GEE 13A - 01 - Introduction to Environmental Science and Engineering

Page 1: Introduction to Environmental Science and Engineering

  • Environmental Science

    • Application of knowledge from multiple disciplines for studying and managing the environment.

    • Examines conditions influencing life and biological responses.

    • Interdisciplinary field integrating physical, biological, and information sciences (ecology, biology, physics, chemistry, etc.) to solve environmental issues.

  • Environmental Engineering

    • Applies science and engineering principles to improve environmental quality (air, water, land).

    • Aims to provide healthful conditions for habitation and remediate pollution.

  • Fundamental Objectives of Environmental Science

    1. Public Health Protection

      • Prevent disease transmission among humans.

    2. Environmental Health Protection

      • Preserve the quality of natural surroundings (water, land, air, flora, and fauna).

  • Scope of Environmental Studies

    1. Raises awareness about renewable/non-renewable resources.

    2. Informs about ecological systems and cause-effect relationships.

    3. Provides knowledge of biodiversity and threats to species.

    4. Helps understand natural disasters and human-induced effects (pollution, etc.).

    5. Evaluates responses to environmental issues.

    6. Promotes environmentally literate citizens for effective environmental protection.

Page 2: Importance of Environmental Studies and Functions of Environment

  • Importance of Environmental Studies

    1. Understands development needs without environmental degradation.

    2. Enhances knowledge on types of environments and hazards.

    3. Affects legislation and enforcement regarding environmental issues.

    4. Relates to overall quality of life.

    5. Fosters respect for the environment.

  • Environment

    • Totality of conditions influencing organisms’ development on Earth.

  • Functions of Environment

    1. Source Function

      • Production of raw materials (soil, water, forests, minerals).

    2. Sink Function

      • Absorption of wastes and pollution.

    3. Service Function

      • Ecosystem services promoting life sustainability.

    4. Spiritual Function

      • Recreational and aesthetic values of environments.

Page 3: Components of the Environment

  • Abiotic or Physical Component

    • Non-living environment categorized into three:

      • Atmosphere

        • Gaseous layer with Nitrogen (78.09%), Oxygen (20.94%), etc.

        • Divided into layers:

          • Troposphere: Contains 70% of atmospheric mass; temperature decreases with altitude.

          • Stratosphere: Ozone layer; temperature increases with altitude, protects from UV radiation.

Page 4: Atmosphere Continued

- Mesosphere: Temperature decreases with altitude; contains various nitrogen and oxygen forms.- Thermosphere: High temperatures with charged particles; extends up to 800 km.- Exosphere: Uppermost atmospheric layer with minimal elements.

  • Hydrosphere

    • All water on Earth; comprises gas, liquid, and solid states.

    • Water cycle involves evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Page 5: Hydrosphere Continued and Lithosphere

  • Lithosphere

    • Rigid outer layer of Earth; consists of rocks undergoing weathering to form soil.

    • Function of soil: Nutrient supply for plants, subject to erosion and degradation.

    • Soil Profile

      • Top Soil: Rich in organic material, crucial for vegetation.

      • Sub-soil: Accumulates leached materials.

      • Bedrock: Parent rock, underlies soil; no organic matter.

Page 6: Biotic Component and Natural Cycles

  • Biotic or Biological Component

    • Consists of all living organisms.

    • Biosphere: Zone sustaining life, integrating soil, water, and air.

    • Natural Cycles:

      • Oxygen Cycle: Involves production of free oxygen through photosynthesis and decomposition.

Page 7: Nitrogen Cycle

  • Nitrogen Cycle

    • Processes for nitrogen cycling through the environment:

      1. Nitrogen Fixation

        • Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms.

      2. Nitrification

        • Conversion of ammonia to nitrate.

      3. Assimilation

        • Absorption by plants.

      4. Ammonification

        • Conversion of organic nitrogen back to ammonia.

      5. Denitrification

        • Conversion of nitrates back into nitrogen gas.

Page 8: Carbon Cycle

  • Carbon Cycle

    • Circulation of carbon through photosynthesis and respiration.

      1. Role of Primary Producers

        • Photosynthesis converts CO2 into organic nutrients.

      2. Role of Primary Consumers

        • Carbon assimilation and respiration.

      3. Role of Detritus Feeders

        • Decomposition releasing carbon back into the atmosphere.

      4. Fossils and Fossil Fuels

        • Burnt materials contributing to atmospheric carbon.

Page 9: Phosphorous and Sulfur Cycles

  • Phosphorous Cycle

    • Movement of phosphorus essential for biological functions.

      • Involves weathering, mineralization, assimilation, and decomposition processes.

  • Sulfur Cycle

    • Series of processes that circulate sulfur in different forms.

      • Released into the environment by volcanic activities and combustion.

      • Incorporation into organic compounds occurs through consumption by living organisms.