Environmental Studies

BBA Semester 2 (Part I) Environmental Studies
DHARAMPETH EdUCATION SOCIETY’S

R. S. MUNDLE DHARAMPETH ARTS
& COMMERCE COLLEGE, NAGPUR
Re-accredited “A” by NAAC
North Ambazari road, Dharampeth, Nagpur
Email : principalrsmcsn@hotmail.com
info@rsmcsn.edu.in
Website : http://www.rsmdacc.ac.in
www.rsmdacc.edu.in
Phone : (0712) 2557612
Fax : 0712 – 2557612
DEPARTMENT OF BBA & BCCA
BBA I
Environmental Studies
Dr. Mithila Wakhare
M. Com, M.Phil, MBA, B.Ed, SET (Commerce), Ph.D
(This Study Material is only for Internal Circulation)
R.S.Mundle Dharampeth Arts & Commerce College, Nagpur

Dept. of BBA & BCCA Page 1
Environmental Studies
Unit I: Introduction : Definition, Scope importance, Need for public awareness, sustainable
development, Natural Resources- renewable and non- renewable resources, role of individual in
conservation of natural resources( Forest, water, land, energy, mineral)
Unit II: Environment Pollution: Types of pollution- air, water, soil, noise, thermal and
Nuclear, causes effect and control measures, Global warming, green house effect, Ozone layer
depletion, Acid rains
Unit III: Human Population: Global population growth, variations among nations, Population
explosion- causes and impact, Family welfare Programs-methods of sterilization; Infectious
diseases, water related diseases, risk due to chemicals in food, Cancer and environment
Unit IV: Social Issues in Environment: Construction of dams: problems and concerns of
resettlement, rehabilitation of affected people; Environmental ethics– issues and possible
solutions, resource consumption patterns and need for equitable utilization; Equity disparity in
western and eastern countries; Urban and rural equity issues; Need for gender equity.
Reference Books: 1. A text book of environmental by K M Agrawal, P K Sikdar, S C Deb”,

published by Macmillan 2. Environment management by N K Uberoi”, published by Excel
Books 3. Environment management by Dr. Swapan Deb”, published by Jaico Publishing House.
4. Environmental Management by S K Agrawal”, published by A.P.H. publishing Corporation.
INDEX
Unit Topic Page No.
I Introduction to Environment Management 2-10
II Environment Pollution 11-33
III Human Population: 34-48
IV Social Issues in Environment 49-56

Unit I- Introduction to Environment :

Meaning of environment: Environment is sum of total water, air and land and interrelationship
among themselves and also with the human beings, other living organism and property. Thus we
can say, environment means our ‘surroundings’. – According to environment protection act
Definition: “Environmental management is the optimal use of the finite resources between
different possible uses. Environmental criteria and economic considerations demand such
allocation to be efficient. Simultaneously, the available resources should be protected from
degradation and scare and diminishing resources should be conserved.”
Thus environment management is not the management of environment; it is the management of
interaction and impact of human activities/societies on the environment
Scope and Importance of Environmental Studies:

Scope: The scope of the term environment management includes various aspects such as
monitoring or the scanning the environment, environmental analysis, control measures for
pollution, emergency management etc.
The scope of environment management is as under:
1. Management of natural resources.
2. Maintaining air quality
3. Maintaining water quality and quantity.
4. Maintaining nutrient value of soil and its productive capacity
5. Protection of endangered species
6. Management of chemical effluents.
7. Management and disposal of solid waste.
Other than the above major concerns, scope of environment management also includes-
Atmosphere, high seas, outer space etc which are common at the global level. Likewise
human element is also covered under its scope such as- Population, culture, human
activities etc. settlement.
Importance of Environmental Studies:

1. Facilitates sustainable development: Environment management secures sustainable
development through judicious consumption of energy and natural resources.
2. Conservation of natural resources: Natural resources are depleting at a faster rate.
Environment management educate, train and guide people to love their environment,
protecting it from further degradation and improve it for better and healthier living.
3. In coping with natural threats and problems caused by human activities: Human activities
are the major cause behind environmental damage. Environmental management develops
practical consciousness about the environment and the requisite operational skills to
respond to the environmental problems.

4. Ensures human welfare and healthy life: Environment management strengthen the man
and nature relationship not only for human welfare and prosperity but the healthy
survival of all life on earth without their exploitation and cruelty.
5. Aware the future citizen: Environment management not only aware present generation
but also aware the future citizens about the different forms of pollution and their effects.
6. Ensures compliance with relevant environmental laws, regulations and codes
7. Improve environment management risk with cost savings.
Need for public awareness: Environment is increasingly degraded by human activities. The
main reason behind this degradation is- Economic development and rising standard of living of
the people. Pollution, depletion of natural resources becomes a global concern now. Therefore
necessity of environmental awareness and its enforcement has become more urgent. Everyone’s
participation i.e. government bodies, organizations, institution and individuals- is needed to
protect the environment. As prevention is better than cure, protecting environment is more
economically viable than to clean it after it is damaged. Environmental consciousness deserves to
be created at all levels of the society.
1. To implement the environmental protection plans: The plans that are specifically made to
protect the environment and to conserve resources proved useful only when there is successful
implementation of plans. Therefore everyone’s participation is needed as we all are the part of
environment.
2. To change the mind set of human-being: Human being is the main factor behind continuous
degradation of environment. He becomes self-centered and therefore he doesn’t realize how
he destroys resources for his development. To make him aware will help to focus him towards
the earth, environment rather than himself only.
3. To know the health impact: Public must be aware about they are not only polluted the
environment but also giving invitation to various deceases to their health.
4. To make sustainable development: Sustainable development implies careful use of resources
so that needs of the present and future generation would be satisfied. Awareness among the
people will help to realize them that there is no other option but to protect environment.
5. To find solution for environmental problems: Environmental problems means problems
created due to various types of environmental pollution such as pollution due to industries,
automobiles, deforestation, desertification, global warming, ozone layer depletion, acid rain
etc.
6. To limit the misuse/exploitation of resources: The major issue regarding environment is
exploitation of its natural resources which is mainly due to heavy population. Awareness will
help to realize people that they will stop misusing the resources and control their family size.
It will facilitate adequate food supply and reduce the pressure on environment.

Sustainable Development:
Definition: Sustainable development is a “development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs” –
Brandtland Report.
The key aspects for sustainable development are:

a) Inter- generational Equity: It focuses on minimizing any adverse impacts on resources and
environment for future generation. It means we must hold a safe, healthy and resourceful
environment to our future generation. Reducing waste discharge and emission and
maintaining ecological balance are the key solution to stop exploitation of resources.
b) Intra-generational equity: It emphasizes that the development process should seek to minimize
the wealth gaps within and between nations. Proper use of technology may be good solution
for this.
On the basis of Brandtland Report and other Internatioanl documents prepared at Rio, the
following have been accepted to be the ‘Contents’ of sustainable development:
1. Intergenerational Equity
2. Use and conservation of natural resources
3. Environmental Protection
4. The precautionary Principle
5. The polluter pays principle.
6. Obligation to assist and cooperate
7. Eradication of Poverty and
8. Financial assistance to developing country.
These help to keep balance between development on one hand and protection and
preservation of environment on the other.
Measures for sustainable development:

1. Use of appropriate technology: This measure is easily adoptable, eco-friendly, resource
efficient and sustainable. It is expected that the technology should use less resources and should
produce minimum waste. Indigenous technologies have been found to be more useful, cost
effective and sustainable.
2. The 3-R Approach (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) : it supports minimum use of resources, repeat
their uses instead of passing them to wastage and recycling the materials that helps to achieve the
goals of sustainability. It reduced the pressure on our resources as well as waste generation and
pollution.
3. Resource utilization as per carrying capacity: Carrying capacity means that any system can
sustain a limited number of organism on a long term basis. If the carrying capacity is crossed,
environmental degradation occurs. For sustainable development it is necessary that consumption

of resources should not exceed regeneration and changes should not be allowed to occur beyond
the tolerable capacity of the system.
4. Environment education and awareness: It will help to change the attitude of people towards
earth and environment. It will create the feeling of belongingness to the earth.
Natural resources –
A resource is anything we get from environment to meet our needs and desire, which has
dependability through time. Therefore any part of our natural environment such as Land, Water,
Air, Minerals, Forest, Grassland, Wildlife, Fish or even human population that man can utilize to
promote his welfare, are regarded as natural resources.
Classification of resources: Resources are classified as renewable and non renewable.
Renewable resources are those which are not exhaustible and which can hence provide
continuous supply. Examples are – Solar, Wind, Wood, Geothermal, tidal etc.
Non renewable resources are those which are finite and exhaustible. Examples are fossil fuel
(coal, petroleum, natural gas) and nuclear fuels.
Resources are also classified as Biotic (Living) and abiotic (Non living). Forest, Agriculture,
Wildlife falls in the biotic resources where as land, water, mineral are abiotic resources.
But Renewable and Non renewable are the main categories of resource based on their stock in
nature.
I) Renewable resources: Renewable resources are those which are not exhaustible and which
can hence provide continuous supply. Examples are – Solar, Wind, Wood, Geothermal, tidal etc.
a) Solar energy: Solar energy means electro magnetic radiation from sun. Energy comes on
earth from the sun in the form of radiation (heat waves). This energy keeps the temperature of
the earth above that in colder place, causes current in the atmosphere and in ocean, causes water
cycle and generate photosynthesis in plants. The solar power where the radiation hit the
atmosphere is 1017 watts and the solar power on the earth is 10 16 watts. If we consider the need
of civilization for solar power – it is 1013 watts, thus the sun gives us 1000 times more power
than we need.
Because of large space required, uncertainty of availability of energy at constant rate due
to clouds, winds, fog etc. there is limited application of this source in the generation of electric
power. However, there have been a number of applications where solar energy is used.
Following are the applications of solar energy, which are quite successful:
1) Solar water heating
2) Solar drying of agricultural and animal products
3) Solar cleansing on small community scale
4) Solar cookers
5) Solar engines for water pumping
6) Food refrigeration

7) Solar furnaces
8) Power generation from solar ponds, solar photovoltaic cells: [There are many
applications where conversion of solar energy directly to electricity is more useful for
lighting and driving machineries. This is called as photovoltaic conversions and the
devices, which are used for this purpose, are solar cells or photovoltaic cells.]
b) Wind power energy: Wind was the earliest energy source used for transportation by sailing
ships. Twenty years before this energy was use for water irrigation and grain grinding, by China,
Persia and Afganistan. Work on generating electricity from wind was carried out in the Denmark
at the end of last century. India is the third largest producer of wind energy in the world.
Wind power is the function of the wind speed. The average wind speed of an area is an important
determinant of economically feasible power. Wind speed increases with height. There are
principal problem in creation of wind energy such as bird kills, noise effect on TV reception, and
objections to sheer (total) number of wind turbines that are required to meet electricity needs.
c) Tidal energy: Tidal means gravitational pull of water due to sun and moon. The earth surface
is 70% of water. By warming the water, the sun creates ocean currents and wind that produces
waves. The energy of waves in the sea that crash on the land of all the continents is estimated at
2-3 millions mega watts of energy. Tidal power is tapped by placing a barrage (wall to holdback
tides) across an estuary (mouth of the river) and forcing the tidal flow to pass through turbines.
In a one way system, the incoming tide is allowed to fill the basin and the water so collected is
used to produce electricity during the low tides. The turbine is attached to generators for
generating electricity.
But the tidal power station can destroy the habitats and nesting places of water birds and interfere
with fisheries. The tidal power station, at the mouth of river blocks the flow of polluted water
into the sea and creates health and pollutions hazards.
d) Geothermal Energy: It is the energy stored within the earth (Geo-Earth, Thermal- heat).
Geothermal energy starts with hot, molten rocks deep inside the earth, which surfaces at some
parts of the earth’ crust. The heat rising from these rocks warms underground pools of water
known as geothermal reservoirs. Wells are drilled deep below the surface of the earth to tap into
geothermal reservoirs. These hot water reservoirs are directly used to operate the turbines for
electricity generation.
Water from geothermal reservoirs contains minerals that are acidic and cause pollution
e) Hydroelectric power/Hydro power: This uses flowing water to turn turbines to generate
electricity known as hydroelectric power by constructing dams across rivers. It is the most
common method to generate electricity. The long life of hydropower plants, the renewable nature

of the energy source, very low operating and maintenance cost and absence of inflationary
pressures as in fossil fuel, are some of its advantages.
But its creation has led to serious ecological problems. To produce hydroelectric power, large
areas of forest and agriculture land are submerged which provides a livelihood for farmers and
local tribal people. Conflicts over land are inevitable.
f) Biogas and Bio mass: Bio gas is produced from plant material, animal waste, garbage, waste
from households and some types of industrial waste, such as fish processing, dairies and sewage
treatment plants. It is a mixture of gases which includes methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen
sulphide and water vapour. In this mixture methane burns easily. Once used the residue can also
be used as an agriculture fertilizer.
Biogas plants are increasingly popular in India in the rural sector. The biogas plant use cow dong
that is converted into a gas which is used as fuel. It also used to run the duel fuel engines.
g) Forest resource: The plant community consisting predominantly of trees and other woody
vegetation, growing closely together, is a forest. Forest covers about 25% of the land area on
earth.
Forest have important functions such as, cleansing the air, moderate the climate, filtering water,
cycling nutrient, providing habitat and performing a number of other vital environmental
services. It also supplies a variety of valuable products like pharmaceuticals, greenery to lumber
(fresh air to breath and walk) and paper products.
h) Water resource: Surface water makes up the major portion of the earths water supplies.
Water refers to ocean, lake, rivers, glaciers and polar ice caps. Sub surface refers to underground
water including soil moisture, water vapour, rain drops, cloud and fog or solid snow or ice.
Human uses water in the home, in industry, in agriculture and for recreation. These applications
differ widely in the quantities and quality of the water they require. Water is most essential to
mankind. Constant increase in population increases the demand for fresh water. But the
limitation of this natural resource, it has to be properly managed and preserve/conserve.
g) Land resource: Land is the most precious resource since man puts it to diverse use. The rapid
increase of urbanization and shifting of population from rural to urban area has created many
problems like utilization of agriculture land for residential purposes, offices or for industries etc.
Deforestation, diversion of agricultural land, environmental pollution, are the other problems
which degrades the land resource. Therefore management of land use policies are important for
any country.
h) Soil resource: Soil is the important resource as all the essential nutrients for the web of life in
the biosphere are derived from soil which is component of land resource. Soil provides

