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ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

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(22CH104)

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Table of Contents

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Table of Contents

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COURSE OBJECTIVES

Objectives:

• To gain knowledge on environment and various natural resources.
• To identify the scientific and technological solutions to pollution issues and waste management.
• To understand the significance of conservation of biodiversity.
• To recognize the needs and benefits of sustainability and its management.
• To comprehend the effects of human population on the environment.

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UNIT II POLLUTION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT 7

Pollution - Definition –causes, effects and control measures of (a) Air pollution (b) Water pollution (c) Soil pollution (d) Noise pollution (e) Nuclear hazards - nuclear accidents and holocaust - role of an individual in prevention of pollution –Case studies.

Waste management- Municipal solid wastes, e- waste, plastic waste.

Field study – Solid waste management of the institution.

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ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY L T P C 1 0 0 MC

� COURSE OUTCOMES��Upon completion of the course, the students will be able to�

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�Course Outcome mapping with POs / PSOs �

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LECTURE PLAN

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ACTIVITY BASED LEARNING

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1. Label the images

2. What are the effects of pollution on the environment and on the people?

Look at the labelled pictures and complete the table.

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3. Read text 1 & 2, and find out the causes and effects of ach type of pollution.

Text 1:

Because factories release fumes, the air people breathe gets polluted. Other well-known effects of fumes are smog, acid rain and holes in the ozone layer

Text 2:

Living in noisy overcrowded towns has become dangerous because everyday exposure to noise can cause headache, earaches and may lead to deafness.

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4. Categorize the waste materials in the correct column.

1. Chips and cookies wrappings, 2. Papers, 3 fruit scraps, 4. Plastic cutlery, 5. Newspapers, 6. Cardboard, 7. Soiled paper towel, 8. Tea bags, 9. Rubber bands, 10 clean boxboard, 12.coffee cups.

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UNIT – II�POLLUTION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT

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UNIT-2- POLLUTION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT �

Introduction:

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Pollution is derived from a Latin word ‘polluere’ which means ‘to contaminate’ any feature of the environment. Environmental pollution is not a new phenomenon. Yet, it remains the world’s most significant problem facing humanity and the leading environmental causes of morbidity and mortality. Man’s activities through urbanization, industrialization, mining, and exploration are at the forefront of environmental pollution. Pollution may be local, regional, trans-boundary, or global. The agent which causes pollution is called a pollutant.

Definition:

Environmental pollution is defined as “the unfavorable alteration of our surroundings”. It changes the quality of air, water and land, which interferes and affects human health and other life on earth. Thus, pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. Pollution is of various kinds, depending on the nature of pollutants generated from different sources.

Types of pollutants:

Biodegradable pollutants:

Biodegradable pollutants are pollutants that can be broken down into natural components that do not harm the environment over time. This is done by the action of microorganisms. Ex: food waste like vegetable and fruit peels, dead plants and animals, egg shells, chicken, garden waste paper materials, etc.

Non- biodegradable pollutants:

Non-biodegradable pollutants, on the other hand, are pollutants that can't be broken down this way, and may cause environmental harm. These include pesticides and and toxic metals like lead and mercury.

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Sometimes they may decompose very slowly in the environment. The slowly decomposed materials are most dangerous because it is complicated to remove from the environment.

Classification of pollution:

The different kinds of pollution that affect the environment are

1. Air pollution
2. Water pollution
3. Soil pollution
4. Noise pollution and
5. Nuclear hazards.

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2.1 AIR POLLUTION:

Air pollution is one of the world’s largest health and environmental problems. Air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year. WHO data shows that 9 out of 10 people breathe air that exceeds WHO guideline limits containing high levels of pollutants with low- and middle-income countries suffering from the highest exposures.

Definition:

Air pollution refers to any physical, chemical, or biological change in the air.  It means the presence of chemicals or compounds like dust, smoke, mist, etc., in the air which are usually not present and which lower the quality of the air or cause detrimental changes to the quality of life (such as the damaging of the ozone layer or causing global warming).

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Composition of atmospheric air:

During several billion years of chemical and biological evolution, the composition of earth’s atmosphere has varied. Today, about 99% of the volume of air we inhale consists of two gases: Nitrogen and Oxygen.

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Classification of Air pollutants:

Pollutants can be classified into two types.

1. Primary pollutants:

The pollutants that directly cause air pollution are known as primary pollutants. Ex: CO, NO, SO₂ etc., Primary pollutants can be emitted from many sources including cars, coal fired power plants, biomass burning, forest fires, volcanoes etc.,

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2. Indoor air pollutants:

They are primary air pollutants. The most important indoor air pollutant is radon gas. Ex: CO, NO, SO₂ etc.

3. Secondary pollutants: These are formed by the reaction between primary pollutants and basic components of air. Ex: Smog, formed by the intermingling of smoke and fog, is a secondary pollutant, formation of HNO₃, H₂SO₄.

Common air pollutants:

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Impacts of air pollution:

1. Acid rain:

Acid rain, or acid deposition, is a broad term that includes any form of precipitation with acidic components, such as sulfuric or nitric acid that fall to the ground from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms. Acid rain results when sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NO_X) are emitted into the atmosphere and transported by wind and air currents. The SO₂ and NO_X react with water, oxygen and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids.  These then mix with water and other materials before falling to the ground.

Effects:

Acid rain affects nearly everything. Plants, soil, trees, buildings and even statues can be transformed by the precipitation.

• It weakens the trees by washing away the protective film on leaves, and it stunts growth.
• Acid rain can also change the composition of soil and bodies of water, making them uninhabitable for local animals and plants. For example, healthy lakes have a pH of 6.5 or higher. As acid rain raises the level of acidity, fish tend to die off. Most fish species can't survive a water pH of below 5. When the pH becomes a 4, the lake is considered dead,
• It can additionally deteriorate limestone and marble buildings and monuments, like gravestones. 

Solutions:

There are several solutions to stopping man made acid rain. Regulating the emissions coming from vehicles and buildings is an important step, according to the EPA. This can be done by restricting the use of fossil fuels and focusing on more sustainable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

2. Greenhouse effect:

It is defined as‘ the progressive warming up of the earth’s surface due to blanketing effect of man made CO₂ in the atmosphere. There four major greenhouse gases, which causes adverse effect are: CO_{2 ,}CH_4, N₂O, CFC_S

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Among the CO₂ in the most common and important greenhouse gas. Ozone and SO₂ also act as serious pollutants is causing global warming

Global Warming: The raise of earth’s surface temperature due to intense greenhouse effect is called global warming.

Causes:

Over the last century, the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased by 25%, the level of nitrous oxide by 19% and the level of methane by 100%. These 3 major global warming gases are released into the atm. by burning of fossil fuels, industrialization, mining, deforestation, exhaust from increasing automobiles and other anthropogenic activities.

Effects:

1. Increase evaporation of surface water – influence climate change

2. Leads to declining biodiversity

3. Melting of mountain glaciers and polar ice, which cause rise in sea level

4. Change the climate and rainfall – reduction in food production

5. The biological productivity of ocean also decreased due to warming of earth's surface

6. With more carbon dioxide in the air, the plants will grow bigger with increase in yield and resulting in the soils getting poor quality.

7. If proper precautions are not taken, the conc. Of greenhouse gases may double in the atom. with in next 50 years, and will makes the average global temp. to 450 C.

