semi-solid, or contained gaseous
material, resulting from industrial, commercial, mining and agricultural operations, and from community activities.

VARIOUS SOURCES OF SOLID WASTE

Residential: Residences and homes where people live are some of the major sources of solid waste. Garbage from
these places include food wastes, plastics, paper, glass, leather, cardboard, metals.
Industrial: Industries are known to be one of the biggest contributors of solid waste. They include light and heavy
manufacturing industries, construction sites, fabrication plants, canning plants, power and chemical plants.
Commercial: Commercial facilities and buildings are yet another source of solid waste today. Commercial
buildings and facilities in this case refer to hotels, markets, restaurants, godowns, stores and office buildings.
➢ Institutional: The institutional centers like schools, colleges, prisons, military barracks and
other government centers also produce solid waste.
 Construction and demolition areas: Construction sites and demolition sites also contribute
to the solid waste problem.
 Agriculture: Crop farms Orchards, dairies, vineyard and feedlots are also sources of solid
wastes. Among the wastes they produce include agricultural wastes, spoiled food, pesticide
containers and other hazardous materials.
➢ Biomedical: This refers to hospitals and biomedical equipment and chemical manufacturing
firms. In hospitals there are different types of solid wastes produced. Some of these solid wastes
include syringes, bandages, used gloves, drugs, paper, plastics, food wastes and chemicals.
EFFECTS OF POOR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

 People clean their homes and places of work and litter their surroundings which affects the environment and
the community.

 Dumping of waste materials forces biodegradable materials to rot and decompose under improper,
unhygienic and uncontrolled conditions. After a few days of decomposition, a foul smell is produced and it
becomes a breeding ground for different types of disease-causing insects as well as infectious organisms. On top
of that, it also spoils the aesthetic value of the area.

 Solid wastes from industries are a source of toxic metals, hazardous waste and chemicals. When released to
the environment, the solid wastes can cause biological and physicochemical problems to the environment and
may affect or alter the productivity of the soils in that particular area.

 Toxic materials and chemicals may sweep into the soil and pollute the ground water. During the process of
collecting solid waste, the hazardous wastes usually mix with ordinary garbage and other flammable wastes
making the disposal process even harder and risky.

 When hazardous wastes like pesticides, batteries containing lead, mercury or zinc, cleaning solvents,
radioactive materials, e-waste and plastics are mixed up with paper and other scraps are burned they produce
dioxins and gasses. These toxic gases have a potential of causing various diseases including cancer.
METHODS OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Sanitary Land fill: This is the most popular solid waste disposal method used today. Garbage is basically spread out in thin
layers, compressed and covered with soil or plastic foam. Modern landfills are designed in such a way that the bottom of the
landfill is covered with an impervious liner which is usually made of several layers of thick plastic and sand. This liner
protects the ground water from being contaminated because of leaching or percolation. When the landfill is full, it is covered
with layers of sand, clay, top soil and gravel to prevent seepage of water.
Incineration: This method involves burning of solid wastes at high temperature until the wastes are turned into ashes.
Incinerators are made in such a way that they do not give off extreme amounts of heat when burning solid wastes. This method
of solid waste management can be done by individuals, municipalities and even institutions. The good thing about this method
is the fact that it reduces the volume of waste up to 20 or 30% of the original volume
Recovery and Recycling: Recycling or recovery of resources is the process of taking useful but discarded items for next
use. Traditionally, these items are processed and cleaned before they are recycled. The process aims at reducing energy loss,
consumption of new material and reduction of landfills.

Composting: Due to lack of adequate space for landfills, biodegradable yard waste is allowed to decompose in a medium
designed for the purpose. Only biodegradable waste materials are used in composting. Good quality environmentally
friendly manure is formed from the compost and can be used for agricultural purposes.

Pyrolysis: This is the method of solid waste management where by solid wastes are chemically decomposed by heat without
presence of oxygen. This usually occurs under pressure and at temperatures of up to 430 degrees Celsius. The solid wastes
are changed into gases, solid residue and small quantities of liquid.
 GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

 Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as air, water
and soil; the destruction of ecosystems and the extinction of wildlife.