mechanical support to plants. It serves as a reservoir of water and supplies water to plants
through roots even when the land surface is dry. It has an ion exchange capacity.
II) Non- renewable resources:

a) Coal: Coal is combustible (flammable) solid. It is formed by the burial of partially
decomposed vegetation in the past geological ages. Plants and animals which died million of
years ago were gradually buried deep in the earth and got covered with mud and sand. In the
absence of oxygen, chemical effects of pressure convert it in to coal.
Coal is the world’s single largest contributor of greenhouse gases and the most important cause
of global warming. Burning coal produces oxides of sulpher and nitrogen, which combine with
water vapour lead to acid rain. Acid rain kills forest vegetation, damages architectural heritage
sites, pollutes water and affects human health. Coal power generation plants are not fitted with
devices to reduce emissions of suspended particulate matter, which is a major air polluter.
Thermal power station that use coal produce waste in the form of fly-ash, large dumps are
required to dispose of this waste material.
b) Oil and natural gas: Most of our natural gas is linked to oil and, in the absence of
distribution system, it is just burn off. This wastes nearly 40% of available gas. The processes of
oil and natural gas drilling, processing, transport and utilization have serious environmental
consequences, such as leaks in which air and water polluted and accidental fires that may go on
burning for many days. While refining oil, solid waste like grease and salts are produced which
also damage environment.
c) Nuclear power: The nuclear reactors use Uranium to produce electricity. Uranium is made
into rods that are fitted into nuclear reactor. The control rods absorb neutrons and thus adjust the
fission (fission is the process in which atomic particle are split and large amount of energy get
release), which releases energy due to the chain reaction in reactor unit. The heat energy
produced in the reaction is used to heat water and produce steam, which drives turbines that
produce electricity. The rod needs to be change periodically.
The disposal of nuclear waste has very adverse impact on the environment. The reaction releases
very hot wastewater that damages aquatic life. The disposal of nuclear waste is also
economically costlier matter.
d) Mineral resource: Minerals are obtained from earth through the process of mining.
Formation of minerals took place in weak zones like mountains, folder and faulted regions,
lakes, continental shelves through geological processes. Minerals may be defined as naturally
occurring elements or compounds that have been formed through slow inorganic processes. It
does not include coal and petroleum which are formed by decomposition of organic matter.

Role of Individual in conservation of natural resources:

Till recently human being was careless about resource conservation that he could endlessly
exploit the earth’s ecosystems and the natural resources like soil, water, forest and grassland,
fossil fuel, minerals. However, the last few decades, it has increasingly evident that the global
ecosystem has the capacity to sustain only a limited level of utilization. Biological system on the
earth cannot refill those resources which are overused and therefore increasing pressure
destabilized their natural balance, even renewable resources are degraded by overuse and may be
permanently destroyed. However supply of renewable resources is continuous but non renewable
resources will be rapidly exhausted if continue to use them as intensively as at present.
The two most damaging factors to rapid depletion of natural resources are – a) Increasing
consumerism by rich sections of the society and b) Rapid population growth. Therefore if we
think carefully we found these both factors are the results of choices we make as Individual.
As individual we need to decide what will we leave for our next generation? And is whatever we
gain against someone else’s loss?
Already we know that natural resources are exhausting rapidly, we must conserve for future
generation. So it is duty of individual to conserve natural resources.
1. Conservation of energy:
Switch off lights, fans and other appliances when not in use.
Use solar heater for cooking food on sunny days, which will cut down LPG
expenses.
Grow trees near the houses and get a cool breeze and shade .this will cut off
electricity charges on A/C and coolers.
Use always pressure cooker.
2. Conservation of water:
Use minimum amount of water for all domestic purposes.
Check for water leaks in pipes and toilets and repair them promptly.
Reuse the soapy water, after washing clothes, for washing off the courtyards, drive ways, etc..,
Build rainwater harvesting system in the house.
3. Conservation of soil:
Grow different types of plants, herbs, trees and grass in your garden and open areas, which
bind the soil and prevent erosion.
Don't use more fertilizer and pesticides.
Use nature manure to the crops.
While constructing the house don't uproot the trees as far as possible.
Use mixed cropping, so that some specific soil nutrients will not get depleted.

4. Conservation of food resources:

Don’t wastes the food instead gives it to someone before getting spoiled.
Cook only required amount of the food.
Store the food resources for the future use.
5. Conservation of forest:
Use non-timber products.
Plant more trees and protect them.
Over grassing must be controlled.
Minimize the use of papers and fuel wood.
Avoid of executing developmental works like dam, road and industrial constructions in forest
areas.
6. Conservation of Minerals
Various types of minerals are: Iron, Coal, Petroleum, Manganese, Mica, Aluminium, Copper,
Gold, Diamond etc. Minerals are used for different purposes such as in development of plant and
machinery, Generation of energy, Construction, Transportation, Jewellery, Communication,
Agricultural fertilizers etc.
Following are some conservation strategies:

Careful utilization, Reduce its use
Making long lasting products rather than use and through products
Re-Use and Recycle
Use of cheaper substitute

Unit II: Environment Pollution:
Types of Pollution:

AIR POLLUTION: Air is a mixture of gases mainly nitrogen (78.09%), Oxygen (20.95%),
argon (0.93%) and other gases like carbon dioxide, hydrogen etc. Besides, it has moisture and
some inactive materials which control the life of the earth.
The impurification of air can disrupts the entire atmospheric system which is insulation around
the earth and it protects our life. Without air there would be no life on the earth as the cloud, rain,
snow and fire are caused by air. It also protects the humanity from ultraviolet radiation.
Air pollution may be described as, “The imbalance in quality of air so as to cause adverse
effects on the living organisms existing on the earth.”
The World Health Organisation defines air pollution as, “the presence of materials in the air in
such concentration which are harmful to man and his environment.”
Reasons/ Causes/ Sources of air pollution: The sources of air pollution are as follows-
1) Natural sources: The natural source of air pollution is volcanic eruptions being releasing
poisonous gases such as SO2, H2S and CO etc. All these are produce naturally and release in
the air, making it injurious to health. Green plants through evapo-transpiration release huge
amount of CO2. Forest fire and reaction between natural gas emissions also constitute a source
of air pollution.
2) Industrial pollutants: The common air pollutants which are discharged by the industrial
chimneys and power houses are SO2, CO, CO2, H2S and hydrocarbons together with dust,
smoke and grit. These are produced by burning of coal, petroleum and by combustion of
lignite at thermal power station. The chemical industries release hydrochloric acid, chlorine,
nitrogen oxide and oxides of copper, lead, zinc and arsenic in addition to SO2, CO, and H2S.
3) Automobile exhausts/ Vehicular emission: vehicles run by petrol and diesel produce carbon
monoxide, nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons. Hundreds and thousands of tons of hydrocarbon
and CO are emitted in to air daily with the increasing number of automobiles.
4) Ionizing radiations from radioactive substances: Ionizing radiations include alpha, beta and
the gamma rays etc. These are produced by the atomic explosions and testing of atomic
weapons.
5) Agriculture activities: Modern agriculture practices which includes Crop spraying, Pest
control, etc releases organic phosphates, arsenic and cause air pollution. Field burning also
cause air pollution in the form of Fly ash, dust, smoke etc.

Effect of air pollution on human health, on animals and on vegetation:
On human health:
1) Air pollution mainly affects respiratory system of the man. Some of the diseases caused by air
pollution are bronchitis, TB, asthma and lung cancer.
2) Sulphurdioxide is the most serious and wide spread air pollutant which causes cough,
breathing problem and affects the membranes of eyes. Sulphurdioxide when reacts with some
other compound, forms sulphuric acid which may damage the lungs of an individual.
3) Carbon monoxide is odour less and its presence is not detected. It often affects the oxygen
carrying capacity of blood. This causes headache, dizziness, flickering before the eyes, ringing in
the ears, nausea, vomiting, muscular weakness, collapse, unconsciousness and even death.
4) Hydrogen sulphide is poisonous and toxic.
5) Lead released from vehicles causes gastro intestinal problems, liver, kidney damage and is
very risky for children which may cause damage of their brain.
6) Radioactive elements are also harmful to the health of man and may cause several serious
diseases like cancer. It also changes the genetic base of human being.
7) Nitrogen oxide’s inhalation causes eye irritation, pulmonary congestion and oedema. It also
affects on lungs.
8) Inhaling of ozone cause dryness of mucous membrane of mouth, nose and throat causes’
headache, pulmonary congestion and oedema.
On Animal and plant:

Animal:
1) Arsenic and lead are important to adversely affect the health of the animals. It results in
paralysis of digestive track, diarrhea, and nervous depression.
2) Fluroide causes flurosis among animals cause it inactive. Lack of appetite and rapid loss in
weight, muscular weakness, diarrhea, outgrowth of leg bones and ill health, reduced milk
production in cow.
3) Response to ozone concentration is highly toxic for animals and even lethal. This brings down
the rate of oxygen consumption.
Plants:
Higher concentration of nitrogen oxide (NO2) damages the leaves of plants, retard
photosynthesis activity and cause chlorosis. Chlorosis is the loss or reduction of chlorophyll in
leaves, which results in the appearance of pale-green or yellow patches.
1) Plant exposed to 100 ppm of NO2 cause leaf spotting and breakdown of plant tissues.
2) NO2 is highly dangerous to plants
3) Sulpher oxide (SO2) damages the vegetable crops and affects plant growth and nutrient quality
of plant products.
4) Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) are toxic to plant fertility.

Control of Air pollution: Control of air contaminants at their source level is a desirable and
effective method through preventive or control technologies.
Control at source: Some measures that can be adopted in this direction are:
1. Using unleaded petrol
2. Using fuels with low sulphur and ash content
3. Encouraging people to use public transport, walk or use a cycle as opposed to private vehicles
4. Ensure that houses, schools, restaurants and playgrounds are not located on busy streets
5. Plant trees along busy streets as they remove particulates, carbon dioxide and absorb noise
6. Industries and waste disposal sites should be situated outside the city preferably on the
downwind of the city.
7. Catalytic converters (a vehicle emissions control device that converts
toxic pollutants in exhaust gas to less toxic pollutants by catalyzing a reaction)- should be
used to help control emissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons
Control measures in industries

1. Emission rates should be restricted to permissible levels by each and every industry
2. Incorporation of air pollution control equipment in design of plant layout must be made
mandatory
3. Continuous monitoring of the atmosphere for pollutants should be carried out to know the
emission levels.
WATER POLLUTION
Water Pollution: Water is the prime necessity of life. It is being put to various uses by man like
cooking, drinking, bathing, disposal of sewage, irrigation, generating electricity in power plant,
cooling and manufacturing different products in the industries and disposal of industrial waste.
During all these processes the undesirable substances are added to the water sources to such an
extent that 70% streams and rivers in India contain polluted water.
Definition: “Any human activity that impairs the use of water as a resource may be called as
water pollution.”
Sources of water pollution:

a. Domestic Sewage: The domestic sewage includes household wastes which pass through
municipal sewerage system. It includes food waste, synthetic detergent used for washing clothes
and for cleaning bathrooms, water based paints etc.

b. Industrial effluents: Industries produce chemical contamination of water sources, because

the industrial wastes are discharged in the nearby rivers or streams through flush line of factories.
The textile, sugar and fertilizer factories, oil refineries, synthetic plants for manufacturing of
drugs, rubber, plastic and rayon fibres, the paper industries and the chemical factories, all
produce chemical pollution.
The wastes from chemical factories are rich in mercury which enter the aquatic life. The waste
from cotton mills and paper and pulp industries are heavily loaded with organic compounds and
those inorganic substances which reduce oxygen contents of water. Industrial waste from metal
furnishing and electroplating plants contain harmful heavy metals and cyanides which are very
harmful to aquatic life.
c. Agriculture source( Fertilizers) : Modern agricultural techniques require the use of tons of
artificial fertilizers to improve the fertility of land and obtain a better yield of crop. Excess of
nitrates used as fertilizers seep into ground water or are carried into ponds or lakes. On entering
the drinking water, these produce several health hazards.
d. Pesticides and herbicides: Pesticides are widely used in both, in houses and in fields to
eradicate the pest and protect the vegetation and stored grains. Herbicides are used to clear off
the weeds. These pesticides and herbicides are carried by wind or percolate through water and
are finally washed down in rivers and streams and enter the sea. Here these incorporated in plant
bodies.Along with food chain these accumulate in large amount in carnivores which are
adversely affected by their large concentration and become gradually reduced in numbers. On the
other hand the pest have transform to new species which become resistant to these pesticides.
e. Mineral oils: Mineral oils discharged in the water by accident or by design are extremely
toxic and adversely affect living organisms.
Effects of water pollution:

A) Sewage:
i) Water polluted with domestic sewage can spread diseases as cholera, typhoid, diarrhea and a
number of other minor ailments and water born diseases.
ii) The major effect of sewage in the water is that it reduces the oxygen content of the water.
The high untreated content of the sewage is immediately subjected to chemical and bio
chemical oxidation processes.
An estimation of high Biological Oxygen Demand (B.O.D) gives an indication of the amount
of pollution in a body of water. B.O.D is a measure of the oxygen requirements of the
bacteria, which are living in the water. A high B.O.D up to 90% indicates the presence of

large bacterial population. However adequate treatment can be possible to remove the
bacteria.
ii) The domestic sewage, even when treated in conventional sewage treatment plants adds
nitrates and phosphates. Similarly excess of nitrates from fertilizers also mixes through ponds,
lakes and streams. It encourages a thick bloom of algae which depletes the oxygen content of
water during night. This suffocates the fish and other aquatic life.
B) Industrial Wastes:
i) Besides organic pollution industrial effluents often contains specific poisons which are
dangerous to health or else kill off the bacteria and other aquatic life.
ii) Under the action of naturally occurring bacteria, the organic material in the sewage undergoes
decomposition and use oxygen dissolved in water and purifies it. This act of purification is
depressed when wastes are accumulated in large amounts. The discharge of toxic wastes from
industries destroys these bacteria and organic substances decompose giving polluted smell to the
water.
iii) The use of nitrates in fertilizers enters the drinking water and cause health hazards. Nitrates
on entering the intestine are converted into nitrites by intestinal bacteria. These nitrites enter the
blood stream. Hemoglobin has stronger attraction for nitrites than oxygen which causes the
severe lack of oxygen to infants. This disease is known as methemoglobinea.
C) Insecticides:
i) Insecticides and herbicides are very harmful. After entering in to water bodies by sewage these
destroys a number of valuable aquatic food organisms. These depress photosynthetic activity of
photo planktons. It causes danger to the life of diatoms which produce half of the earth’s oxygen
and form the main food base of oceanic life.
ii) Through food chain when it enter in the body of carnivores produces fatal effects that large
number of fishes are found dead in polluted water. The number of birds also reduces. Man also
by eating carnivores may cause cancer, nervous disorder and leukemia and other serious
deceases.
Control of water pollution: The control of water pollution is difficult but there could be better
try for its prevention and minimization. Many Industrialised and developing countries are
spending huge amount on pollution control measures but still the problem is worsening.
Therefore adoption of safety measures to achieve acceptable water quality at minimum cost.
Following are these measures:
1. Scientific techniques are necessary to be adopted for the environmental control of

catchment areas of rivers, lakes, ponds or streams.
2. Industrial plans should be based on recycling operations.
3. Instead of throwing waste into water, the recycling of it should be done for better use.