Control measures:

1. CO₂ emission can be cut by reducing the use of fossil fuels.
2. Implementation energy conservations measures.
3. Plant more trees.
4. Shift from coal to natural gas.
5. Adopt sustainable agriculture.

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6. Stabilize population growth

7. Efficiency remove CO2 from smokes stacks

Clean development mechanism (CDM)

CDM is an arrangement under the Kyoto protocol allowing industrialized countries with a green house gas reduction commitment to invest in projects that reduce emissions in developing countries. It aims to develop sustainable development in all countries by reducing CO₂ and HFC (Hydro fluro carbon) emission.

3. Ozone layer depletion:

Ozone layer depletion occurs when chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halogen—gases formerly found in aerosol spray cans and refrigerants—are released into the atmosphere. Ozone exists in the upper atmosphere and absorbs ultraviolet radiation, another type of solar energy that's harmful to humans, animals and plants. CFCs and halons cause chemical reactions that break down ozone molecules, reducing ozone's ultraviolet radiation-absorbing capacity.

The sun emits electromagnetic radiation at different wavelengths, meaning energy at different intensities. The atmosphere acts like a multi-layer shield that protects Earth from dangerous solar radiation. Ozone is found in two different parts of our atmosphere. Ground level or “bad” ozone is a human health irritant and component of smog. It is found in the lower atmosphere (troposphere) and has nothing to do with the "ozone hole." High level or “good” ozone occurs in the stratosphere and accounts for the vast majority of atmospheric ozone.

Chemistry of Ozone Depletion

CFC molecules are made up of chlorine, fluorine and carbon atoms and are extremely stable. This extreme stability allows CFC's to slowly make their way into the stratosphere (most molecules decompose before they can cross into the stratosphere from the troposphere).

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This prolonged life in the atmosphere allows them to reach great altitudes where photons are more energetic. When the CFC's come into contact with these high energy photons, their individual components are freed from the whole. The following reaction displays how Cl atoms have an ozone destroying cycle:

Cl+O₃→ClO+O (step 1 ClO+O→Cl+O₂ (step 2)

O₃+O→2O₂ (Overall reaction)

Chlorine is able to destroy so much of the ozone because it acts as a catalyst.

The ozone hole:

The term ‘ozone hole’ refers to the depletion of the protective ozone layer in the upper atmosphere (stratosphere) over Earth's polar regions. Because of circulation patterns, ozone in the lower stratosphere move toward the poles, where its concentration builds up.  During the continuous dark polar winter at the poles, the air inside the polar vortices becomes extremely cold and creates the condition for drastic ozone destruction, providing a surface for chlorine to change into ozone-destroying form. They generally last until the sun comes up in the spring. Scientists also discovered that the thinning in the ozone layer was caused by increase in concentrations of ozone depleting chemicals. These chemicals can remain in the atmosphere for decades to over a century.

The Montreal Protocol:

It is an international commitment to phase out ozone-depleting chemicals that was universally ratified by all countries that participate in the UN during 1980.

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Control Measures of air pollution:

The atmosphere has the following built-in self-cleaning processes like,

1. Dispersion
2. Gravitational settling
3. Flocculation
4. Absorption
5. Rain wash out etc.,

But the recent studies indicate increasing pollution is hampering the atmosphere's inherent cleansing ability. So, the best way to protect air quality is to reduce the emission of pollutants by changing to cleaner fuels and processes. To reduce pollutants, the appropriate methods which can be followed are:

1. Source control:

It is more desirable and effective method.

• Use only unleaded petrol.
• Use fuels with low sulphur and ash content.
• By developing an efficient public transport system.
• By encouraging people to walk or use cycles.
• Ensure children play area is not located on busy streets.
• Plant trees (which reduces both air and noise pollution).
• Industries & waste disposal sites should be situated outside the city etc,

B) Control measures in Industries:

• Emission rates should be in permissible level.
• Incorporation of air pollution control equipment must be made mandatory.
• Continuous monitoring of the atmosphere for the pollutants.

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• Sufficient supply of oxygen and adequate temperature in the combustion chamber so that the combustion is complete.
• By using mechanical devices such as scrubbers, cyclones, bag houses and electrostatic precipitators.
• Chemical treatments to deal with factory fumes.

Finally, the disposal of the collected air pollutants is equally important for successful control of air pollution.

C) Equipment's used to control air pollution:

Air pollution can be reduced by adopting the following approaches:

1. To ensure sufficient supply of oxygen to the combustion chamber and adequate temperature so that the combustion is complete, eliminating much of the smoke consisting of partly burnt ashes and dust.
2. Pollutants not eliminated in this way must be collected or trapped by appropriate air-cleaning devices as they are generated and before they can escape into the atmosphere.
3. Hence mechanical devices such as scrubbers, cyclone dust separator, bag houses and electrostatic precipitators can be used to reduce particulate pollutants.

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The above four equipments are commonly used control methods for removing particulates from the exhaust gases of electric power and industrial plants. All these methods retain hazardous materials that must be disposed of safely. The wet scrubber can also reduce sulphur dioxide emissions.

iv) Chemical treatment to deal with factory fumes:

The disposal of the collected air pollutants is equally important for successful control of air pollution.

v) Carbon sequestration

The best way to reduce the levels of CO₂ in the air is to use energy more efficiently and to reduce the combustion of fossil fuels  by using alternative energy sources. Carbon sequestration involves the long-term storage of carbon dioxide underground, as well as on the surface of earth in forests and oceans. Carbon sequestration in forests and oceans relies on natural processes such as forest growth. Storing carbon dioxide underground a technology under development that is also called geo sequestration or carbon capture and storage would involve pumping the gas directly into underground geologic “reservoir” layers.

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Case study for air pollution:

1. Bhopal gas tragedy (Air pollution):

The world’s worst industrial accident occurred at Bhopal city, M.P. on the midnight of 3^rd December 1984. It happened at Union Carbide India Ltd., who manufactures some carbonate pesticides, using methyl isocyanate (MIC).The reactor gets exploded, due to failure of its cooling system and 40 tons of MIC leaked into the atmosphere.

1. Methyl-isocyanate is a toxic gas, lower concentrations of which affects lungs, eyes and causes irritation in the skin.
2. Higher amounts of MIC removes oxygen from the lungs and can cause death.

Effects in Bhopal: The gas spread over 40 sq.km area. About 5000 persons were killed and 65,000 people suffered from severe eye, respiratory, neuromuscular and gastrointestinal disorders. Nearly 1000 persons became blind.

2. 2020 Beirut explosion:

On 4^th August 2020, a large amount of ammonium nitrate stored at the port of the city of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, exploded, causing massive air pollution and nearly 200 deaths, 6,500 injuries, US$ 10–15 billion in property damage and leaving an estimated 300,000 people homeless. Around 2,750 tones of substance (equivalent to around 1.1 kilotons of TNT)  had been stored in a warehouse without proper safety measures for the previous six years. The explosion was felt in Turkey, Syria, Israel, Palestine and parts of Europe, and was heard in Cyprus which is more than 250 km (160 miles) away. It was detected by the United States Geological Survey  as a seismic event of magnitude  3.3 and it is considered one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosions in the history. 