 According to a recent report published by the United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human
Security (UNU-EHS), certain regions within India's Indo-Gangetic basin have already crossed the critical threshold
of groundwater depletion. It further projected that the entire northwestern area is expected to face severely limited
groundwater resources by the year 2025.

 According to the United Nations, groundwater stored in underground reservoirs called "aquifers" supply drinking water
to over 2 billion people and around 70 per cent of withdrawals are used for agriculture. However, 21 out of 37 of the
world's major aquifers are being depleted faster than they can be replenished. The water stored in aquifers often
has accumulated over thousands of years and would equally take thousands of years to fully recharge, making it
essentially a non-renewable resource.
NET GROUND WATER
AVAILABILITY IN INDIA
 GREEN HOUSE EFFECT -The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that refers to the rise in temperature of the earth
due to the presence of certain greenhouse gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, etc.)

An excess amount of greenhouse

gases will create excess hot
conditions all over the earth. It
could alter earth's climates and
thereby produce new patterns and
extremes of drought and rainfall
and possibly disrupt food
production in certain regions.
 GLOBAL WARMING - Global Warming is the increase of earth's average surface temperature due to the
presence of the excess amount of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, etc. which trap heat that
would otherwise escape from earth.
 Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, water vapour, methane, nitrous oxide, sulphur hexafluoride,
hydrofluorocarbons, and perfluorocarbons.
 Releasing 1kg of methane is equivalent to releasing 25kgs of CO2. Releasing 1kg of nitrous oxide is

equivalent to releasing 298kgs of CO2.

Global Warming is caused by:
➢ Burning of fossil fuels
➢ Refrigerants and air conditioners release CFC
➢ Deforestation – carbon dioxide intake is reduced when forests are cut down.
➢ Methane emission occurs due to anaerobic decomposition at huge landfills.
➢ Methane emission from livestock (animal farm)
GLOBAL WARMING IMPACTS

1.Rising Seas

2. Changes in rainfall patterns - droughts and fires in some areas, flooding in other areas.

3. Increased likelihood of extreme events - such as flooding, hurricanes, etc.

4. Melting of the ice caps - loss of habitat near the poles. Polar bears are now thought to be greatly endangered by the

shortening of their feeding season due to dwindling ice packs.

5. Melting glaciers - significant melting of old glaciers is already observed.

6. Widespread vanishing of animal populations - following widespread habitat loss.

7. Spread of disease - migration of diseases such as malaria to new warmer, regions.

8. Bleaching of Coral Reefs due to warming seas and acidification due to carbonic acid formation - One-third of coral

reefs now appear to have been severely damaged by warming seas.

OZONE LAYER DEPLETION

• Ozone layer depletion is the gradual thinning of the earth’s ozone layer in the upper atmosphere caused due to

the release of chemical compounds containing gaseous bromine or chlorine from industries or other human

activities.

• When CFC comes in contact with ozone, chlorine splits ozone into individual molecules. Here chlorine acts as a

catalyst. Chlorine breakdown the ozone and combine with free oxygen to create 2 oxygen molecules.

Cl+ O3→ClO+O2 ClO+O→Cl+O2

 The ozonosphere is found 15-35 km (9 to 22 miles) above the surface of the earth. The ozone layer forms a

thick layer in stratosphere, encircling the earth, which has large amount of ozone in it. It protects our planet

from the harmful UV radiations.

 The ozone layer was discovered in 1913 by the French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson.

 The ozone layer has the capability to absorb almost 97-99% of the harmful ultraviolet radiations that

sun emits and which can produce long term devastating effects on human beings as well as plants and

animals.