4. Minimum, appropriate quantity and concentration of fertilizers, pesticides and

insecticides should be used as excess use of it leads to pollution.
5. Public awareness should be done by using various media like radio, TV, News paper etc.
6. Water treatment plants should be constructed and government should sanction the funds
for domestic sewage and industrial effluents.
7. Water resources must be used in most economic way.
8. Govt. should encourage people to participate in research programmes on water pollution
such as – disposal of sewage and industrial effluents.
9. Techniques like adsorption, electro dialysis, ion exchange and reverse osmosis etc. can be
used for the removal of water pollutant.
10. Various legislative measures should be employed to control water pollution.
SOIL POLLUTION
1) Land/soil pollution: Soil contamination can be defined as the contamination of soil system
by considerable quantities of chemical or other substances which results in reduction of its
productivity with respect to qualitative or quantitative yield of the crops.
Sources of soil pollution:
1) The major sources of metallic contamination of soil include mining, smelting, sludge,
fertilizers, pesticides etc. metals such as Cd(cadmium), Hg(mercury), Pb(Lead) , Ni, Mo,
Cr etc are toxic to plant and animal life.
2) Indiscriminate dumping of industrial waste and municipal waste leads to leaching of toxic
substances into the soil and pollution of ground water.
3) Due to some modern agricultural practices, pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, biocides,
bacteriaocides etc. contaminate land. There is also direct contamination of soil due to
dangerous pathogenic organisms.
4) Fly ash generated from thermal power plants, industrial waste and municipal waste
discharged into streams or dumped into the surrounding land, mining waste, non bio
degradable organic pollutants, industrial sludge, heavy metal sludge etc. causes serious
water and soil contamination.
5) Commercial and domestic urban waste consisting of dried sewage as well as garbage and
materials such as plastics, metal cans, glasses, waste paper, fibers, rubber contributes to
soil pollution.
6) Farm waste, animal excreta, radioactive waste etc. also cause soil pollution.
Main Causes of Soil Pollution

1. Industrial Activity: Industrial activity has been the biggest contributor to the problem
since the amount of mining and manufacturing has increased. Most industries are
dependent on extracting minerals from the Earth. Whether it is iron ore or coal, the by

products are contaminated and they are not disposed off in a manner that can be
considered safe. As a result, the industrial waste remains in the soil surface for a long
time and makes it unsuitable for use.
2. Agricultural Activities: Modern pesticides and fertilizers are full of chemicals that are
not produced in nature and cannot be broken down by it. As a result, they seep into the
ground after they mix with water and slowly reduce the fertility of the soil. Other
chemicals damage the composition of the soil and make it easier to erode by water and
air. Plants absorb many of these pesticides and when they decompose, they cause soil
pollution since they become a part of the land.
3. Waste Disposal: Apart from industrial waste, every human produces a certain amount of
personal waste products by way of urine and feces. While much of it moves into the
sewer the system, there is also a large amount that is dumped directly into landfills in the
form of diapers. Even the sewer system ends at the landfill, where the biological
waste pollutes the soil and water. This is because our bodies are full of toxins and
chemicals which are now seeping into the land and causing pollution of soil.
4. Accidental Oil Spills: Oil leaks can happen during storage and transport of chemicals.
This can be seen at most of the fuel stations. The chemicals present in the fuel deteriorate
the quality of soil and make them unsuitable for cultivation. These chemicals can enter
into the groundwater through soil and make the water undrinkable.
5. Acid Rain: Acid rain is caused when pollutants present in the air mixes up with the rain
and fall back on the ground. The polluted water could dissolve away some of the
important nutrients found in soil and change the structure of the soil.
Effects of Soil Pollution :

1. Effect on Health of Humans: Soil is the reason we are able to sustain therefore the
contamination of it has major consequences on human health. Crops and plants grown on
polluted soil absorb much of the pollution and then pass these on to human. Long term exposure
to such soil can affect the genetic make-up of the body, causing congenital illnesses and chronic
health problems that cannot be cured easily. In fact, it can sicken the livestock to a considerable
extent and cause food poisoning over a long period of time. The soil pollution can even lead to
widespread famines if the plants are unable to grow in it.

2. Effect on Growth of Plants: The ecological balance of any system gets affected due to the
widespread contamination of the soil. Most plants are unable to adapt when the chemistry of the
soil changes so radically in a short period of time. Fungi and bacteria found in the soil that bind it
together begin to decline, which creates an additional problem of soil erosion. The fertility
slowly diminishes, making land unsuitable for agriculture and any local vegetation to survive.
3. Decreased Soil Fertility: The toxic chemicals present in the soil can decrease soil fertility
and therefore decrease in the soil yield. The contaminated soil is then used to produce fruits and
vegetables which lacks quality nutrients and may contain some poisonous substance to cause
serious health problems in people consuming them.
4. Toxic Dust: The emission of toxic and foul gases from landfills pollutes the environment and
causes serious effects on health of some people. The unpleasant smell causes inconvenience to
other people.
5. Changes in Soil Structure: The death of many soil organisms (e.g. earthworms) in the soil
can lead to alteration in soil structure. Apart from that, it could also force other predators to
move to other places in search of food.
A number of ways have been suggested to curb the current rate of pollution. Such attempts at
cleaning up the environment require plenty of time and resources to be pitched in. Industries
have been given regulations for the disposal of hazardous waste, which aims at minimizing the
area that becomes polluted. Organic methods of farming are being supported, which do not use
chemical laden pesticides and fertilizers. Use of plants that can remove the pollutants from the
soil is being encouraged. However, the road ahead is quite long and the prevention of soil
pollution will take many more years.
Control measures of soil pollution:

Forestry and farm practices: Planting trees on unproductive slopes Contour cultivation and
strip cropping may be practiced instead of shifting cultivation Terracing and building diversion
channels may be undertaken. Reducing deforestation and substituting chemical manures by
animal wastes also helps arrest soil erosion in the long term.
Proper dumping of unwanted materials: Excess wastes by man and animals pose a disposal
problem. Open dumping is the most commonly practiced technique. Nowadays, controlled
tipping is followed for solid waste disposal. The surface so obtained is used for housing or sports
field.
Production of natural fertilizers: Bio-pesticides should be used in place of toxic chemical
pesticides. Organic fertilizers should be used in place of synthesized chemical fertilizers. Ex:

Organic wastes in animal dung may be used to prepare compost manure instead of throwing
them wastefully and polluting the soil.
Proper hygienic condition: People should be trained regarding sanitary habits. Ex: Lavatories
should be equipped with quick and effective disposal methods.
Public awareness: Informal and formal public awareness programs should be imparted to
educate people on health hazards by environmental education.
Ex: Mass media, Educational institutions and voluntary agencies can achieve this.
Recycling and Reuse of wastes: To minimize soil pollution, the wastes such as paper, plastics,
metals, glasses, organics, petroleum products and industrial effluents etc should be recycled and
reused. Ex: Industrial wastes should be properly treated at source. Integrated waste treatment
methods should be adopted.
Ban on Toxic chemicals: Ban should be imposed on chemicals and pesticides like DDT, BHC,
etc which are fatal to plants and animals. Nuclear explosions and improper disposal of
radioactive wastes should be banned.
NOISE POLLUTION:
Noise pollution is different than other types of pollution because noise pollution is not caused by
addition of any substance in the environment. The word noise is usually defined as unwanted
sound that causes discomfort. Noise is defined as, “ Wrong sound, in the wrong place at the
wrong time”
Definition: Noise pollution means, “The unwanted sound dumped into the atmosphere leading to
health hazards.”
There are two basic properties of sound- i) Loudness: It is the strength of sensation of sound
perceived by the individuals. It is measured in terms of decibels and symbolically written as dB.
40 dB sound pressure at 1000Hz ii) Frequency: It is the number of vibrations per second. It is
denoted as hertz (Hz). One Hz = one vibration per second.
The WHO has fixed 45dB as the safe noise level for a city. For international standards a noise
level up to 65dB is consider tolerable.
Sources of noise pollutions: Sources of noise pollution is broadly classified into two classes:
i) Industrial ii) Non-industrial

Industrial: The main contributors to noise are factories and industries, transportation (air, soil and
road). The disturbing qualities of noise emitted by industrial premises are – its loudness, tonal
and impulsive components and its intermittency and duration.
Non-Industrial: The non industrial sources are- loudspeakers, automobiles, construction work,
radio, aircraft, TV, musical instrument, horn, siren, etc.
Effects of noise pollution: Noise has been found to interfere with our activities of three levels:
a) audio logical level b) biological level, interfering with the biological functioning of the body
and c) behavioural level, affecting the social behavior.
1) Auditory effects: These include auditory fatigue and deafness. Auditory fatigue appearing
the 90dB and causes whistling and buzzing in ears. Deafness can be cause due to continuous
noise exposure.
2) Non- auditory effects: These are i) Interference with speech communication ii) Irritation iii)
Loss of working and iv) Psychological disorders.
a) Interference with speech communication: A noise of 50-60 dB commonly interferes with

speech, sound of warning may be misunderstood.
b) Irritation: Balanced person express great irritation at even low level of noise as crowd,
highway, radio etc. The effects are ill temper, bricking.
c) Loss in working efficiency: It develops tiredness and those doing mental work may put to
deterioration in their efficiency or even complete loss of ability to work. The working places
where constant noise prevails can produce bad temper, headaches, fatigue and nausea.
d) Psychological disorders: Noise causes visual disturbance, reduce depth and quality of sleep
thus affecting overall mental and physical health. It also causes undesirable respiration,
circulation of blood, skin to become pale and gastrointestinal activity.
Continuous noise causes an increase in cholesterol level resulting in the constriction of blood
vessels making people prone to heart attack. There may be still births and usually low weight
children born to mothers living near airports
Control of noise pollution:

1) Control at source: This can be done b designing and fabricating silencing devices in aircraft
engines, automobiles, industrial machines and home appliances and segregating the noisy
machines.
2) To protect exposed person: The workers exposed to noise can be provided with wearing
devices as ear plug and ear muffs.
3) Transmission control: This can be achieved by covering the room walls with sound
absorber as a acoustic tiles and construction of enclosures around industrial machinery.

4) To create vegetation cover: plants absorb and dissipate sound energy and act as buffer zone.
Trees should be planted along highways, streets and other places.
5) Control through law: Silence zones must be created near schools, hospitals and
indiscriminate use of loudspeaker at public place must be prevented by law.
6) Education: This is the most important step. Education and motivating people, arranging
lectures and other programmes against noise pollution is necessary.
POLLUTION DUE To NUCLEAR ENERGY RADIATION:

Nuclear Energy: Nuclear energy is the energy formation by nuclear fission, which contains
splitting of the atoms and the resulting energy can be use for various purposes. The nuclear
reactors use Uranium to produce electricity. Radioactive substances produce very high energy
radiations which are harmful and capable of producing ionization in the bio molecules, affecting
the organism. Radioactive energy can be both- beneficial and harmful, depending on the way in
which it is used.
Radioactive pollution differs from other pollution of air. Water, soil in respect that it is not only
affects critically the individuals but also bring physiological changes in the subsequent
generation.
Sources of radioactive pollution: The sources of radiation can be divided into two categories:
A) Natural sources
B) Man-made or artificial sources
A) Natural sources: The natural sources of radioactivity are consisted mainly of- i) The cosmic
radiation received from the space. ii) The naturally occurring radioisotopes present in the
environment iii) Those contained within the body of the organisms
i) The cosmic radiations are arises from the sun or even beyond it. They are consisted of
particles of very high energy, primary protons and some heavy nuclei. These cosmic particles
collide with the gas molecules of the upper atmosphere bringing about intense ionization in
gases accompanied with the formation of secondary cosmic ray composed mainly of
neutrons, mesons and gamma rays. The gaseous radio nuclides can be transported to the
water bodies by chemical reaction or by their simple dissolution in water when they come
into contact with them due to wind action.
ii) Another source of natural radiation is the presence of radio nuclides in the lithosphere,
hydrosphere and atmosphere. Radio nuclides which are above the atomic number 82 are
radioactive in nature and emit a variable quantity of radiations. Examples are – uranium,
thorium and potassium-40. Soils, rocks and even building materials contain small quantities
of uranium, 40 K and its daughters.