1. https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/16/16778604/london-great-smog-1952-death-in-the-air-pollution-book-review-john-reginald-christie
2. https://www.history.com/news/the-killer-fog-that-blanketed-london-60-years-ago

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2.2. WATER POLLUTION

Introduction:

Water is uniquely vulnerable to pollution. Known as a “universal solvent,” water is able to dissolve more substances than any other liquid on earth. Water pollution occurs when harmful substances—often chemicals or microorganisms—contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean, aquifer, or other body of water, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic to humans or the environment. The pollutants also seep through and reach the groundwater, which might end up in our households as contaminated water we use in our daily activities, including drinking.

Definition:

The alteration in physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water which may cause harmful effects on human and aquatic life.

Sources & effects of water pollution:

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Characteristics (or) Testing of river water (waste water):�

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Control measures of water pollution:

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Water pollution, to a larger extent, can be controlled by a variety of methods. The control of pollution should ideally take place at the point of generation, or, in other words, it should be prevented at source.

1. The administration of water pollution control should be in the hands of state or central government.
2. Scientific techniques are necessary to be adopted for environmental control of catchment areas of rivers, ponds or streams.
3. The industrial plants should be based on recycling operations, because it will not only stop the discharge of industrial wastes into natural water sources but by products can be extracted from the wastes.
4. Plants, trees and forests control pollution and they acts as natural air conditioners. Hence the national goal should be “Conservation of forests”.
5. Forests in and around big cities and industrial establishments are capable of reducing the sulphur dioxide and nitric oxide pollutants to a greater extent from the atmosphere.

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6. It is not advisable to discharge any type of waste either treated, partially treated or untreated into streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and reservoirs.

7. Highly qualified and experienced persons should be consulted from time to time for effective control of water pollution.

8. Public awareness regarding adverse effects of water pollution is a must.

9. Suitable laws, standards and practices should be formed to regulate the discharge of undesirable flow of water in water bodies.

10. Basic and applied research in public health engineering should be encouraged.

Waste water (or) Sewage Treatment:

Sewage refers to liquid wastes containing a mixture of human feces and wastewater from non-industrial human activities such as bathing, washing, and cleaning. Untreated sewage poses a major risk to human health since it contains waterborne pathogens that can cause serious human illness. Untreated sewage also destroys aquatic ecosystems, threatening human livelihoods, when the associated biological oxygen demand and nutrient loading deplete oxygen in the water to levels too low to sustain life.

Objectives:

The main objectives of waste water treatment are:

1. To convert harmful compounds into harmless compounds.
2. To eliminate the offensive smell.
3. To remove the solid content of the sewage.
4. To destroy the disease producing microorganisms.

Treatment process:

The sewage (or) waste water treatment process involves the following steps:

1. Preliminary Treatment:

In this treatment, coarse solids and suspended impurities are removed by passing the waste water through bar and mesh screens.

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II) Primary Treatment (or) settling process:

In this treatment, greater proportion of the suspended inorganic and organic solids is removed from the liquid sewage by settling. In order to facilitate quick settling coagulants like alum or ferrous sulphate is added. These produce large gelatinous precipitates, which entraps finely divided organic matter and settles rapidly.

Al₂(SO₄)₃ + 6H₂O → 2Al(OH)₃ ↓ + 3H₂SO₄

III) Secondary (or) Biological Treatment:

In this treatment, biodegradable organic impurities are removed by aerobic bacteria. It removes up to 90% of the oxygen demanding wastes. This is done by trickling filter or activated sludge process.

a) Trickling filter process:

The trickling filter is an aerobic treatment system that utilizes microorganisms attached to a medium to remove organic matter from wastewater. It consists of a circular tank which is filled with either coarse or crushed rock (media). Sewage is sprayed over this bed by means of slowly rotating arms. Air circulation in the void space, by blowers, provides oxygen for the microorganisms. When sewage starts percolating downwards, microorganisms present in the sewage grows on the surface of filtering media using organic material of the sewage as food. After completion of aerobic oxidation, the treated sewage taken out and the sludge is removed. This process removes about 80 – 85 % of BOD.

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(b) Activated sludge process:

Activated sludge is biologically active sewage and it has a large number of aerobic bacteria, which can easily oxidize the organic impurities. The sewage effluents from primary treatment is mixed with the required amount of activated sludge and is aerated in the aeration tank. Under these conditions, organic impurities of the sewage get oxidized rapidly by the microorganisms.

After aeration, the sewage is taken to the sedimentation tank. Sludges settle down in this tank called activated sludge. A portion of which is used for seeding fresh batch of the sewage. This process removes about 90 – 95% of BOD.

IV. Tertiary treatment:

Tertiary treatment of wastewater is the third stage of the wastewater treatment and is also known as an advanced treatment. Tertiary treatment removes the load of nitrogen and phosphorus present in the water. It includes processes like filtration, chlorination, activated carbon adsorption, nitrification, and denitrification.

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V. Disposal of sludge:

This is the last stage in the sewage treatment. Sludge formed from different steps can be disposed by:

1. Dumping into low lying areas.
2. Burning of sludge (incineration).
3. Dumping into the sea.
4. Using it as low-grade fertilizers.

Case studies on water pollution:

Indian Children Blinded, Crippled By Fluoride In Water:

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Arsenic poison in ground water:

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In India nearly 11.5 million people at high risk of fluorosis due to lack of clean drinking water. Health ministry has identified at least 132 districts in 19 states severely affected by high fluoride content in drinking water, a leading cause of fluorosis.

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West Bengal and Bangladesh are severely contaminated by the toxic heavy metal arsenic. The first report of arsenic pollution in West Bengal came in 1978 and that in Bangladesh in 1993, where it was found to be even more widespread. Arsenic poisoning has far reaching consequences. The local people were found to be ingesting low doses of arsenic for 10-14 years after which suddenly white or black spots called melanosis started mottling the skin. The spots were later found to get converted into leprosy like skin lesions encrusting the palms and soles, eventually rotting into gangrenous ulcers. Long exposures often led to bladder and lung cancer.

2.3. SOIL POLLUTION

Introduction:

Soil is the top layer of earth’s crust which is formed by the weathering of rocks. The contamination of soil by human and natural activities which may cause harmful effects on living beings. Organic matter in the soil makes it suitable for living organisms. Dumping of various types of materials, mainly domestic and industrial wastes, causes soil pollution. Domestic wastes include garbage, rubbish material like glass, plastics, metallic cans, paper, fibers, cloth rags, etc., which pollute the soil. Industrial wastes and chemical discharges from various industries also pollute the soil.

Definition:

Soil pollution is defined as the presence of toxic chemicals (pollutants or contaminants) in soil, in high enough concentrations to pose a risk to human health and/or the ecosystem.

Composition of soil:

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Sources and effects of soil pollution:

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Major physico- chemical characteristics of untreated wastes of organic chemical industries in soil:

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Major physico- chemical characteristics of untreated wastes of Inorganic chemical industries in soil:

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Control measures of soil pollution:

1. Soil erosion can be controlled by afforestation, contour farming, conservational till farming, terracing, agro forestry etc.,
2. Proper dumping of unwanted materials.
3. Bio pesticides should be used in place of toxic chemical pesticides.
4. People should be trained regarding the sanitary habits.
5. Public awareness programs should be imparted.

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6. The wastes such as paper, plastics, metals, glasses, effluents should be recycled and reused.

7. Use of chemicals like DDT, BHC etc. should be banned which are fatal to plants and animals.

8. Nuclear explosions and the improper disposal of radioactive wastes should be banned.

9. Biodegradable organic waste should be used for generation of biogas. Cattle dung should be used for methane generation. Night-soil can also be used in the biogas plant to produce in flammable methane gas.

