Module 1 - Applied Chemistry 2

Biogeochemical Cycles

Atmosphere
Hydrosphere
Lithosphere/Geosphere
Cryosphere
Biosphere

Atmosphere

A layer of gases surrounding the earth that is retained by gravity. It is important because:
Absorbs UV solar radiation
Greenhouse effect (warms earth’s surface)
Diurnal temperature variation

Factors affecting Atmospheric Conditions

Emissions
Chemistry
Transport
Deposition

Types of Emissions

Anthropogenic- Man Made
Biogenic- Natural Biological
Geogenic/Non-Biogenic- Non-Biological

Atmospheric Stratification

Troposphere (Decreasing)
Stratosphere (Increasing)
Mesosphere (Decreasing)
Thermosphere (Increasing)

Rock Cycle

Weathering and Erosion
Sedimentation and Lithification
Metamorphism
Melting and Cooling

Types of Rocks

Igneous (granite, basalt)

Sedimentary (sandstone, limestone).

Metamorphic (gneiss, marble)

Water Cycle

Water Vapor Input (Evaporation, Transpiration, Sublimation)
Condensation
Precipitation
Collection

Carbon Cycle

Photosynthesis
Respiration
Decomposition
Sedimentation
Tectonic/Volcanic
Weathering
Dissolution

Weathering

Weathering is a slow but critical regulator of atmospheric CO2 over geological timescales acting as a major carbon sink.

Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen Fixation
Ammonification
Nitrification
Assimilation
Denitrification

Control of Industrial Pollution

Government measures

Reforestation
Selection of industry site
Control at source
Environmental impact assessment

Causes of Industrial Pollution

Lack of control policies
Unplanned industrial growth
Outdated technologies
Large number of small scale industries
Inefficient waste disposal

Air Pollution

Contamination of the atmosphere by harmful gases (e.g., carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide), dust, and smoke from burning fossil fuels, industrial emissions, and vehicle exhausts.

Water Pollution

The contamination of water bodies by pollutants such as sewage, chemicals, plastics, and agricultural runoff, rendering it hazardous to aquatic life and human consumption.

Soil Pollution

The degradation of the Earth's surface through the accumulation of solid waste, pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals, reducing soil fertility and introducing toxicity into the food chain.