iii) As an internal source of radiation within the body of organisms. Potassium40 is the most
important, beside other like tritium, carbon-14, radium, polonium( in bones) and radon (in
lungs).
B) Man made or artificial sources:

i) Man made sources of radiation are of various nature, ranging from a household article to
atomic explosions. A number of articles which we use in our daily life such as clocks,
watches, television sets and even telephone dials, all contributes to the radiations to some
extent.
ii) People are significantly exposed to radiations received from medical use of X-ray and
radioactive isotopes.
iii) The most important artificial sources of radioactivity are the-
a) Nuclear test explosions that are carried out for bomb testing or for beneficial uses, releases
huge quantity of radioactive elements along with heat in the environment. These radio
isotopes fused with dust and dirt rise in the atmosphere, along with the hot gases, and then
slowly fall onto various surfaces on the earth by gravity. This is called radioactive fallout.
b) The nuclear power plants use the energy released from fission of the nuclear fuel.
Uranium, thorium and plutonium are the most commonly used fuels for fission, undergoes
several processes. At almost all stages of the process liquid, gaseous and solid radioactive
wastes are released having tremendous potential to contaminate environment.
Effects of radiation: The degree and the kind of damage from nuclear accidents vary with the
kind of radiation, the amount of radiation, the duration of exposure, and the types of cell
irradiated.
1) On Human health:
a) Hair: If radiation exposure is 200 rems or higher, it results in quick hair loss and in clumps.
b) Brain: Since brain cells do not reproduce, they will not be damaged directly unless the
exposure is 5000 rems or greater. Radiation kills nerve cells and small blood vessels, and can
cause seizures and immediate death.
c) Thyroid: The thyroid gland is susceptible to radioactive iodine. Radiation can destroy thyroid
partially or fully.
d) Blood system: When a person is exposed to around 100 rems, the lymphocyte cell count will
be reduced and results in mild radiation sickness. In early stages of sickness its seems to be flu
and go unnoticed unless blood count is done. Radiation has a long term risk for leukemia and
lymphoma.

e) Heart: Intense exposure to radioactive material at 1000 to 5000 rems would do immediate
damage to small blood vessel and probably cause heart failure and death directly.
f) Gastrointestinal Track: when exposure to radiation is 200 rems or more then it damages to
the intestinal tract lining and cause nausea, blood vomiting and diarrhea.
g) These effects are individual and genetic. Radiations can also cause transformations, which
are changes in the genetic makeup of the cells.
2) On Environment:
a) Environmental danger of nuclear power varies from low level to radiation emission to reactor
explosions.
b) The large scale utilization of nuclear power may create certain problems and worries of
storing radioactive wastes.
c) Radiation effects on plant and disturbs the photosynthetic process.
d) The radioactive wastes can cause pollution which is usually in the solid or liquid state.
Remedies of Radiation: Out of all the sources, only artificial radioactivity can be controlled.
1) The various kinds of waste pose problem for disposal, technique suitable for one kind may be
useless or risky for another. It is necessary to ensure that radioactive constituents of the waste
are not released into the environment causing any harm to organisms and in particular to
human being.
2) The high level wastes cannot be disposed off free in the environment, but have to be
concentrated, contained and stored out of the human being’s environment.
3) The disposal of these waste in space, in ice sheet, in a very deep hole of 3-5 km where the
rock is still warm and deep ocean floor.
THERMAL POLLUTION can be simply explained as the addition of surplus heat to water and
ejecting it back to the water bodies. Numerous industries take water from natural water resources
for their industrial purposes. Maximum of this water is used as coolant as it is used to cool down
the machines of any factory or plant.
Afterwards, this used water with altered and much high temperature is ejected back to the natural
resources including lakes, ponds, seas, etc. This causes sudden increase in temperature of natural
water bodies too. The altered water also creates disturbance in the oxygen level of water bodies.
This in turn, harms the marine life and local ecosystems.
Therefore, thermal pollution caused in water by spilling back the industrial waste and used
water in it, causing adverse effects, is known as thermal pollution.

Thermal pollution is not only caused by the hot water but also by the cold water that is
discharged by various industries into the rivers or seas containing warm water.
Causes of Thermal Pollution
Water used as coolant and ejected back into water bodies – Mainly, the water that is used as
coolant and transferred back to natural water bodies is the chief reason for thermal pollution.
This kind of activity is mostly done by production; manufacturing and power plants. These
plants use water to cool down their machines and eject back the hot water into water bodies.
Thus, the natural water goes through a sudden rise in temperature.
Release of cold water – Just as we mentioned before, many industries liberate very cool water
from their reservoirs. This water when mixed up with warm water rivers, lakes or ponds creates a
misbalance in the flora and fauna of affected water bodies.
Growing industrial activities – It gives a repenting feeling to know that thermal pollutants are
increasing day by day because of the growing industrial activities. Therefore, thermal pollution is
also growing each day.
Chemical pollutants discharged into water – There are copious factories that discharge their
chemical waste directly into natural water bodies. This does not only causes thermal pollution
but also makes the water poisonous.
Livestock waste mixed into water – This is another major cause of thermal pollution. Many
industries dispose their livestock waste into water without analyzing upon the hazardous
consequences of this act.
Water discharged from urban areas – Many urban areas like parking places, roads, etc.,
deposit rain water and discharge the heated water back into water bodies. The heated water
disturbs the normal temperature of natural water bodies.
Human waste, household & personal care products – These products go into sewage water
which pollutes the water in ponds, seas and other water bodies.
Deforestation & soil erosion – Soil erosion makes natural water bodies to rise beyond their
normal level. Thus, they get more exposed to sunlight. Hence, the temperature of water rises.
Forests absorb much of sun rays and save water bodies from getting too much heat. However,
deforestation disturbs this cycle and provides augmented temperature of water.

Natural Geo-thermal activities – Natural geothermal activities can stimulate lava and can cause
a rise in water temperature, making way for thermal pollution.
Unawareness among people – Growing thermal pollution is also the result of unawareness
among people. Even after knowing the hazardous effects of thermal pollution on environment,
there are abundant industries which are continuously using ways that encourage this pollution.
Effects of Thermal Pollution
Thermal shock resulting in rise in temperature of water bodies – When industries and
factories dispose the water, used as coolant, back into water bodies the temperature suddenly
raises to an abnormal level. The sudden and abnormal temperature level acts as a thermal shock
for aquatic life, which is adapted to living in a specific temperature and cannot, handle the abrupt
change in water temperature.
Depleted level of oxygen in natural water – When warm water discharged by industries enters
the natural water bodies, they get heated up. The warm water causes an unusual growth of plants
and expansion of algae. The algae expansion in water reduces the level of oxygen in water.
Contamination of water – Thermal pollution also results in contamination of water because

various chemicals and other wastes get mixed up with the water that is disposed off back to
rivers, ponds, lakes, etc., by various factories. If this contamination of water keeps on increasing,
humans can suffer from shortage of water.
Reduced solubility of oxygen – Reduced solubility of oxygen in water bodies is another

disappointing effect of thermal pollution. This less solubility of oxygen in water mainly affects
the metabolism of water animal.
Adverse effect on water plants – Change in temperature levels is extremely harmful for the
aquatic plants. These plants cannot cope up with the sudden alteration in water temperature.
Hence, more and more aquatic plants are depleting each day because of thermal pollution
Adverse effects on water animals – The whole marine life gets disturbed because of thermal
pollution. The contaminated water makes the natural water poisonous and has an adverse effect
on animals living in it. Also, the reduced level of oxygen makes it difficult for water animals to
survive.

Effect on population of water animals – When the temperature in natural water bodies gets
disturbed because of thermal pollution, the cycle of animal population gets disturbed too. For
example, sometimes the fish start laying eggs too soon and sometime they do it too late. The
whole productivity of river gets disturbed too.
Disturbance in biological activities of water animals – Thermal pollution leads to a

disturbance in quality and temperature of water in various water bodies. This altered quality and
temperature directly affect all the biological activities of animals, thus disturbing the cycle of
nature.
Unfavorable Effect on Water Biodiversity – Thermal pollution largely affects the water bio
diversity. The rise in temperature of water results in increased metabolic activity of some water
animals. Hence, they start consuming more food in short time. This also leads to shortage of
certain water resources. Some animals which are unable to stand the raised temperature start
moving to other regions. Therefore, the whole natural system of water bio diversity gets
disturbed.
Unexpected Migration of Water Animals – When water animals find it difficult to survive in
the changed water because of thermal pollution, they start for an unexpected migration, making
way for a disturbed ecosystem.
Control Measures for Thermal Pollution
1. Use less electricity – Power plants are the main reasons behind growing thermal pollution.
This is so because power plants use water as a cooling agent for cooling down their machines.
This used water, which is much higher in temperature, is discharged back into the rivers, seas or
lakes. We can make a significant contribution in controlling thermal pollution by consuming less
electricity, the use of less electricity will lead to less workload on power plants and these plants
will not have to use their machines too much, meaning controlled use of water as coolant. Hence,
switch off fans, switch off unnecessary lights, use solar products and techniques. All such steps
will help us use lesser electricity.
2. Use of Better Technologies – Use of better technologies is strongly recommended for solving
the problem of thermal pollution. There are technologies available which help in the cooling
down of machines. If machines will be cooled down with the help of technologies, the use of
water as coolant will come to a much reduced level. Various industries and power plants should
look out for appropriate technologies that serve the purpose without encouraging the steady
problem of thermal pollution.

3. Holding back the water for good –After using the water as coolant, factories should store
that water somewhere else for a temporary period. Instead of discharging back the heated water
into water bodies, the temporarily collected heated water can be used for various other purposes
too. Storing the heated water for a particular time will help in bringing back the high temperature
of water to a normal level.
4. Artificial Lakes – Industries, factories or plants which are serious about storing and reusing
the heated water, used as coolant, can work out on artificial lakes. These are artificial lakes
where the heated water can be stored easily. These lakes are very helpful for normalizing the
temperature of hot water. This way, the hot water will not be disposed back to the lakes, rivers,
etc., and will be used in other suitable tasks. The artificial lakes or ponds use evaporation or
convection technique for cooling down the water. These artificial lakes or ponds generally
contain two ends. From one end, the hot water is transferred into the lake; it is processed through
evaporation or other technique and finally, when it cools down, it is taken out from the other end.
The evaporated heat dissolves in the air.
7. Recycling used water – Smart people always find intelligent solutions for even the most
difficult of problems. If people start working upon the ideas of recycling the used water in plants
and factories, the problem of thermal pollution will definitely be lessened to a significant extent.
Every plant or industry should make it a rule that water used as coolant will not be spilled back
into water bodies. Rather, it will be recycled for further tasks.
8. Spreading awareness among people – Environment can be made better with a united effort.
Making more and more people aware about the problem of thermal pollution will be very
beneficial in the long run. Groups of people can initiate a discussion with different plants and
industries. These groups can discuss the harmful effects of thermal pollution on aquatic life and
our environment. We can also aware others about the consistent problem of thermal pollution by
gaining the right knowledge about thermal pollution.
9. Co-generation – Co-generation is also a wonderful idea to combat thermal pollution. In the
process of co-generation, the useless heat from hot water can be recycled and used smartly in
many tasks by industries.
10. Cooling towers – The purpose of using cooling towers is the same as artificial lakes. The
cooling towers also use the hot water of industries, process it by transferring its heat and
transform hot water into cold water. This cool water can be recycles and used again for different
industrial purposes.

Global Warming: This vital balance is altered with violation of green house effect resulting in
an overall rise in average global temperature is known as global warming.
The major green house gases are carbon dioxide, ozone, methane, nitrous oxide, chlorofluoro
carbon and water vapour. The two predominant green house gases are water vapour which are
controlled by hydrological cycles, and carbon dioxide, which is controlled by the global carbon
cycle. The level of water vapours in the troposphere has relatively remained constant while the
levels of carbon dioxide have increased. Other gases whose levels have increased due to
anthropogenic activities are methane, nitrous oxide and chlorofluro carbon. Deforestation has
further resulted in elevated levels of carbon dioxide due to non removal of carbon dioxide by
plants.
The contribution, sources and period of stay of the green house gases present in the atmosphere
and resulting in increase in the temperature of the earth and air are:
1) Carbon dioxide (CO2) - Contributes about 55% to global warming from among green house
gases produced by human activity. The main sources are fossil fuel burning (67%) and
deforestation, other forms of land clearing and burning (33%). Carbon dioxide stays for about
500 years in the atmosphere. The industrially sound countries account for about 76% of annual
emission of carbon dioxide.
2) Nitrous oxide (N2O) – It contributes about 6% of the green house gases which is due to
human input. Besides trapping heat in the atmosphere it also deletes ozone in the stratosphere.
The life span of N2O is 140-190 years in the troposphere. It traps about 230 times as much heat
per molecule as CO2. The main sources of releasing N2O is nylon products, burning of bio mass
and nitrogen rich fuels, nitrogen fertilizers, livestock waste and nitrate contaminated ground
water.
3) Methane (CH4)- It contributes about 15% of the increased green house gases. Methane stays
in the atmosphere for 7-10 years. Each methane molecule traps about 25 times as much heat as a
CO2 molecule. Methane produced when bacteria breakdown dead organic matter in moist places
that lack oxygen. Production and use of oil and natural gas and incomplete burning of organic
materials are also significant sources of methane.
4) Chlorofluro carbon (CFCs) – are responsible for about 24% of the human contribution to
green house gases. They also delete ozone in the stratosphere. CFC takes 10-15 years to reach
the stratosphere and generally trap 1500 to 7000 times more heat per molecule than CO2 while
they are in the troposphere. It causes deplete in the ozone layer. The main sources of CFCs are
leaking air conditioners and refrigerators, evaporation of industrial solutions, production of
plastic foams, aerosols, propellants etc.
Effect of Global Warming: The effects of global warming are severe and alarming. They are
1) Global temperature rise: If the input of green house gases continues to rise at present rate,
then the rise in temperature is estimated to be 5.50C from 1.50C. Earth would be warmer than
it has been for 10,000 years.