Case Study:

Kodaikanal is aptly named as the princess of hill stations due to its aesthetic value. Hindustan Unilever Limited factory imported mercury from the United States and exported finished thermometers to markets in the United States and Europe. The factory dumped 7.4 tons of mercury containing broken glass from thermometers. Sacks of hazardous mercury containing glass spilled in parts of Shola forest resulting in air and water-borne mercury emissions.  Department of Atomic Energy, India found the level of dumped mercury to be 1000 times more than the normal. The HLL mercury plant was shut down in March 2001 after a prolonged agitation by the workers. It caused irreparable damage to the ex-workers, the local people and especially pregnant women. The extent of destruction reached to unborn babies being born with mental retardation, deformed organs and loss of memory.

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Did you know?

World Soil Day is celebrated on 5^th December annually. It is celebrated to spread awareness regarding soil erosion its importance, food, water, climate, biodiversity etc.

2.4. NOISE POLLUTION�

Introduction:

The word ‘Noise’ is derived from the Latin word ‘nausea’ which means feeling of sickness at the stomach with an urge to vomit. Disturbing or excessive noise that may harm the activity or balance of human or animal life. The source of most outdoor noise worldwide is mainly caused by machines, transportation systems, motor vehicles, aircrafts and trains.

Definition:

We hear various types of sounds every day. Sound is mechanical energy from a vibrating source.

Noise:

A type of sound may be pleasant to someone and at the same time unpleasant to others. The unpleasant and unwanted sound is called noise.

Noise pollution:

It can be defined as any disturbing or unwanted noise that interferes or harms humans or wildlife. Although noise constantly surrounds us.  

Noise pollution generally receives less attention than water quality and air quality issues because it cannot be seen, tasted or smelled. World Health Organization stated that “Noise must be recognized as a major threat to human well-being”.

Units of Noise:

The unit of sound intensity is decibel (dB). The sound intensity from 0 to 100 dB is pleasant but when the sound intensity exceeds 120 dB, it causes noise pollution. Sound intensity of 130 dB is the upper limit for the threshold of hearing and beyond this level, the threshold of pain which may cause damage to ear and leading to hearing impairments. So, sound more than 120 dB causes noise pollution. The most common instruments used for measuring noise are the Sound Level Meter (SLM), the Integrating Sound Level Meter (ISLM) and the noise dosimeter.

According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) and Recommended Exposure Limits (REL) in hours given below. Based on the reference table given below, continuous 16 hours of 85 dB provides auditory risk, 8 hours of 90 dB, 4 hours of 95 dB, 2 hours of 100 dB, and so on.

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Sources of noise pollution:

1. Industrial noise: It includes different machines of numerous factories, industries and mills.
2. Transport noise: It includes road traffic, rail traffic and aircraft noise. The no. of road vehicles like motors, scooters, cars, motorcycles, buses, trucks and diesel engine vehicles has increased enormously in recent years.
3. Neighborhood noise: Common noisemakers are musical instruments, TV, radios, telephones, loudspeakers etc.,
4. Festivals, political meetings also cause noise pollution.
5. Construction of buildings, highways and streets cause a lot of noise due to the usage of air compressors, bulldozers, loaders, dump trucks and pavement breaker.

Loudness chart:

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Effects of noise pollution:

1. It mainly affects human health: Excessive secretion of adrenalin into blood serum, high blood pressure, mental distress, heart attacks, birth defects, abortion etc.,
2. Nervous breakdown, tension etc.,
3. Change in hormone content of blood, increases heartbeat, dilation of pupil of eye.

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4. Causes damage to heart, brain, kidneys, liver etc.,

5. The most immediate effect is impairment of hearing.

6. Physiological and pathological disorders and brain is also affected.

7. The ability of learning and reading decreases, when we regularly get exposed to loud noise.

Preventive measures of noise pollution:

1. Prescribing noise limits for vehicular traffic.
2. Ban on honking of horns in silent zones.
3. Buildings can be designed with suitable noise absorbing material for the walls, windows, and ceilings.
4. Reduction of traffic density and giving preferences to public transport system.
5. Source control: Acoustic treatment to machine surface, design changes, limiting the operational timings etc.,
6. Transmission path Intervention: This includes construction of noise barrier (or) provision of sound absorbing material along the path.
7. Receptor control: It includes the protection of the receiver by altering the work schedule or by providing protection devices such as ear plugs.
8. Proper oiling will reduce the noise from the machine.
9. Planting bushes and trees in and around sound generating sources is an effective solution for noise pollution.
10. Regular servicing and tuning of automobiles can effectively reduce the noise pollution.
11. Community development or urban management should be done with long-term planning along with an aim to reduce noise pollution.
12. Social awareness programs should be taken up to educate the public about the causes and effects of noise pollution.
13. Legislation can ensure that sound production is minimized at various social functions.

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Case study:

Noise pollution during Diwali:

Diwali is a festival of lights. Traditionally people of all ages enjoy firecrackers. Some accidents do occur every year claiming few lives. According to the test report by the National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi most of the firecrackers available in the market produce noise beyond the permissible levels of 125 decibels as per the Environment (Protection) (Second amendment) Rules, 1999. Some of them have observed to produce noise near the threshold of pain.

1883 Eruption of Krakatoa:

The 1883 eruption of Krakatoa began on afternoon of 26^th August and peaked in the early morning of 27^th August. It was one of the deadliest and most destructive volcanic events in recorded history and explosions were so violent that they were heard up to 3,110 kilometres (1,930 miles) away in Perth, Western Australia and Rodrigues near Mauritius, 4,800 kilometres (3,000 miles) away. At least 36,417 deaths are attributed to the eruption and it created Tsunami. 

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Did you know?

International Noise Awareness Day 

It is a global campaign, founded in 1996 by the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC), aiming to raise awareness of the effects of noise on the welfare and health of people. The day is commemorated on the last Wednesday of April of each year. Activities aimed at creating a focus not only on noise, but also on means of reducing noise levels are organized in a number of countries all over the world.

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2.5. NUCLEAR HAZARDS

Introduction:

Risk or danger to human health or the environment exposed by the radiation emanating from the atomic nuclei is called a Nuclear hazard. It is an actual or potential release of radioactive material at a commercial nuclear power plant or a transportation accident. Radioactive substances are present in nature. They undergo natural radioactive decay in which unstable isotopes are spontaneously given out. Fast-moving particles, high energy radiation, or both at a fixed rate until a new stable isotope is formed. The isotopes released either is in the form of:

1. Gamma rays (High energy Electromagnetic radiation)
2. Alpha and beta particles (Ionization particles)

These ionization radiations have variable penetration power.

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Sources of Radioactivity:

1. Natural sources: Sources of natural radioactivity include cosmic rays from outer space, soil, rocks, air, water and food which contains one or more radioactive substances.

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2. Anthropogenic sources: These sources are nuclear power plants, nuclear accidents, X-rays, diagnostic kits, test laboratories etc. where radioactive substances are used.

Effects of Radiations:

• It affects the cell in the body and the function of glands and organs.
• Results in blood cancer and bone cancer.
• Genetic disorders even in the subsequent generations
• Exposure to high doses of radiation causes death within hours or days.
• Vomiting, bleeding of the gums, mouth ulcer etc.,
• Internal bleeding and blood vessel damage.
• Brain damage and mental retardation in the unborn children.