 Ultraviolet radiation can destroy organic matter. For humans, excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation

leads to higher risks of cancer (especially skin cancer) and cataracts. It is calculated that every 1 percent

decrease in the ozone layer results in a 2-5 percent increase in the occurrence of skin cancer.
The main reason for the depletion of ozone is determined as excessive release of chlorine and bromine from man-
made compounds such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
• CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons)
• CH3CCl3 (Methyl chloroform)
• CCl4 (Carbon tetrachloride)
• HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons)
• Hydro Bromo fluorocarbons
• Methyl bromide
These chemicals are found to have a direct impact on the depletion of the ozone layer. These are categorized as
ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
Chlorofluorocarbons are released into the atmosphere from:
➢ Cleaning Agents ➢ Air conditioning
➢ Coolants in refrigerators ➢ Aerosol spray cans etc
CARBON CREDIT
 A carbon credit (often called a carbon offset) is a financial instrument or permit representing the right to
emit one tonne of CO2 (carbon dioxide) or CO2 e (carbon dioxide equivalent gases) into the atmosphere. It
represents the amount of GHGs removed or reduced from the atmosphere from an emission reduction
project. This carbon credit can be used by governments, industries, or private individuals to offset the
damaging carbon emissions that they are generating. Thus, carbon credits are used as a permit to emit a
certain amount of CO2 into the atmosphere.
Carbon credits are acquired through: -
➢ Project-based transactions - credits are acquired as a result of successful implementation of carbon reduction
projects. For eg: - If a private organization has successfully implemented an afforestation project and if it is
found to have reduced carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, then that private company can acquire carbon
credits equivalent to their reduction levels.
➢ Allowance based transactions - Regulatory authority issues allowances or permits to industries. If one
carbon credit is issued to an industry, it means that they can emit one tonne of carbon dioxide or equivalent.
CARBON TAX
• A carbon tax is a financial penalty imposed on industries or individuals based on the amount of carbon
dioxide emission they produced. A carbon dioxide tax is a tax on businesses and industries that produce
carbon dioxide through their operations.
• The tax is designed to reduce the output of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide. The tax is imposed
with the goal of environmental protection.
CARBON FOOTPRINT

• It is a measure of the total amount of carbon dioxide emissions that are directly and indirectly caused by an
activity, individual, organization, etc, usually expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO 2). The
total sets of greenhouse gas emissions caused by an organization, event, product or person. In other words:
When you drive a car, the engine burns fuel which creates a certain amount of CO 2, depending on its fuel
consumption and the driving distance.
• When you heat your house with oil, gas, or coal, then you also generate CO 2. Even if you use electricity,

the generation of the electrical power may also have emitted a certain amount of CO 2 (thermal power
plants). When you buy food and goods, the production of the food and goods also emitted some quantities
of CO2. Your carbon footprint is the sum of all emissions of CO2 (carbon dioxide), which were induced by
your activities in a given time frame. Usually a carbon footprint is calculated for the time period of a year.
Primary footprint - direct emission of carbon dioxide as in the case of burning of fossil fuels
Secondary footprint - indirect emissions associated with the manufacture of a product

Uses of Carbon footprints

➢ For publicly reporting greenhouse gas emissions.
➢ For setting a target for reducing emissions (in order to set a reduction target it is necessary to know what
current emissions are).
➢ To identify which activities contribute the most to a footprint (in order to identify the important areas for
reduction efforts).
➢ In order to measure changes in emissions over time, and to monitor the effectiveness of reduction activities.
➢ To offset emissions (in order to offset emissions it is necessary to know how many reductions credits to
purchase).
LEGAL PROVISIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Provisions in Indian Constitution
➢ Article 21 — Protection of life and personal liberty.
➢ Article 48 A — Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife .
➢ Article 51 A — Fundamental duties of every citizen of India — To Protect and improve the natural environment including
forests, rivers, lakes and wildlife.
Some of the important legislations for environmental protection are as follows:
➢ The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
➢ The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
➢ The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
➢ The Environment Protection Act, 1986
In addition, there are many other laws relating to environment, namely
➢ The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
➢ The Forest Conservation Act, 1980
➢ Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
➢ The Biological Diversity Act, 2002