2) Rise in sea level: This is the main effect of global warming. Melting of polar ice sheets and
glaciers will further add to rise in sea level. India, Bangladesh and china will greatly affect by
rise in sea level. Current models indicate that an increase in the average atmospheric
temperature by 30C would rise the sea level by 0.2 to 1.5 meter in the next 50-100 years. The
entire agriculture productivity will be disturbed due to this. The frequency of storm may
increase causing damage to estuaries and coral reefs. The cities around coast will be affected
to a great extent by the rise in sea level and can damage seriously.
3) Effects on Agriculture: The views regarding the effect of global warming on agriculture are
different. The effect may be positive or negative on various types of crops in different regions
of the world. Tropical and sub tropical regions will be more effected since the average
temperature in these regions is already on higher side. A rise of even 20C may be quite
harmful to crops. Soil moisture will decrease and evapo-transpiration will increase which
badly affect on wheat and maize production. Increase in temperature and humidity will
increase pest growth like the growth of vectors for various diseases. Drought resistant, heat
resistant and pest resistant varieties of crops will have to be developed to cope up with the
changing situation.
4) Effect on human health: The global warming may cause great effect on human health due to
disturbances in the rainfall patterns in many areas of the world. The vector borne diseases like
malaria, filiarisis, elephantiasis etc. will spread all over. Increase in temperature results into an
increase in the percentage of ozone at ground level, which leads to respiratory diseases like
asthma, bronchitis, Pneumonia, as well as skin diseases. Overall human health problems will
tremendously increase.
5) Effect on plants and animals: The slight change in temperature or water availability could
influence various animals. Some species might gain an advantage and will become dominant
where as others might lose out altogether in the competition. Some may migrate permanently
with changes in vegetation. There may be subsequent changes in animal life of that area. The
mortality rate of fish increase, due to increase in temperature. In desert areas due to increase in
temperature, summer draught will increase, they will be more frequent and severe. Global
warming also cause change in climate that results in dislocation of source of biological
species that disturb our ecosystem.
Steps to control Global warming:
1) The main cause of Global warming is the CO2 in atmosphere so to control the Global
warming use those sources of energy which do not produce CO2.
2) Industrialised countries should phase out CFC because they damage stratospheric ozone layer.
3) Prevent the emission of CO2 as far as possible.
4) Use renewable energy sources to discourage use of fossil fuel.
5) There should be maximum use of non conventional energy resources like Solar energy, wind
energy, tidal energy, bio-mass energy etc. because these resources do not release gases
responsible for global warming.

6) Afforestation and reforestation programmes should be taken on a mass scale to increase the
percentage of oxygen of in the air. Deforestation should be controlled.
7) Developing countries should reduce the use of fossil fuel and use solar energy or bio-mass
gas.
Green House Effect: The lower layer of the atmosphere, known as troposphere, traps heat by a
natural process due to presence of certain gases. This effect is called Green House Effect as it is
similar to the warming effect observed in the horticulture green house made of glass.
The amount of heat trapped in the atmosphere depends on mostly the concentration of heat
trapping or green houses gases and the length of time they stay in the atmosphere.
Heat trapped by green house gases in the atmosphere keeps the earth warm enough to allow life
on it. The average global temperature is 150C. In the absence of green houses gases it would
have been -180C. Hence the green house effect contributes a temperature rise by 330C.
The effect of green house is may be like covering the earth by a blanket that keeps the earth
habitable and protects life from total radiations of sun. The atmosphere catches solar radiation
reflecting 1/3 of it, while the rest is absorbed by the atmosphere, ocean, Iceland and biosphere.
The energy absorbed is balanced by outgoing radiations from the atmosphere and the earth.
Ozone Layer Depletion: A thin layer of ozone gas in the atmosphere is called ozone layer.
Ozone is present in the atmosphere. It is located at 24km away from earth surface in stratosphere.
Main function of ozone gas is to protect us from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
a) First O2 molecules which is present abundant in atmosphere are split apart in to the individual
atom O2 O + O this reaction takes place with the presence of ultraviolet radiations of energy
from sun.
b) This oxygen atom (O) is highly active and free to collide with another O2 atom to form O2 +
O O3 ozone is a form of oxygen with 3 atoms instead of the normal two atoms for oxygen
molecules. The oxygen molecules in the atmosphere absorb ultraviolet radiations from the sun
converting molecular oxygen into atomic oxygen, which is highly reactive. The highly reactive
atomic oxygen rapidly combines with molecular oxygen forming ozone. Ozone thus formed
distributes itself in the stratosphere and absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiations. Absorption of UV
radiations by ozone converts it back to molecular oxygen.
Causes of ozone layer depletion:

1) Ozone is destroyed by the release of chlorine due to volcanic activity.
2) It is also destroyed by the reaction with nitric oxide present in the atmosphere.
3) Apart from the above natural process which destroys the ozone, manmade
chlorofluorocarbons’ (CFCs) greatly destroy ozone. CFCs which are used as coolant in the
refrigerators, air conditioned machines, in airplanes and as cleaning solvent, propellant, etc. CFC
molecules are virtually non destructive until it reaches to stratosphere, where ultra violet

radiation break them to release chlorine atoms. These chlorine atom react with ozone molecules
and break down it in to oxygen molecules and thus depletes ozone.
4) Nitrous oxide emitted by supersonic aircrafts, during combustion of fossil fuel also causes
depletion of ozone layer.
5) Carbon tetrachloride used in fire extinguishers, dry cleaning sprays, cleaning solvent in textile
industries or for minerals, also results in ozone depletion.
6) Deforestation i.e. cutting of trees and plants, also results in ozone depletion. Cutting of forest
reduce the supply of O2 and availability of O2 is important for maintaining ozone layer.
Effects of ozone layer depletion:

1) Depletion of ozone layer will lead to absorption of ultraviolet radiation and hence more
ultraviolet radiation will reach the earth surface and consequently the temperature of earth
surface will increase that causes the global warming.
2) Depletion of ozone layer will result in more UV radiation which is harmful for the life on the
earth. It reduces the human system.
3) The UV radiation affects DNA and the photosynthetic chemicals. Any change in DNA can
result in mutation and cancer.
4) It also causes in skin cancer which may not result in death but cause disfigurement will
increase.
5) Easy absorption of UV rays by the lens and cornea of eye will result into increase in cataract.
6) Ultraviolet radiations kill the aquatic plants and damage the further aquatic food chain.
7) Ozone layer depletion affects the air quality because disassociation with H 2O takes place with
the ultraviolet radiations. It results in the formation of Hydroxyl ion (OH) which has adverse
effect on human beings and plants.
8) Yield of vital crops like corn, rice, cotton, wheat, beans will decrease.
9) Ultraviolet radiations results in economic loss as it cause degradation of plastic, paints and
other polymer material.
Remedies for Ozone Layer depletion:

1. Control on private vehicle driving: To control ozone depletion it is necessary to reduce the
amount of driving as vehicular emissions eventually result in smog which is a cause in the
deterioration of the ozone layer. Car pooling, taking public transport, walking, using a bicycle
would be useful to control or reduce the usage of individual transportation. The vehicles that
have a zero-emission engine is also a better option to protect ozone layer.
2. Use of eco-friendly household cleaning products: Usage of eco-friendly and natural
cleaning products for household tasks is prove useful in preventing ozone depletion. Many of
these cleaning agents contain toxic chemicals that interfere with the ozone layer. A lot of
supermarkets and health stores sell cleaning products that are toxic-free and made out of natural
ingredients.

3. Avoid using pesticides: Pesticides may be an easy solution for getting rid of weed, but are
harmful for the ozone layer. The best solution for this would be to try using natural remedies,
rather than heading out for pesticides. Manual weeding or mowing the farm consistently can be
useful to avoid weed-growth.
4. Developing stringent regulations for rocket launches: At present, the global rocket
launches do not contribute hugely to ozone layer depletion, but over the course of time, due to
the advancement of the space industry, it will become a major contributor to ozone depletion. All
types of rocket engines result in combustion by products that are ozone-destroying compounds
that are expelled directly in the middle and upper stratosphere layer – near the ozone layer.
5. Banning the use of dangerous nitrous oxide: In order to save ozone layer, nations around
the globe formed the Protocol/rules in the year 1989 with a strong aim to stop the usage of CFCs.
However, the protocol did not include nitrous oxide which is the most serious chemical that can
destroy the ozone layer and is still in use. Governments across the world should take a strong
stand for banning the use of this harmful compound to save the ozone layer.
Acid Rain: Any atmospheric precipitation (rainfall) with pH value less than 5.6 is known as acid
rain. The pH of acid varies between 5.6 to 3.5. Acid rain is cause due to acid deposition in air.
Pollutants like NO2 and SO2 emitted is the main source of acid rain. Acid rain pollutes earth’s
soil. pH value less than 7 is known as acid and the solution having pH value more than 7 is
alkaline. 7 is the neutral- nor acidic nor alkali.
Acid rain mainly contains H2SO4 (Sulphuric acid) and HNO3 (Nitric acid).
Causes/ sources of Acid rain:

1) Natural: Volcanic eruption, forest fire, bacterial decomposition of organic matter produce
large amount of SO2 and NO2 that form acid rain when mix with water vapour.
2) Anthropogenic or manmade: Burning of fossil fuel, electric generating power station, oil
refineries that release sulpher and nitrogen compound in air. Coal burning and automobile is
another main source of SO2 and NO2
Impact/ Consequences of Acid rain:

1) Damage to Ecosystem: Acid rain damages our ecosystem. It causes death of many kinds of
trees and vegetation. Other effects are: a) Yellowing and browning of leaves. b) Decrease annual
growth c) Death of herbaceous vegetation.
2) Damage to Aquatic Ecosystem: Acidification which may be natural or anthropogenic kills
the planktons. It also causes death of fishes. It adversely affects productivity of aquatic
ecosystem. Acidic water dissolves many metals like Al, Zn, Mn, Cd, Pb. All these affects the
respiratory system of aquatic animals and results into death.

3) Effects on soil: Acid rain infects out soil nutrient and damage the soil fertility. Ultimately it
damages cropland and vegetation. Acid rain also affects on the productivity of plants, trees and
crops.
4) Effect on Micro organism and Wild life: Growth of some micro organisms are possible in
specific medium. Water is basically of three types i.e. Acid, neutral and alkaline. Some bacteria
grow at neutral medium. Most of fungi prefer acid environment while some blue-green bacteria
prefer alkaline medium. Therefore pH value determines whether any specific micro-organism
can grow or not.
Acid rain affects wild life also. Toxic metal intake by wildlife causes some diseases in them.
5) Effect on human health: a) Acid rain causes premature death. b) Drinking water containing
pb lead causes Blood pressure, Heart attack and brain damage in children. c) Direct effect of acid
rain is bronchitis, pulmonary cancer. d) Sulphuric acid has been the active irritant of the
respiratory system that can reduce oxygen exchange efficiency.
6) Effect on building and material: a) Acid rain affects on building. It causes stone cancer. For
example- Taj Mahal becoming yellowish. b) Metal corrosion increases due to acid rain. c)
Leather quality weakens due to acid introduce.
7) In Manufacturing process: a) in Metal industries, metal is corroded due to SO2 and other
acid. b) In Paper Industries- paper is discoloured due to SO2, other moisture and acidic materials
c) In Rubber Industries, rubber cracks due to ozone and acid.
Measures to Control Acid Rain

Acid rain may be controlled by the following methods:
1. Emission of sulphur and nitrous oxide from industries and power plants should be reduced by
using pollution and control equipments.
2. A coating of protective layer of static polymer should be given to the roofs where probability
of acid rain is more.
3) De-acidification i.e. liming of lakes and soils should be done to correct the adverse effect of
acid rain

Unit III: Human Population:
Global population growth: Human population growth: The increase or decrease in the total
number of individuals of population is called population growth. Population growth can be
calculated as:
Population growth = (Birth + immigration) – (Death + emigration)
The human population growth of the last century has been truly unusual. It required only 40
years after 1950 for the population to double from 2.5 billion to 5 billion. This doubling time is
less than the average human lifetime. The world population passed 6 billion just before the end
of the 20th century. Present estimates are for the population to reach 8-12 billion before the end
of the 21st century. During each lecture hour, more than 10,000 new people enter the world, a
rate of 3 per second!
Human population growth increased from:
 1 to 2 billion, in 123 years

 2 to 3 billion in 33 years
 3 to 4 billion in 14 years
 4 to5 billions in 13 years
 5 to 6 billion in 11 ye ars
Of the 6 billion people, about half live in poverty and at least one fifth are severely
undernourished. The rest live out their lives in comparative comfort and health.
Future Global Population Growth
Anyone who examines world population growth over the past two centuries certainly must be
astounded, and quite possibly alarmed. The global population reached one billion in 1804. In
1927, some 123 years later, it passed two billion. Sixty years later, in 1987, the world
population was five billion, and 12 years later, in October 1999, and, according to the United
States Census Bureau, seven billion in March 2012. The United Nations, however, estimated
that the world population reached seven billion in October 2011. According to current
projections, the global population will reach eight billion by 2024, and will likely reach around
nine billion by 2037. Alternative scenarios for 2050 range from a low of 7.4 billion to a high of
more than 10.6 billion
Small wonder that many are concerned about what this promises for our future. Due to the
momentum represented by steeply pyramidal age distributions, population growth surely will
continue for one to several generations. Most of that growth will occur in developing nations.
An eventual world population of 8-12 billion is expected by the end of the century. But

estimates change frequently.
According to a report from the United Nations Population Fund, based on 1998 analyses
projections for the future global population are being revised downward. The projection for
2050 now is 8.9 billion (medium variant), substantially lower than the 1996 projection of 9.4
billion.
By the end of 1970s, most countries in the developing world had realized that if they had to
develop their economics and improve the lives of their citizens they would have to curtail
population growth.
Problems of population growth: World development report classifies cities in to four

categories i.e. Lower income cities, lower middle-income cities, upper-middle income cities and
high-income cities. But the environmental problems arises largely in the case of lower income
cities.
1) Water supply service: In lower income cities, the coverage of water supply services is low,
there is high bacteria contamination and high risk of food contamination and infectious
diseases due to inadequate quantity of water supply for hygiene.
2) Sanitation: In lower income cities, there is very low coverage due to low ratio of public
toilets to residents, resulting in open defecation in some neighborhoods. As a result, there is
high risk of diarrhea diseases.
3) Drainage: Storm drains in lower income cities are very inadequate and whatever drains are
there, are poorly maintained. This results in frequent flooding, creating high risk of water
related disease vectors (mosquitoes).
4) Water resources: In lower income cities, there is mixed sewerage and storm water run off to
water bodies causing bacterial pollution and silting. Poorly maintained sewage also
contaminates the ground water.
5) Solid waste management: There is little organized collection of solid waste in lower income
cities and frequently open dumping or burning of mixed waste is to way out. All this results in
high exposure to disease vectors like rats, flies etc.
6) Air pollution: In lower income cities, there is indoor and environment air pollution from low-
quality fuels for household uses and power generation while in higher income cities air
pollution causes due to vehicular and industrial emissions.
7) Land management: Due to large scale migration from rural areas and fast increasing
population of urban areas, there is a situation of disorder in land management particularly in
low income cities.