Control of Radiation / Nuclear Pollution:

• Nuclear devices should never be exploded in air.
• In nuclear reactor, a closed-cycle coolant system may be used.
• Production of radioisotopes should be minimized.
• Minimum number of nuclear installation should be commissioned.
• The use of radio isotopes may be carried out under a jet of soil or water.
• Extreme care should be taken in the disposal of wastes contaminated with radionuclides.
• Fission reaction should be minimized.

The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women:

During World War I and the years thereafter, dozens of teenage girls and young women worked in radium-dial factories (U.S. Radium Corporation - From 1917 to 1926) painting glow-in-the-dark numbers onto watches and airplane instruments. The paint got onto their hands, into their hair, and settled on their clothes. And so, they glowed. The factories assured them it was safe to use radium.

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They were even taught to paint tiny numbers on the dials by licking their paint brushes to a fine point. Then years later, after they stopped working the factories, the women started getting mysteriously ill. Their teeth started to fall out. Their jaw bones—brittle and degraded—broke at a light touch. Their hips locked into place. Their radium-filled bones were being bombarded with radiation from the inside. U.S. Radium and other watch-dial companies rejected claims that the afflicted workers were suffering from exposure to radium. employees began asking for compensation for their medical and dental bills as early as 1927 but were refused by management.

2.5.1. Nuclear energy and nuclear accidents:

The most serious hazard to human and environmental health from the nuclear accident is the release of large amounts of nuclear energy and radioactive products into the atmosphere.

Types of nuclear accidents:

1. Nuclear test- Nuclear explosions, carried out in underground, cause settling down radioactive materials on the earth’s surface and radioactive particles, radioactive rays into the atmosphere.

2. Nuclear power plant- The release of radiation occurs during the accidents. The nuclear power plant located in the seismic vulnerable area may cause nuclear accidents.

3. Improper disposal of radioactive waste- It is another source of accident, drums stored underground can rust and leak radioactive materials into water, land and air.

4. Accident during transport-Tracks carrying radioactive waste or fuels are involved in frequent accidents.

5. Core melt down- The major accident at a nuclear power plant is a “core meltdown”.

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Biological Effects:

1. Thyroid cancer: Caused due to radioactive Iodine which is a common radioactive material used in reactors.

2. Loss of white blood cells and platelets: Which impairs immune system and may cause hemorrhaging.

3. Leukemia: Skin cancer caused due to exposure of gamma rays.

4. Bioaccumulation: Accumulation of radioactive material in food chain.

5. Genetic Mutation: Causes changes in DNA sequence.

Non-Biological effects:

1. Loss of Infrastructure: Destruction of buildings, bridges etc.

2. Cost of cleanup: Total cleanup cost for Three Mile island disaster was $1 billion.

3. Explosions: Causes mass destruction of human lives and other life forms.

4. Evacuations: Immediate evacuation of people in affected areas.

5. Harm to Ozone layer: The explosions causes nitrogen oxides to form from the oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere which depletes the ozone layer.

6. Nuclear winter: The absorption of sunlight when large amounts of soot are injected into the atmosphere.

Prevention of Nuclear Accidents:

1. Proper Disposal of radioactive wastes: Reactor wastes can be dumped in deep unused mines.
2. Awareness among public.
3. Proper transportation: The transporting containers must be leakage proof.
4. Making the violation of procedures a criminal offense.
5. Ban on nuclear weapons.
6. Strong infrastructure.

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2.5.2. Holocaust:

The word 'holocaust' means 'completely burnt', is commonly defined as 'a great destruction resulting in the extensive loss of life, especially by fire’. The great destruction of life forms at the mass level causing genocide (i.e) complete destruction of a human civilization.

Nuclear Holocaust:

The possibility of complete life destruction on earth due to nuclear equipments and nuclear bombs is known as nuclear holocaust.

Nuclear Winter:

Nuclear bombardment will cause combustion of wood, plastics, petroleum, forest etc.,. Large quantity of black soot will be carried to stratosphere. Black soot will absorb all UV- radiation and will not allow the radiation to reach the earth. So, cooling will result. Due to this cooling effect, water evaporation will also reduce. In stratosphere, there won’t be significant moisture to rainout the thick soot. Thus, due to nuclear explosions, a process known as opposite to global warming will occur. This is called nuclear winter.

Effects:

1. Lowers global temperature even in summer.
2. Crop productivity will be reduced.
3. It ignite all combustible material, destroy all the living beings, material crushing and destruction of homes.

Control Measures:

1. Suitable precaution is to be taken and training must be given to people for handling these materials to avoid accidents.
2. Constant monitoring of the radiation level has to be carried out, limiting exposure to the workers.
3. Regular check up and control measures are done by atomic energy regularly by board under the Department of Atomic energy.

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Case Studies:

1. Nuclear accident in Japan:

In August 1945, the first nuclear weapons were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan killing an estimated 210,000 people. Approximately 80 percent of the deaths in these bombings were the result of burns or other injuries caused by the blasts. However, 20 percent of the fatalities were the result of radiation sickness. While the majority of deaths took place at the time of the bombings or by the end of 1945, atomic bomb survivors continued to die from atomic bomb related injuries or illnesses for decades afterward. Since World War II, nine countries have developed and detonated nuclear weapons. In that time, the use of nuclear power has also expanded beyond a military focus. Today, nuclear power is used for civilian purposes such as generating electricity. Accidents in nuclear power plants have shown that nuclear power is not without risk. Such accidents can release radiation, which can have harmful consequences on human health, the environment and the society as a whole. As in the cases of the Japanese atomic bomb survivors, victims of nuclear accidents can be exposed to a substantial dose of radiation that can result in leukemia and other forms of cancer or other negative side effects.

2.Chernobyl nuclear disaster:

On April 26, 1986, a sudden surge of power during a reactor systems test destroyed Unit 4 of the nuclear power station at Chernobyl, Ukraine, in the former Soviet Union. The accident and the fire that followed release of massive amounts of radioactive material into the environment. Emergency crews responding to the accident used helicopters to pour sand and boron on the reactor debris. The sand was to stop the fire and additional releases of radioactive material. The boron was to prevent additional nuclear reactions. A few weeks after the accident, the crews completely covered the damaged unit in a temporary concrete structure called the “sarcophagus” to limit further release of radioactive material.

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The Soviet government also cut down and buried about a square mile of pine forest near the plant to reduce radioactive contamination at and near the site. Chernobyl’s three other reactors were subsequently restarted but all eventually shut down for good, with the last reactor closing in 1999. The Soviet nuclear power authorities presented their initial accident report to an International Atomic Energy Agency meeting in Vienna, Austria, in August 1986. After the accident, officials closed off the area within 30 kilometers (18 miles) of the plant, except for persons with official business at the plant and those people evaluating and dealing with the consequences of the accident and operating the undamaged reactors. The Soviet (and later on, Russian) government evacuated about 115,000 people from the most heavily contaminated areas in 1986 and another 220,000 people in subsequent years.

3.Fukushima Daiichi:

Fukushima, Japan, March 2011:

The earthquake and tsunami that struck eastern Japan on March 11 2011, caused a serious accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on the northeastern coast of Japan. 

The earthquake cut off external power to the reactors. Tsunami, which reached levels more than twice as high as the plant was designed to withstand disabled backup diesel generators, crippling the reactor cooling systems. Battery power was quickly exhausted and overheating fuel in the plant's operating reactor cores led to hydrogen explosions that severely damaged three of the reactor buildings. Fuel in three of the reactor cores melted and radiation released from the damaged reactors contaminated a wide area surrounding the plant and forced the evacuation of nearly half a million residents.

4.Three Mile Island:

https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/fact-sheets/3mile-isle.html

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2.6. Role of an individual to control pollution�

Environmental protection has been a burning issue in the last half century. In order to tackle the menace of pollution, urgent steps have to be taken at not only global or country level but also at local level. In fact, the role of individuals in prevention of pollution is of critical importance because, it is the individuals that make a community or country. The effort by each individual at his or her level can significantly affect a global level. It has been aptly said, ‘Think globally act locally’.

Role and responsibility of individual participation in environmental protection:

Air pollution:

• Planting more trees.
• Using non-conventional sources of energy.
• Limit driving by carpooling, using public transportation and walking.
• Keep your automobile well tuned and maintained.
• Shifting to less polluting fuels (hydrogen gas).

Water pollution:

• Planting trees would reduce pollution by sediments and will also prevent soil erosion.
• Industrial effluent and domestic waste must be treated before disposal.
• Recycling of waste water through waste water treatment.
• Public awareness programs.
• Separate drainage of sewage and rainwater should be provided to prevent overflow of sewage with rain water.

Noise Pollution:

• Planting more trees having broad leaves.
• Proper oiling will reduce the noise from the machinery.
• The sources that generate unwanted sound should be reduced.

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• Residential houses should be constructed far away from industries, factories and airports.
• Legislations should be framed.

Soil pollution:

• Soil erosion must be prevented by proper tree plantation.
• Waste from industry and domestic must be treated before dumping.
• Recycling and reuse of waste materials.
• Solid wastes should be properly collected and disposed off by appropriate methods.
• Biodegradable organic waste should be used for generation of biogas.

Radioactive pollution:

• Prevention of leakage of radioactive elements from nuclear reactor.
• Proper storage and disposal of nuclear wastes.
• Regular monitoring and high risk analysis.
• Increasing the use of non-harmful energy source.
• Safety measures should be strengthened against nuclear accidents.

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2.7. WASTE MANAGEMENT

Introduction:

In the olden days, people converted the waste materials into wealth. Raw food waste is dumped into the soil around plants, trees or added in a backyard pit with the straw bedding from cattle-sheds, to decompose naturally into compost that is fully used in the fields during every monsoon. Cooked food is rarely wasted or is fed to livestock. Until plastics came along to replace leaf or paper packaging this ancient practice of returning nutrients back to soil was sustainable, profitable, nuisance and pollution free. Plastics render the land less fertile or even uncultivable. Yet, cities continue to dump on the outskirts as before.

For example, location near industrial area will be rich in hazardous waste and those near hospitals will have higher biomedical waste. Rural India has more agricultural waste and urban places have more of E-waste/plastic / diapers etc. The advent of technology, coupled with urbanization, increased the E-waste and non-biodegradable waste content in the municipal waste.

Definition for waste:

It is the unwanted materials or objects that people have thrown away. It is often also called trash, garbage, rubbish or junk. It can be solid, liquid or gas. When waste is a liquid or gas, it can be called as emission. (or) Waste (or wastes) are unwanted or unusable materials. Waste is any substance which is discarded after primary use, or is worthless, defective and of no use.

NIMBY Syndrome

NIMBY Means Not In My Back-Yard, which describes the opposition of residents to the nearby location of something they consider undesirable, even if it is clearly a benefits for many

Examples: An incinerator, an ethanol plant, a nuclear power plant, a prison.

An airport is a typical example of a NIMBY complex. It is benefits a city economically, but no-one wants it near them, because of the noise pollution and traffic it generates.

Types of solid wastes (or) Sources of Solid wastes:

In general, solid waste is classified into several types as given below. The waste types are governed by various rules laid down by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.

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Apart from the above waste categories, the construction and demolition waste generated comprising building materials, debris and rubble resulting from construction, re-modelling, repair and demolition of any civil structure has also been defined with the regulatory framework under the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016 published by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2016.

The term municipal solid waste refers to urban waste because rural waste will be predominantly agricultural waste.

Impact of solid waste on health and environment:

1. Dust and Filthy Dirt: Strong wind and storm are spreading dust and filth from the open dumps of solid waste to adjacent areas.

2. Odor: Nearby areas to the open dump sites is being affected due to odor emitting from these dumps.

3. Rats and other vermin: Open dumps of communal solid waste are providing attractive habitat to rats and other vermin.

4. Toxic Gases: Toxic gases are continuously exposed to the atmosphere.

5. Leachate: Percolating rainwater through the open dump contaminating groundwater resources.

6. Health and Sanitation: Open dumps of solid waste are a serious threat to human health and sanitation.

2.7.1. Solid Waste Management/Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM):

Solid waste management may be defined as the control of generation, storage, collection, transfer, transport, processing and disposal of solid wastes in a manner that is accord with the best principles of public health, economics, engineering, conservation, aesthetics and other environmental considerations, and that is also responsive to public attitudes.

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Goal of MSWM:

• To remove discarded materials from inhabited places in a timely manner to prevent the spread of diseases.
• To protect environmental health.
• To promote the quality of the urban environment.
• To support the efficiency and productivity of the economy.
• To generate employment and income.

To achieve the above goals, it is necessary to establish sustainable system of SWM.

The principal of sustainable waste management strategies are to:

-   Minimize waste generation.

-   Maximize waste recycling and reuse.

-   Ensure the safe and environmentally sound disposal of waste.

Functional elements of MSWM:

The activities associated with the management of municipal solid wastes from the point of generation to final disposal can be grouped into the six functional elements.

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Solid waste treatment processes:

R principle- Reduce, Reuse and Recycle of MSWM:

1. Reduction in use of raw materials: Reduce the use of harmful, wasteful and non-recyclable products. Other commonly used items that we can focus on reducing includes single-use plastics, plastic packaging, organic waste and styrofoam cups.
2. Reuse of waste materials: In an effort to reduce waste, reuse items throughout instead of buying new ones. All of the single-use eating utensils, styrofoam cups, water bottles and paper plates can be replaced with compostable or reusable alternatives.
3. Recycling of materials: Recycling is the most eco friendly waste disposal method. For example, cardboard, mixed paper products, commingled materials (plastics, aluminum, glass) and organics may be collected separately and recycled.

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2.Sanitary Landfill:

• In a sanitary landfill, garbage is spread out in thin layers, compacted and covered with clay or plastic foam.

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• In the modern landfills the bottom is covered with an impermeable liner, usually several layers of clay, thick plastic and sand.
• The liner protects the groundwater from being contaminated due to percolation of leachate.
• Leachate from bottom is pumped and sent for treatment.
• When landfill is full it is covered with clay, sand, gravel and topsoil to prevent seepage of water.
• Several wells are drilled near the landfill sites to monitor if any leakage is contaminating groundwater.
• Methane produced by anaerobic decomposition is collected and burnt to produce electricity or heat.

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3.Incineration:

It is a process of direct burning of waste in presence of excess air oxygen, at temperatures of about 800 °C and above liberating heat energy, inert gases and ash.

In practice, about 65–80% of the energy content of the organic matter can be recovered as heat energy, which can be utilized either for direct thermal application or for producing power via steam turbine generation (with conversion efficiency of about 30 per cent).