Variations among nations:

The world’s population is not properly balanced, more than half of the world’s people live in
Asia (approx. 3.7) billion), which accounts for only one fifth of the world’s land area. While
north, central and south America together occupy more than a quarter of the land surface and
have only one -fifth of the population (1.3 billion).
The African continent also accounts for a quarter of the land surface but has just over one eighth
(840 million) of the world population. On the other hand Europe whose area is only one twenty
fifth of the total has about one- ninth (728 million) of the world’s people.
The distribution within the continents is also uneven. In Asia, China alone, with about 1.28
billion people, accounts for one-third Asian and one-fifth of the world population. The Indian
subcontinent has a further 1.3 billion people — India, 1.05 billion; Pakistan, 143.5 million;
Bangladesh, 133.6 million; Nepal, 23.9 million; Sri Lanka, 18.9 million; Bhutan, 0.9 million; and
Maldives, 0.3 million.
In Europe too, the population is unevenly distributed. Far less people live in Northern European
countries than in other European countries. The most populous European countries are Russia
(143.5 million), Germany (82.4 million), United Kingdom (60.2 million), France (59.5 million);
Italy (58.1 million), Ukraine (48.2 million), Spain (41.3 million) and Poland (38.6 million).
The distribution of population depends to a large extent on the quality of land. Thus population
density (i.e. the number of people living in unit area) varies widely, the densely populated areas
include western Europe, the Indian subcontinent, the plains and river valleys of China and north
eastern USA.
The factors encouraging settlement are good land, flat or undulating terrain, the existence of
renewable resources, a good climate suitable for wide range of crops or a less equable climate
suitable for cultivation of specialized cash crops. Other factors include extension of roads,
railways and other modes of transportation. The factors discouraging settlement are usually
climate or relief factors; the main factors are cold, altitude, heat, drought, poor soils etc.
Therefore, increasing pressure on resources placed great demand on the inbuilt action of nature
to safeguard itself which has certain ability to maintain a balance in our environment. However,
the current development strategies break- downed our earth’s ability to replenish the resources
on which we depend.
In some countries, food shortage occurs in permanent. In south Africa children are underweight
due to malnutrition. In other countries also starvations due to deficiency have become more

frequent. But developed countries earn 79% of income of the total world and these developed
countries population is only 15% of the world’s population.
Thus the disparity in per capita use of resources by the people in developed countries as
compared to those who lives in developing country is extremely large. The disparity between
rich and poor is also growing.
Unavailability of fossil fuel in future period, depleting the producing capacity of agro-systems,
overgrazing by domestic animals and industrial growth will create the most dangerous problems
like soil, water and air pollution. Global warming, ozone depletion, degradation of ecosystem –
are the some of the environmental problems related to an increasing human population and more
careful/intensive use of resources that we are likely to face in future. Environmental awareness
among people can help to sort out these issues.
Population Explosion: When a quantity increase by a constant amount per unit time e.g. 1,3,5,7
etc it is called as linear growth. but when it increases by fixed percentage it is known as
exponential growth. e.g. 10, 102, 104 or 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 etc. Population growth takes place
exponentially which explains the tremendous increase in global population. Time required for
doubling of population is becoming less and less. Such rapid and exponential growth of
population within relatively short period is called population explosion.
Causes of increase in population: The major causes that have contributed towards increase in
the human population are:
1) Decline in death rate: Birth rate and death rate determine the population growth of a country.
It is the decline in death rate and not the increase in the birth rate that resulted in the increase in
population. There are various factors responsible for decrease in death rates.
b) Control of diseases: The advancements in medical sciences have helped man in protecting
from unnatural deaths.
c) Decrease in infant mortality: Due to better public health care, more and more people survive
up to reproductive age.
d) Improvement in agriculture: It included mechanization in agriculture, cultivation of high
yielding and disease free crop varieties, use of fertilizers and pesticides etc. These have resulted
in bumper production of crops and guaranteed adequate food for all.
e) Better sanitation and community health scheme: These have increased average life span.
f) Better means of transport: These have declined the number of deaths due to starvation
(hunger) and famine ( famine)
g) Better storage conditions: These include warehouse etc. which have enabled the availability
of food at all the times.
Other than the above reasons, there are socio economic reasons which have led to the increase in
population such as:
ii) Signs of national strength

iii) Religious and economic belief
iv) Signs of security in old age
v) More earning hands in family
vi) Polygamy
Impact of Population Explosion: Uncontrolled growth of population affects the progress of

nation and also causes socio economic disturbances, not only on national level but also
individual’s family level.
i) Space: To accommodate increasing population more and more forests and agriculture land
have been utilized causing the problems of soil erosion, flood, scanty rain fall, decline in
food supply etc.
ii) Food supply: The overpopulation decreases the availability of food and people suffer from
malnutrition and become unable to take balanced diet, resulting in weak, anemic and less fit
members of society.
iii) Unemployment: The overpopulation decreases employment opportunities and leads to

frustration and agitation among youths.
iv) Education: The overpopulation leads to flooding of educational institutions lowering their
standard, spoil teach and taught relationship and increased dropouts.
v) Hygienic conditions: More people in small area breed unhygienic conditions which have ill
effects on human health.
vi) Pollution: Overpopulation leads to increased industrialization and increased use of

automobiles which causes environmental pollution.
vii) Price rise: Overpopulation decreases the availability of basic needs of life causing hike in
their prices.
viii) Energy crises: Overpopulation leads to increase in the demand for fuel leading to shortages
in their supplies.
ix) Eco- degradation: Overpopulation has caused air, water, soil and noise pollution,
unhygienic conditions, deforestation. This has endangered natural eco system and threatened
the survival of many species
From the above we can conclude that, rapid human population growth is creating increased
pressure on the infrastructure, economy, environment, availability of primary health care and
nutrition.

Measures to control population explosion/problems: Population explosion is one of the major

hurdles to development of the country and peoples living in it. Hence attempt should be made to
control it. There are three fold measures to control population:
1) Economic measures
2) Social measures
3) Family planning programme.
1) Economic measures: The size of population is large and it is not possible to reduce it.
Therefore efforts are to be made on economic front. Economic measures can be a permanent
solution but it requires longer time to carry out.
Economic Measures:
a) Expansion of Industrial sector: Maximum population in India I occupied under agriculture
sector. The contribution of output to each member is very small. This situation demands that
certain working force should be shifted from agriculture sector to some other. The population
under agriculture sector also does not feel any necessity to control their family size. But the
industrial workers are aware of the difficulties in getting employment and are interested in
restricting their family size. They realize that in order to raise the standard of living they must
restrict family size. So rapid industrialization is needed.
b) Creation of urban opportunities in urban areas: Urbanisaton is the second name of
industrialization but besides industrial development there are many other factors which
contributes to the growth of urban sector. Government will have to create job opportunities in
these places. If is carried out in a effective manner and population shift from rural to urban
places in big way, it can be a powerful check on population growth. The housing problem and
the cost of upbringing of children in urban areas are the two factors which makes people to think
about restricted family size.
c) Equitable distribution of income and removal of poverty: The poor people have not
benefited from economic growth of the country. But they should not be denied from the benefits
of economic development any more because due to non fulfillment of their basic needs they are
not interested in limiting the size of their family. Once the poor people start getting basic
facilities of life, they will have no economic compulsion to have more children and their attitude
towards the family size will change.
2) Social Measures: Many of the causes of population explosion are deep rooted in the social
life of the country. Illiteracy, superstition, orthodoxy, deplorable condition of women – all have
contributed to population explosion in this country.
a) Education: Education often changes the attitude of person towards family size, marriage etc.
Most educated people delay their marriages and prefer to have small family. Education makes
frontal attack on orthodoxy and superstition, induces people to practice small family size.

b) Improvement in status of the women: Constitution has given the same treatment to men and
women. However, society treats them differently. Women’s have inferior status than men.
Women are responsible for educating her family members. Therefore, she should be educated
and not ignored.
c) Age of marriage: The legal age of marriage is 18years for girls and 21years for boys. The
postponement of age of marriage is the effective mean to control the population growth.
3) Family planning programmes: These are the activities under which government literates the
society about the importance of restricted family size. For restricting the family size, government
also provides medical aid as well as financial aid to the followers. Incentives and cash prices are
also given to motivate others.
Family Welfare Programmes: It refers to the activities that are organized to aware people about
‘small family norm’ in order to control the rapid population growth. India, a highly populated
country, launched a nationwide family planning programme in 1952 and was the first country in
the world to do so. The main objective is to motivate people to accept ‘small family norm’.
During 1976 India framed its first ‘National Population Policy’. The acceptance of this
programme is purely on voluntary basis.
Methods of sterilization: Family programme has been successful but much still needs to be
achieved to stabilize population. The family welfare programme advocates a variety of measures
to control population.
Permanent methods or sterilization are done by minor surgery.

Tubectomy in females is done by tying the tubes that carry the ovum to the uterus.
Vasectomy in male is done by tying the tubes that carry the sperm.
Both are very simple procedures, painless and patients have no postoperative problems.
Other than the above permanent method, some temporary birth control methods are: Copper T
are small objects which can be placed by a doctor in a uterus so that ovum cannot be implanted.
Oral pills and injectable drugs are available that also use to prevent pregnancy. Condoms are
used by males to prevent sperms from fertilizing the ovum.
Infectious diseases can be caused by:
 Bacteria. These one-cell organisms are responsible for illnesses, such as strep throat, urinary
tract infections and tuberculosis.
 Viruses. Even smaller than bacteria, viruses cause a multitude of diseases — ranging from
the common cold to AIDS.
 Fungi. Many skin diseases, such as ringworm and athlete's foot, are caused by fungi. Other
types of fungi can infect lungs or nervous system.

 Parasites. Malaria is caused by a tiny parasite that is transmitted by a mosquito bite. Other
parasites may be transmitted to humans from animal feces.
Direct contact: An easy way to catch most infectious diseases is by coming in contact with a
person who has the infection. Three ways infectious diseases can be spread through direct
contact are:
 Person to person. A common way for infectious diseases to spread is through the direct
transfer of bacteria, viruses or other germs from one person to another. This can occur when
an individual with the bacterium or virus touches, coughs on someone who isn't infected.
 Animal to person. Being bitten or scratched by an infected animal — even a pet — can
make human sick and, in extreme circumstances, can be fatal.
 Mother to unborn child. A pregnant woman may pass germs that cause infectious diseases
to her unborn baby.
Indirect contact: Disease-causing organisms also can be passed by indirect contact. Many
germs can remain on an inanimate object, such as a tabletop, doorknob or handle. When a person
touch a doorknob handled by someone ill with the flu or a cold, then he can pick up the germs he
or she left behind. If he then touches his eyes, mouth or nose before washing hands, he may
become infected.
Insect bites: Some germs rely on insect carriers — such as mosquitoes, fleas, lice or ticks — to
move from host to host. These carriers are known as vectors. Mosquitoes can carry the malaria
parasite or West Nile virus, and deer ticks may carry the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.
Food contamination: Another way disease-causing germs can infect man is through
contaminated food and water. This mechanism of transmission allows germs to be spread to
many people through a single source. For example, a bacterium present on certain foods — such
as undercooked hamburger or unpasteurized fruit juice.
Following are the most common infectious diseases.

Cholera: It is spread mostly through contaminated drinking water and unsanitary conditions. It
is an acute infection of the intestines. Its main symptom is high diarrhea. Those infected with the
disease will develop severe symptoms, which also include vomiting and leg cramps. In its severe
form, cholera can cause death by dehydration.
Dengue: It is spread through the bite of the mosquito. Dengue fever can be mild to moderate,
and occasionally severe, though it is rarely incurable. Feverish illness, high fever, severe
headaches, muscle and joint pains, and rash. Severe cases develop into dengue hemorrhagic
fever, which involves high fever, hemorrhaging.

Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus.
Spread primarily by the by ingestion of contaminated water or food, Symptoms include fever,
fatigue, jaundice, and dark urine. Although those exposed usually develop lifelong immunity, the
best protection against Hepatitis A is vaccination.
Hepatitis B: It is the most common infectious disease in the world today. Hepatitis is an
inflammation of the liver that causes symptoms such as jaundice, extreme fatigue, nausea,
vomiting, and stomach pain; hepatitis B is the most serious form of the disease. Chronic
infections can cause or liver cancer in later years.
Malaria: Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that affects more than 500 million people
annually, causing between 1 and 3 million deaths. Most of its victims are children. The first stage
consists of shaking and chills, the next stage involves high fever and severe headache, and in the
final stage the infected person's temperature drops and he or she sweats profusely. Infected
people also often suffer from anemia, weakness, and a swelling of the spleen.
Pneumonia: Pneumonia has many possible causes. The bacteria of it can live in the human body
without causing infection for years, and only surface when another illness has lowered the
person's immunity to disease.
Strep Throat: Strep throat is caused by the streptococcus bacteria. Several million cases of strep
throat occur every year. Symptoms include a sore throat, fever, headache, fatigue, and nausea.
Tuberculosis: TB causes nearly 2 million deaths every year, and WHO estimates that nearly 1
billion people will be infected between 2000 and 2020 if more effective preventive procedures
are not adopted. The TB bacteria are most often found in the lungs, where they can cause chest
pain and a bad cough that brings up bloody phlegm. Other symptoms include fatigue, weight
loss, appetite loss, chills, fever, and night sweats.
Typhoid: It is usually spread through infected food or water. Symptoms include a sudden and
sustained fever, severe headache, nausea, severe appetite loss, constipation, and sometimes
diarrhea.
Yellow Fever: The disease has two phases. In the “acute phase,” symptoms include fever,
muscle pain, headache, shivers, appetite loss, nausea, and vomiting. This lasts for 3–4 days, after
which most patients recover. But 15% will enter the “toxic phase,” in which fever reappears,
along with other symptoms, including jaundice; abdominal pain; vomiting; bleeding from the
mouth, nose, eyes, and stomach; and deterioration of kidney function (sometimes complete
kidney failure). Half of all patients in the toxic phase die within two weeks;

AIDS: A fatal and incurable disease caused by HIV, AIDS attacks and destroys the immune
system, gradually leaving the individual defenseless against illnesses that lead to death. In
addition to sexual contact, AIDS has been spread by intravenous drug users sharing infected
hypodermic needles. The virus can also be passed on through transfused blood or its
components. It may also be transmitted from infected mother to infant before, during, or shortly
after birth.
H1N1 (Swine Flu): Its most symptoms are the same as seasonal flu. They can include: cough,
fever, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Like seasonal flu, swine
flu can lead to more serious complications, including pneumonia and respiratory failure. And it
can make conditions like diabetes or asthma worse. If you have symptoms like shortness of
breath, severe vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness,
Water related diseases: Waste water released from municipal drains and slaughterhouses may
be the source of various types of pathogenic organisms and other chemicals these organisms and
chemicals are capable of producing diseases in human and animals through the use of
contaminated water. The water born hazards may be classified into two broad groups- Biological
and chemical.
Biological water borne diseases caused by the presence of bacteria, protozoans, viruses, parasites
and algae is related with specific diseases such as Typhoid, Cholera, Malaria, yellow fever.
Chemical pollutants like detergents, minerals, heavy metals, cyanides, pesticides, organic acids,
derived from agricultural and industrial wastes, find the way into public water supply and affect
the human health.
Water-borne infectious diseases are the major cause of infant mortality in the less developed
countries every year. Almost all parts of the human body are affected by one or the other
pollutant. For example lead and mercury affect brain, Arsenic affects the skin and chlorinated
hydrocarbons concentrate in the fat.
Providing adequate sanitation facilities, it is the key to preventing waterborne diseases.
Arsenicosis: Long-term exposure to low concentrations of arsenic in drinking-water causes

painful skin kurtosis (hardened lesions) and can result in cancers of the skin, lungs, bladder and
kidney. Millions of people are potentially in danger from arsenic poisoning since they rely on
water supplies that are contaminated with arsenic (mainly from natural sources) and do not have
a safe water alternative or are unaware of the risks.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea is caused by a variety of micro-organisms including viruses, bacteria and

protozoan. Diarrhea causes a person to lose both water and electrolytes, which leads to
dehydration and, in some cases, to death.

Diarrhea is the most important public health problem directly related to water and sanitation. The
simple act of washing hands with soap and water can cut diarrheal disease by one-third.
Flurosis: Flurosis is a serious bone disease caused by high concentrations of fluoride occurring
naturally in groundwater.
Schistosomiasis: Schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzias) is a disease caused by bloodsucking

worms. At various stages of the life cycle, worms and their eggs live in certain types of
freshwater snails, water (where they can survive for 48 hours) and human hosts. They penetrate
the skin of people swimming, bathing or washing in contaminated water, they then cause
infection and can eventually damage the liver, intestines, lungs and bladder.
Trachoma: Trachoma is an eye infection spread mainly through poor hygiene caused by lack of
adequate water supplies and unsafe environmental sanitation conditions. About 6 million people
are blind today because of trachoma. It affects women two to three times more than men.
Children are also especially susceptible.
Typhoid: It is usually spread through infected food or water. Symptoms include a sudden and
sustained fever, severe headache, nausea, severe appetite loss, constipation, and sometimes
diarrhea.
Risk due to chemicals in food: People can be exposed to hazardous chemicals through the food
they eat. Food contamination can occur if the food has come into contact with hazardous
chemicals. It can also occur further down the food chain such as through eating contaminated
fish.
Food such as corn, beans, peas, meat and fish are likely to be contaminated with the spores of
the clostridium, grow in number and produce toxin in food. It can cause paralysis of involuntary
muscles and may ultimately lead to death due to respiratory failure.
Improperly coated utensils: Poisoning by chemicals like Arsenic, Antimony, and Cadmium can
enter the food from improperly coated utensils.
Insecticides: Insecticides also contaminate food. Therefore all types of vegetables must be
washed before use.
Pesticides: Food contains nutrients essential for health, but it may also include chemicals that
can increase risk of disease. Fruits and vegetables that contain pesticide residues can be a health

risk for people of all ages. Research proves that exposure to organophosphates may contribute to
the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, also exposure to a
combination of the pesticide maneb and the herbicide paraquat increases risks of Parkinson’s
disease, especially in young people,
Preservatives: Manufacturers use preservatives such as nitrites and sulfites in processed foods to
inhibit growth of microorganisms and increase shelf life. But these preservatives increase health
risk. Nitrites are common preservatives used in processed meats and fish to prevent bacterial
growth. Human body converts nitrites to carcinogenic substances called nitrosamines. Research
found that increased nitrosamine consumption from processed meat increases the risk of stomach
cancer. Sulfites used to preserve dried fruits, fruit juices, wine and beer may increase the risk of
asthma attacks.
Artificial Colors: Artificial colors increase consumer appeal but may also increase risk of
disease. Caramel coloring used in many popular cola soft drinks contains two chemicals called 2-
methylimidazole and 4-methylimadazole that cause cancers of the lungs, liver and thyroid and
leukemia. Food colorings such as Yellow No. 5, 6 and10 and Red No. 40 can increase the risk of
or exacerbate hyperactive behavior in children.
Fats and Sweeteners: Industrially produced fats and sweeteners common in processed foods are
bad for human health. Manufacturers use transfats -- which increase risk of coronary artery
disease -- in breads, cookies, margarine and microwave popcorn. High-fructose corn syrup, a
sweetener used in soft drinks, salad dressings and desserts, can increase risk of obesity.
According to research- eating high-fructose corn syrup can increase risk of diabetes.
Infectious Diseases: Infectious diseases are disorders caused by organisms — such as bacteria,
viruses, fungi or parasites. Many organisms live in and on our bodies. They're normally harmless
or even helpful, but under certain conditions, some organisms may cause disease.
Some infectious diseases can be passed from person to person.
As per WHO Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria,
viruses, parasites or fungi; the diseases can be spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to
another.
Cancer and Environment:

1. Cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells that may affect
almost any tissue of the body. More than 10 million people are diagnosed with cancer in the
world. Cancer is caused by different agents or chemical which are known as carcinogens.
2. Cancer is caused by changes to certain genes that alter the way our cells function. Some of
these genetic changes occur naturally when DNA is replicated during the process of cell
division. But others are the result of environmental exposures that damage DNA. These
exposures may include substances, such as the chemicals in tobacco smoke, or radiation, such
as ultraviolet rays from the sun.
3. As per WHO there are 107 agents, mixtures, and exposure situations as carcinogenic to
humans. These include all forms of asbestos and a number of agents found in the environment
such as benzene, arsenic in water, cadmium, ethylene oxide, benzopyrene, silica, ionizing
radiation including radon, ultraviolet radiation including tanning devices.
4. Environmental causes of cancer are factors in the environment such as pollutants that increase
risk for cancer. For example, indoor radon exposure was estimated to cause between 3-14 %
of all lung cancers in 2004. Air pollution caused 165 000 lung cancer deaths globally in 2004
of which, UV radiation was estimated to cause 60 000 deaths in 2002.
5. People can avoid some cancer-causing exposures, such as tobacco smoke and the sun’s rays.
But others are harder to avoid, especially if they are in the air we breathe, the water we drink,
the food we eat, or the materials we use to do our jobs. Scientists are studying which
exposures may cause or contribute to the development of cancer. Understanding which
exposures are harmful, and where they are found, may help people to avoid them.
6. The substances listed below are among the most likely carcinogens to affect human health.
Simply because a substance has been designated as a carcinogen, however, does not mean that
the substance will necessarily cause cancer. Many factors influence whether a person exposed
to a carcinogen will develop cancer, including the amount and duration of the exposure and
the individual’s genetic background. Environmental Carcinogens and Cancer Risk.
 Aflatoxins: Aflatoxins are a family of toxins produced by certain fungi that are found on
agricultural crops such as maize (corn), peanuts, cottonseed, and tree nuts.
 Aristolochic Acids: Aristolochic acids are a group of acids found naturally in many types
of plants known as Aristolochia (birthworts or pipevines) and some types of plants known
as Asarum (wild ginger), which grow worldwide.
 Arsenic: Arsenic is a naturally occurring substance that can be found in air, water, and soil.
It can also be released into the environment by certain agricultural and industrial processes,
such as mining and metal smelting.
 Asbestos: Asbestos is the name given to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that
are resistant to heat and corrosion.
 Benzene: Benzene is a colorless or light-yellow liquid chemical at room temperature.
Benzene is produced by both natural and man-made processes. It is a natural component of
crude oil, which is the main source of benzene produced today. Other natural sources
include gas emissions from volcanoes and forest fires.

 Benzidine: Benzidine is a manufactured chemical that does not occur in nature. In the past,
large amounts of Benzidine were used to produce dyes for cloth, paper, and leather.
 Beryllium: Beryllium is a metal that is found in nature, especially in beryl and bertrandite
rock. It is extremely lightweight and hard, is a good conductor of electricity and heat, and is
non-magnetic.
 1,3-Butadiene: 1,3-Butadiene is a colorless gas at room temperature with a gasoline-like
odor. It is used to produce synthetic rubber products, such as tires, resins, and plastics, and
other chemicals.
 Cadmium: Cadmium is a natural element found in tiny amounts in air, water, soil, and
food. All soils and rocks, including coal and mineral fertilizers, contain some cadmium.
 Coal Tar and Coal-Tar Pitch: Coal tar is derived from coal. It is a byproduct of the
production of coke, a solid fuel that contains mostly carbon, and coal gas. Coal-tar pitch is a
thick black liquid that remains after the distillation of coal tar. It is used as a base for
coatings and paint, in roofing and paving,
 Coke-Oven Emissions: Coke oven emissions come from large ovens that are used to heat
coal to produce coke, which is used to manufacture iron and steel
 Crystalline Silica (respirable size): An abundant natural material, crystalline silica is found
in stone, soil, and sand. It is also found in concrete, brick, mortar, and other construction
materials.
 Erionite: Erionite is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that belongs to a group of
minerals called zeolites
 Ethylene Oxide: At room temperature, ethylene oxide is a flammable colorless gas with a
sweet odor
 Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling, flammable chemical that is
produced industrially and used in building materials such as particleboard, plywood, and
other pressed-wood products.
 Hexavalent Chromium Compounds: Chromium is an odorless and tasteless metallic
element that is found in the earth’s crust. It is also found in air, water, soil, and food.
 Indoor Emissions from the Household Combustion of Coal: Burning coal inside the
home for the purposes of heating or cooking produces particulate and gas emissions that
may contain a number of harmful chemicals, such as benzene, carbon monoxide,
formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
 Mineral Oils: Untreated and Mildly Treated: The name mineral oil has been used to
describe many colorless, odorless liquids. Most often, the term refers to a liquid by-product
of the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline and other petroleum-based products
from crude oil.
 Nickel Compounds: Nickel is a silvery-white metallic element found in the earth’s crust.
 Radon: Radon is a radioactive gas that is released from the normal decay of the elements
uranium, thorium, and radium in rocks and soil. The invisible, odorless gas seeps up

through the ground and diffuses into the air. In a few areas, depending on local geology,
radon dissolves into ground water and can be released into the air when the water is used.
 Secondhand Tobacco Smoke (Environmental Tobacco Smoke): Secondhand tobacco
smoke is the combination of the smoke given off by a burning tobacco product and the
smoke exhaled by a smoker
 Soot: soot is a byproduct of the incomplete burning of organic (carbon-containing)
materials, such as wood, fuel oil, plastics, and household refuse. The fine black or brown
powder that makes up soot may contain a number of carcinogens, including arsenic,
cadmium, and chromium.
 Strong Inorganic Acid Mists Containing Sulfuric Acid: At room temperature, sulfuric
acid is a clear, colorless, oily, corrosive liquid. Strong inorganic acid mists containing
sulfuric acid may be generated during various manufacturing processes.
 Thorium: Thorium is a naturally occurring radioactive metal that is found in soil, rock, and
water
 Vinyl Chloride: Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas that burns easily. It does not occur
naturally and must be produced industrially for its commercial uses.
 Wood Dust: Wood dust is created when machines or tools are used to cut or shape wood.
High amounts of wood dust are produced in sawmills, and in the furniture-making, cabinet-
making, and carpentry industries.

Unit IV: Social Issues in Environment:
Construction of dams: It has been a part of the economic development plans of almost all
nations of the world for energy, irrigation, and drinking water. Hydropower provides a non-
polluting source of energy that may be generated in increasing amounts for the growing needs of
growing populations. Once built, dams entail relatively low costs and maintenance compared to
the costs associated with other forms of energy generation. Construction of dams however
requires a significant cost. They can also disrupt the lives and lifestyles of people living in the
reservoir area and of those dependent on this area.
Even when thorough surveys of people adversely affected by dams are conducted, it is not easy
to recognize all the adverse impacts of dam construction on the affected people. Impacts that are
not fully identified are difficult to fully mitigate. Poorly planned and implemented dams can
devastate local socioeconomic systems without replacing them with comparable and acceptable
alternative systems.
Problems and concerns of resettlement:
No government support: Displacement or resettlement mainly troubles tribal and rural people
who usually do not figure in the priority list of any political authorities or parties.
Inadequate compensation: The compensation for the land lost is often not paid, it is delayed or
even if paid, is too small both in monetary terms and social changes forced on them by these
mega developmental projects.
Loss of livelihood: Displacement or resettlement is not a simple incident in the lives of the
displaced people. They have to leave their ancestral land and forests on which they depend for
their livelihood. Many of them have no skills to take up any other occupation. Usually, the new
land that is offered to them is of poor quality and they are unable to make a living.
Lack of facilities: When people are resettled in a new area, basic infrastructure and amenities
are not provided in that area. Very often, temporary camps become permanent settlements. It is
also a major problem of displacement or resettlement that people have to face.
Increase in stress: Resettlement disturbs the entire life of the people. They are unable to bear
the shocks of emptiness and purposelessness created in their life. Payment of compensation to
the head of the family often lead to bitter quarrels over sharing of compensation amount within
the family, leading to stress and even worsen their family life. Land ownership has a certain
prestige attached to it which cannot be compensated for even after providing the new land. With
the loss of property and prestige, marriages of young people also become difficult as people from

outside villages are not willing to marry their daughters to the refugees.
Increase in health problems: Lack of nutrition due to the loss of agriculture and forest based
livelihood, lead to the general decline in the health of the people. People are used to traditional
home remedies.
Secondary displacement: Occupational groups residing outside the submergence area but
depending on the area for the livelihood also experience unemployment. Village artisans, petty
traders, laborers etc, lose their living.
Loss of identity: Tribal life is community based. The tribal are simple people who have a
lifestyle of their own. Displacement have a negative impact on their livelihood, culture and
spiritual existence in the following ways:
a) Break up of families and communities are the important social issues of displacement. The
women suffer the most as they are deprived even a little compensation.
b) Inter-community marriages, cultural functions, folk songs and dances do not take place among
the displaced people. When they are resettled, it is generally individual based resettlement, which
ignores communal character.
c) Resettlement increases the poverty of the tribal due to the loss of land, livelihood, food
insecurity, jobs, skills etc.
d) Loss of identity of individuals and the loss of connection between the people and the
environment is the greatest loss in the process. The indigenous knowledge that they have
regarding the wildlife and the herbal plants are lost.
e) The land acquisition laws do not pay attention to the idea of communal ownership of property
which increases stress within the family.
f) The tribal people are not familiar with the market trends, prices of commodities and policies.
As such, they are exploited and get alienated in the modern era.
Rehabilitation of affected people:

a) Rehabilitation should be kept in mind before the people are given an alternative site for living.
b) Villagers should be taken into confidence at every stage of implementation of the resettlement
and they should be educated, through public meetings, discussion about the legalities of the
Land Acquisition act and other rehabilitation provisions.
The elderly people of the village should be involved in the decision making.
c) Tribal people should be allowed to live along the lives of their own patterns and others should
avoid imposing anything on them.
d) They should be provided means to develop their own traditional art and culture in every way.
e) Villagers should be given the option of shifting out with others to enable them to live a
community based life.
f) Removal of poverty should be one of the objectives of rehabilitation.

g) The people displaced should get an appropriate share in the fruits of the development.
h) The displaced people should be given employment opportunities.
i) Resettlement should be in the neighborhood of their own environment.
j) If resettlement is not possible in the neighbor area, priority should be given to the
development of the irrigation facilities and supply of basic inputs for agriculture, drinking
water, wells, grazing ground for the cattle, schools for the children, primary healthcare units
and other amenities.
Environmental Ethics: Issues and Possible Solutions: Human beings always have to interact
with environment and other living beings. Thus human obligation towards the environment and
living beings are called Environmental Ethics. Ethics denotes the basic code/system of the
civilized behaviour without which our environment would be impossible. Such rules represent
the basic restrictions that each of us agrees to practice in relationship with others. Human beings
are over exploiting the natural resources and polluting the environment which may lead to
environmental crises. If we want to control the environmental crises our attitude towards the
environment must be change.
Everyone must understand that the environment is not just pretty trees and tigers threatened
plants and ecosystems where as it is literally the entity on which we all subsist and on which our
entire agricultural and industrial development depends. The consumption of resources is going at
a faster rate than they can naturally replenish. Development can take at the cost of environment
only up to a certain point. Development without a concern for the environment can only be the
development for the short term.
There are two broad views regarding environmental ethics:
1. Eco- Centric View: This view states that earth’s resources are limited and not only the human
but every living being/ species has equal right on it. So we have to fulfill our requirements from
environment but our use should not degrade the environment. Healthy economy is the outcome
of healthy environment. The success of mankind depends upon how we cooperate with nature
while using its resources.
2. Anthropocentric View: This view supports the greatness of mankind and states that man is the
most important species of nature. Earth has an unlimited supply of resources. So the success and
healthy economy of mankind depend upon how nicely man derives benefits from nature. Most of
the industrialists believe in this view.
Major Environmental Issues: Following are the issues from which our planet is suffering.
Overpopulation: Overpopulation is an undesirable condition where the number of existing

human population exceeds the carrying capacity of Earth.
Industrial and Household Waste: Waste generated due to industrial processes and daily
household operations which not only damages ecosystem but also cause danger to human health.
Acid Rain: It means rain that is acidic in nature due to the presence of certain pollutants in the
air due to cars and industrial processes. Acid rain can occur in form of rain, snow, fog or dry
material that settle to earth
Ozone Layer Depletion: Ozone is made up of oxygen and is produced naturally in the
atmosphere. This layer prevents excessive UV radiation from entering into the Earth. Existence
of life on earth is possible only because of the presence of ozone layer around the earth.
Depleting ozone layer means getting direct in touch with ultra violet rays which can cause
various diseases.
Urban Sprawl: urban sprawl is defined as low density residential and commercial development
on undeveloped land.
Global warming: Earth’s temperature is rising day by day and there is no single solution to
solve global warming which has already created havoc in present day world. Threats of global
warming include: rising sea level, lost endangered species, climate change and deadly storm
events
Global climate change: changing climate patterns due to increasing concentration of carbon
dioxide have already made significant impact on our planet. Melting of polar ice caps, change in
rainfall patterns, increase in frequency of hurricanes, storms are few of the adverse effects of
climate change
Deforestation: Deforestation in simple term means the felling and clearing of forest cover or
tree plantations in order to accommodate agricultural, industrial or urban use. It involves
permanent end of forest cover to make that land available for residential, commercial or
industrial purpose.
Pollution: Presence of gaseous, liquid, solid matter or energy (heat, noise, radiation) whose
nature, location, or quantity directly or indirectly alters characteristics or processes of any part of
the environment, and causes damage to the condition, health, safety, or welfare of animals,
humans, plants ,or property.

Resource degradation: Resource 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. It is defined as any change or disturbance to
the environment that is perceived to be deleterious or undesirable.
Threat of extinction: Endangered means that the animal is nearly extinct. Many different
reasons are in place for the extinction of these animals, whether it is to use for their fur, the oil
they produce or as a food source. There are several different types of endangered species.
Following are the certain environmental ethics/ possible solutions for better future:
1. Everyone should love and honour the earth.

2. Investing in environment friendly processes or products.
3. Investing in environmental performance improvement without increasing the cost.
4. Do not waste or exploit the natural resources.
5. Creation of awareness regarding conservation of life support systems.
6. One should be fair in sharing the resources.
7. We should also respect to plants and animals which provide us food.
8. We should conserve the ecosystem and promote appropriate sustainable development.
9. We should not do anything at the cost of nature.
10. We should consume the natural resources in moderate amount so that all may share this
treasure.
11. We should concentrate on general awareness regarding environmental ethics from primary
education.
12. A healthy environment depends upon healthy economy.
Thus, Environmental ethics has a very vital role to play in the present environment. Man has to
realize that he has to coexist with other living beings and should try for an equitable distribution
of natural resources.
 Resource consumption patterns and the need for equitable utilization: It deals
with how we utilize and distribute resources. There is a disparity between the
individuals, communities and countries in usage of resources. The well-to-do, educated
urban dweller consumes much larger quantities of resources and energy than the
traditional rural individual. Environmental destruction is largely caused by the
consumption of the rich. The worst sufferers of environmental destruction are the poor.
Even where nature is being ‘used’ it is being taken away from the needs of the poor

and towards those of the rich. Even among the poor, the worst sufferers are the
backward cultures and occupations, and most of all, women. If we care for the poor,
we cannot allow the Gross Nature Product to be destroyed any further. Conserving and
recreating nature has become our highest priority. This unequal distribution of wealth
and access to land and its resources is a serious environmental concern. An equitable
sharing of resources forms the basis of sustainable development for urban, rural and
wilderness-dwelling communities.
WORLD’S ENERGY CONSUMPTIONPATTERN

COUNTRY POPULATION ENERGY USE
USA 305 26.6
EU-27 499 20.2
CHINA 1333 24.8
MIDDLE EAST 199 6.9
LATIN AMERICA 462 6.7
AFRICA 194 7.7
INDIA 1140 7.2
OTHERS* 1766 42.2
(Population- In millions Energy Use- 1000 THW (Thw=3.6 megajoules) Others-remaining
countries in asia n australia like japan, butan, bangladesh,pakistan,etc Source: IEA/OECD,
Population OECD/World Bank)
 Equity-disparity between western and eastern countries: It is concerned with who

owns resources and how they are distributed. People living in the economically-advanced
nations use greater amounts of resources and energy per individual and also waste more
resources. This is at the cost poor people who are resource-dependent and live in
developing nations. Western countries use greater amounts of resources and energy per
individual and also waste more resources. They have exhausted their own resources and
now exploiting eastern nations at cheaper rates. It depletes the natural resources of the
developing nations on which their poor depend for their livelihood.
 Urban-rural equity issues: The common property of rural communities has increasingly
been used to supply the needs of the urban and industrial sectors. As the rural sector
supplies food and a part of the energy needs (mainly fuel wood) to most towns and cities
in India, the common lands of the rural sector are being depleted of their resources. a
deteriorating environment shortens the life as issues like poverty, hunger, malnutrition
together affect the health and weaken the socioeconomic development of the nation.
Rural communities supplying the needs of the urban sector. Land of villages is being
taken over by the urban and industrial sectors to expand. Thus while the cities get richer, 

the rural sector, especially the landless, get poorer. The urban rich must appreciate where
their resources are derived from and be willing to pay a fair price for using them.
 The need for gender equity: The ratio of energy consumption of men and women in
world is 9:7 and population wise it is 1.1:1. The conditions are worst in poor and
undeveloped societies. In India the average time of hard work done by a Woman is 1.75
times greater than Man. All over India, especially in the rural sector, women work longer
hours than men. They are involved in collection and sale of fuel wood, collection of
fodder, fruits, medicinal products, trekking several kilometers to fetch potable water,
cooking meals in smoky unhealthy atmosphere etc. On an average they spend 10-12 hrs a
day of very hard work, every day of the year. Unfortunately, it is the men who play a
decisive role in managing the village common and their resources while women have not
been given an equal opportunity to develop and improve their status which is due to a
lower access to education and health care than that of men. This has deep implications for
the rate of utilization of natural resources and their conservation. 
Preserving resources for future generations: This ethical issue must be considered
when we use resources unsustainably. If we overuse and misuse resources and energy
from fossil fuels, then our future generations will find survival very difficult.
The rights of animals: The plants and animals that share the Earth with us too have a right
to live and share the Earth’s resources and living space. We have no right to push a
species that has taken millions of years to evolve towards extinction. Cruelty to animals
is a crime that must be regarded seriously and action must be taken against offenders.
The ethical basis of environment education and awareness: The most important concern
is related to creating an ethos that will support a sustainable lifestyle in society. The
Supreme Court of our country has ordered that every young individual at school and
college level be exposed to a course on environment. There are two aspects that are
closely connected with ethical issues that are related to our environment. These are based
on valuing nature as a resource and appreciating the beauty of nature and treasuring the
magnificence of the wilderness.


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BBA Semester 2 (Part I) Environmental Studies

DHARAMPETH EdUCATION SOCIETY’S

DEPARTMENT OF BBA & BCCA

(This Study Material is only for Internal Circulation)

R.S.Mundle Dharampeth Arts & Commerce College, Nagpur

Reference Books: 1. A text book of environmental by K M Agrawal, P K Sikdar, S C Deb”,

Unit Topic Page No.

I Introduction to Environment Management 2-10

II Environment Pollution 11-33

III Human Population: 34-48

IV Social Issues in Environment 49-56

R.S.Mundle Dharampeth Arts & Commerce College, Nagpur

Unit I- Introduction to Environment :

Scope and Importance of Environmental Studies:

Importance of Environmental Studies:

R.S.Mundle Dharampeth Arts & Commerce College, Nagpur

R.S.Mundle Dharampeth Arts & Commerce College, Nagpur

The key aspects for sustainable development are:

Measures for sustainable development:

R.S.Mundle Dharampeth Arts & Commerce College, Nagpur

R.S.Mundle Dharampeth Arts & Commerce College, Nagpur

R.S.Mundle Dharampeth Arts & Commerce College, Nagpur

R.S.Mundle Dharampeth Arts & Commerce College, Nagpur

II) Non- renewable resources:

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Role of Individual in conservation of natural resources:

R.S.Mundle Dharampeth Arts & Commerce College, Nagpur

4. Conservation of food resources:

Following are some conservation strategies:

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R.S.Mundle Dharampeth Arts & Commerce College, Nagpur

R.S.Mundle Dharampeth Arts & Commerce College, Nagpur

Effect of air pollution on human health, on animals and on vegetation:

On Animal and plant:

R.S.Mundle Dharampeth Arts & Commerce College, Nagpur

Control measures in industries

Sources of water pollution:

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b. Industrial effluents: Industries produce chemical contamination of water sources, because

Effects of water pollution:

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1. Scientific techniques are necessary to be adopted for the environmental control of

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4. Minimum, appropriate quantity and concentration of fertilizers, pesticides and

Main Causes of Soil Pollution

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Effects of Soil Pollution :

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Control measures of soil pollution:

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R.S.Mundle Dharampeth Arts & Commerce College, Nagpur

a) Interference with speech communication: A noise of 50-60 dB commonly interferes with

Control of noise pollution:

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POLLUTION DUE To NUCLEAR ENERGY RADIATION:

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B) Man made or artificial sources:

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R.S.Mundle Dharampeth Arts & Commerce College, Nagpur

Causes of Thermal Pollution

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Effects of Thermal Pollution

Contamination of water – Thermal pollution also results in contamination of water because