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4.Gasification:

Gasification involves the thermal decomposition of organic matter at high temperatures in presence of a limited amount of air, producing a mixture of combustible and non-combustible gases carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

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5.Composting:

Composting involves the breakdown of organic waste in the presence of microorganisms, heat and moisture. This can be carried out on a small scale in households or on a large scale depending upon the quantity of waste to be processed. Composting has the following advantages:

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• Recycling of waste by generation of useful manure, which is organic in nature.
• Reduction in volume of waste to be disposed on land.
• No requirement of any high-end technical expertise.

Methods of composting:

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Case study:

Indore ranked cleanest city fourth time in a row:

Madhya Pradesh’s Indore has been ranked India’s cleanest city for the fourth consecutive year by Swachh Survekshan 2020, the central government’s annual cleanliness survey to promote sanitation in urban centres under the Swachh Bharat Mission. since 2016, Indore municipal corporation (IMC) has eliminated garbage dumps, ensured 100% household-waste segregation and converted waste to usable products such as compost and fuel.

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2.7.1. ELECTRONIC WASTE MANAGEMENT�

Introduction:

Electronics waste, commonly known as e-scrap or e-waste, is the trash we generate from surplus, broken and obsolete electronic devices. Electronic scrap components such as CPUs contain potentially harmful materials such as lead, cadmium, beryllium or brominated flame retardants. These materials cause severe problems into the environment if we do not dispose them properly. 

It was estimated that close to 500 million unused cell phones are accumulating in people's homes. Globally, a cell phone is sold to around 25% of the population annually and every year millions of electronic devices such as mobile phones, TVs, computers, laptops and tablets reach the end of their useful life. Globally only 15 – 20 percent of E-Waste is recycled while the rest is dumped into developing countries such as India, China and Nigeria.

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Definition:

Electronic waste / e-waste, various forms of electric and electronic equipment that have ceased to be of value to their users or no longer satisfy their original purpose.

Sources of E-waste:

1. Large equipments such as washing machines, clothes dryers, dish washing machines, electric stoves, large printing machines, copying equipment and photovoltaic panels.
2. Small equipments comprises of vacuum cleaners, microwaves, ventilation equipment, toasters, electric kettles and electric shavers.
3. IT and telecommunication equipments such as computers, laptops, mobiles, computer accessories, printers, copying equipment GPS, pocket calculators and routers etc.
4. Lighting equipments like CFL, sodium vapor lamp, fan, switches, wires etc.
5. Temperature exchange equipments such as cooling and freezing equipment (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, heat pumps).
6. Toys, leisure and sports equipments such as video games, electric trains etc.

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Effects of E-waste:

1. Soil Pollution:

E-waste that ends up in a landfill can leak a number of heavy metals such as lead, mercury and lithium. Some of these metals remain in the soil - the rest filter out of the soil, which bring us to the next problem.

2. Water Pollution:

The heavy metals that don’t stay in the soil get carried away by groundwater. That groundwater eventually touches larger bodies of waters, such as rivers or lakes. Some of it can eventually end up in the ocean.

3. Air pollution:

Some waste disposal facilities opt for burning as a means of dealing with electronic waste. The tradeoff is that burning the waste can release dioxins into the air, which has health consequences discussed below. Burning and other disposal processes can also release dangerous particulate matter into the air. These particulates can potentially travel for miles beyond the confines of a disposal facility if not properly regulated.

4. Human Costs:

The pollution of soil, water, and air by E-waste also pose a threat to human beings. Soil and water pollution can compromise the food chain, leading to a variety of neurological and organ problems. The dioxins released by burning E-waste can contribute to numerous health issues, including:

1. Reproductive problems
2. Developmental problems
3. Cancer
4. Immune system damage
5. Nervous system damage
6. Skeletal system damage

E-waste management techniques:

Currently, the main options for the treatment of electronic waste are reuse, remanufacturing and recycling as well as incineration & landfilling.

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• Recycling of electronic waste:

The main objectives of recycling is:

• The earth’s natural resources are limited and hence, we make sure that we preserve them and use them carefully.
• To eliminate landfill.
• To save our mother earth by preventing air pollution, water and soil pollution.
• To generate employment opportunities.

This involves three steps:

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2. Landfill/Incineration: Most the people in the Indian house hold mix domestic and electronic waste together which ends up in a landfill or is being incinerated. Hence, lot of toxic chemicals are produced which pollute the environment.

3. Everyone should have the responsibility to reduce E-waste and follow this recommended methods of Prevention – Minimization – Reuse – Recycling – Recovery - utilization including co-processing - Safe disposal.

4. To protect our environment, we have to do cradle to grave analysis and follow circular economy.

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Case Study:

1. Ghana and E-Waste problem:

Ghana (formerly known as the Gold Coast because of the vast deposits of gold) is located in the western portion of the African continent, bordered by the Gulf of Guinea. The economy of Ghana is mainly agriculture controlled and is one of the leading exporters of cocoa in the world. Presently, large volumes of e-waste are imported legally/illegally into the country. Items such as computers, televisions, stereos, electric irons, blenders, refrigerators, air conditioners etc., are abundant in the Ghanaian society. Due to lack of adequate recycling infrastructure, exorbitant fees in the disposal of e-waste, this place is highly affected by environmental pollution.

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Did you know?

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Attero’s recycling, is the only unit which does the complete e-waste management process with its end to end e-cycling plant, zero dumping technology. It is a NASA recognized technology innovator promoting eco-friendly reuse and recycling E- waste.

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2.7.2 PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT

Introduction:

The word 'Plastic' is derived from the Greek word 'Plastikos' meaning fit for moulding & 'Plastos' meaning moulded.

The first plastic material was produced in 1850, followed by the invention of Bakelite in 1907. The beginning of the plastic revolution came during World War-II with the invention of nylon, which was used as a substitute for silk in parachutes and for ropes. The real development of new plastics and manufactured goods came during the 1950s and 60s. Many of the plastic items are used only once and then discarded as plastic bags, beverage cups, toys, cutlery, drinking straws and wet wipes etc. The plastic Industry is making significant contribution to the economic development and growth of various key sectors in the country such as infrastructure, agriculture, horticulture, healthcare, automotive or construction industry etc.,. Today over 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, of which 8 million end up in the oceans.

Definition:

Plastic waste means any plastic products such as carry bags, pouches or sachets etc., which have been discarded after use or after their intended life is over.

Sources of Plastic waste:

The most common sources of plastic waste is:

1. Food wrappers & Containers.
2. Bottle & Container Caps.
3. Plastic Bags.
4. Straws and Stirrers.
5. Beverage Bottles.
6. Takeout Containers.
7. Fishing Nets.

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Impact of plastic waste:

While the usage and benefits of plastics are manifold, it invariably gets branded as a polluting material.

Plastics, being a polymer derived from crude are made up of long chains of carbon. It takes years for them to decompose completely. Improper disposal of plastics leads to groundwater pollution, disturbance in soil microbial activity along with release of carcinogenic chemicals in the atmosphere leading to health issues among people.

1. Marine pollution: It is mostly from plastics. Small organisms likes planktons are poisoned from ingesting plastic and enters into food chain affecting all species of the food chain.

2. Water Pollution: Plastic toxins in dumps and from litter can seep into the groundwater, which people drink every day.

3. Land pollution: On land, wind can carry plastic waste or litter throughout the environment. If an animal consumes a piece of plastic, this can clog its stomach and cause poisoning it with toxins.

4. Effect on human health: We eat plastic-contaminated seafood. Scientists have found microplastics in many marine species. We consume plastic via packaging. Bisphenol-A present in many plastic objects that come in direct contact with food is metabolized in the liver, and it remains in our body. We drink microplastics via bottled water. The WHO published shocking research in 2018 that exposed the presence of microplastics in 90% of bottled water, the test of which revealed only 17 were free of plastics out of 259. We absorb plastic through our clothes, 70% of which are synthetic and worst fabric for the skin. We even breathe plastic due to poor waste management, we burn the trash in the open air.

• http://ecologycenter.org/factsheets/adverse-health-effects-of-plastics/

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5. Air pollution: When plastic is burned in the open air, it releases large amounts of toxins, which pollutes the air. If the toxins are inhaled for a long period of time, it causes respiratory problems.

6. Impact on Economy: Cleanup of areas exposed to plastic toxins is expensive. Many regions have seen a decrease in tourism because of the amount of pollution in their environment affecting the economies.

Plastic waste management:

Both government as well as industry needs to come forward to cater to this issue and sensitize the general mass to follow the ritual of recycling waste plastic products.

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I. Conventional Technology:

1. Recycling:

Plastic recycling is the process of recovering scrap or waste plastic  and reprocessing the materials into useful products. 

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2. Incineration:

Incineration is a waste treatment process that involves the combustion of organic substances contained in waste materials. Incineration of plastic waste in an open field is a major source of air pollution. Most of the times, the Municipal Solid Waste containing about 12% of plastics is burnt, releasing toxic gases like Dioxins, Furans, Mercury and Polychlorinated Biphenyls into the atmosphere.

3.Landfilling:

Landfill is the oldest and most common form of waste disposal. In 2017, landfills received 26.8 million tons of plastic. This was 19.2 percent of all MSW landfilled.

II. New Technology:

1. Polymer blended bitumen road:

Polymer blended bitumen is one of the important construction materials for flexible pavements. Plastic-bitumen composite roads have better wear resistance than standard asphalt concrete roads. They do not absorb water, have better flexibility which results in less rutting and less need for repair. Road surfaces remain smooth, lower maintenance and absorb sound better.

2. Co-processing of plastic waste in cement kiln:

Co-processing refers to the use of waste materials in industrial processes as alternative fuels or raw material (AFR) to recover energy and material from them. Due to the high temperature in cement kiln, different types of wastes can be effectively disposed without harmful emissions.

3. Plasma Pyrolysis Technology (PPT):

Plasma pyrolysis is an innovative technology for transforming high calorific plastic waste into a valuable synthesis gas (syngas) by means of thermal plasma.

4.Liquid fuel:

Plastics are hydrocarbons that are made from petroleum, and it can be converted back to liquid fuel by pyrolysis. At high temperature and pressure plastics convert into fuel.

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Case study:

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Elephant dies in Kerala after eating plastic:

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The death of an elephant after consuming plastic near Sabarimala in January-2018, highlights the risk that indiscriminate dumping of plastic waste in forests poses to the lives of wild animals.

Every year, thousands of pilgrims trek through dense forested hills in the Pamba River basin to the abode of Lord Ayyappa during the annual pilgrimage. Sabarimala is part of Kerala’s Periyar Tiger Reserve, a rich biodiversity home to several species of wild animals and plants.

Pollution caused by pilgrims, especially dumping of plastic waste, has emerged as a threat to the ecosystem in and around the famous temple.

1. https://www.oceanrecov.org/global-ocean-alert-system/case-studies.html
2. http://164.100.228.143:8080/sbm/content/writereaddata/SBM%20Plastic%20Waste%20Book.pdf

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Practice Quiz

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https://forms.gle/M55ekLyLmeEyN3Wc6

Assignment

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1. How is the air quality right now in your town? [K3]

2. What are Sustainable Water Management Practices? [K2]

3. Why were DDT and agent orange banned? [K3]

4. Create a conversation that contains toxic metals that pollute the soil.[K3]

5. Write the Controlling soil pollution to ensure sustainable development. [k2]

6. how the atmosphere and the environment are getting affected due to Pollution and list down various ways to prevent pollution. [k2]

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Supportive online certification courses

1. Air Pollution – a Global Threat to our Health

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https://www.classcentral.com/course/air-pollution-health-threat-9829

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2. Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries

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https://www.coursera.org/learn/climate-change-mitigation

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3. Understanding Environmental Pollution

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https://www.udemy.com/course/understanding-environmental-pollution/

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4. Indoor Air Pollution: Ways to improve indoor air quality

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https://www.udemy.com/course/indoor-plants-a-natural-way-to-improve-indoor-air-quality/

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5. Air Pollution and Control

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https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc23_ce14/preview#:~:text=The%20course%20will%20provide%20a,for%20betterment%20of%20air%20quality.

6. Basic Environmental Engineering And Pollution Abatement

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https://onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc23_ch72/preview

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� Real time Applications in day to day life and to Industry

1. Waste management software:

https://www.predictiveanalyticstoday.com/top-waste-management-software/

2. Catalytic convertor:

https://youtu.be/lJiznlz5buc

3. Automatic waste segregation machine:

It can pick out the organic, plastic, metal, brick, stone and so on from the piles of garbage. After sorting, useful waste can be reprocessed into treasure.

https://youtu.be/sABdZtFYXBM

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Content beyond the syllabus

1. Environmental auditing- Objectives and planning of audit.

2. Disposal methods of COVID-19 PP kits.

3. Biochemical degradation of pollutants

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PRESCRIBED TEXT BOOKS & REFERENCE BOOKS

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• Textbooks
• Anubha Kaushik and C.P. Kaushik, “Perspectives in environmental studies”, New Age International, 2006
• Benny Joseph, ̳Environmental Science and Engineering‘, Tata McGraw-Hill, New Delhi, 2006.
• Gilbert M.Masters, ̳Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science‘, 2nd edition, Pearson Education, 2004.
• Erach Bharucha, Textbook of Environmental Studies, Universities Press (I) Pvt. Ltd, Hyderabad, 2015.
• References
• William P.Cunningham & Mary Ann Cunningham Environmental Science: A Global Concern, McGraw Hill, 14^th edition, 2017.
• Rajagopalan, R, ̳Environmental Studies-From Crisis to Cure‘, Oxford University Press, 2005.
• G. Tyler Miller and Scott E. Spoolman, ―Environmental Science, Cengage Learning India PVT, LTD, Delhi, 2014.
• Allen, D. T. and Shonnard, D. R., Sustainability Engineering: Concepts, Design and Case Studies, Prentice Hall.
• Bradley. A.S; Adebayo, A.O., Maria, P. Engineering applications in sustainable design and development, Cengage learning.
• Environment Impact Assessment Guidelines, Notification of Government of India, 2006

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Mini project suggestions

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Prepare a project or video of the following topics

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1. Prepare a project based on ‘Air quality sensors’.
2. Discuss and prepare ‘Municipal and urban waste product’.
3. IoT based Air pollution monitoring system using sensors.
4. Tackling the issues of Noise pollution in smart cities.
5. The Impact of Pollution and Global Warming on the Environment.
6. Projects on ‘Open Burning of Garbage Waste’
7. Prepare a project based on zero-emissions vehicles
8. Discuss and prepare Smart streetlights and sensors

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Thank you