TS Inter 1st Year

Telangana TSBIE TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 18th Lesson Environmental Audit (E.A) Textbook Questions and Answers.

TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 18th Environmental Audit (E.A)

Essay Questions

Question 1.
Write an essay on Environmental Audit.
Answer:
An environment audit is an evaluation of an organization’s environmental controls conducted by an independent third party. It defines the inputs (raw materials, energy) and outputs (waste streams, products, emissions etc.) for the system. This mass balance approach allows the inefficiencies within the system that have environmental impact to be identified.

An environmental audit helps in pollution control, improved production, safety, health and conservation of natural resources. Hence its overall objective can be stated as achievement of sustainable development.

Types of Environmental Audit :
The following are various types of environmental audits practised,

1. Waste audit
2. Energy audit
3. Health and safety audit
4. Compliance audit
5. Management
6. Liabilities definition audit
7. Property transfer audit.

1. Waste audit :
In a waste audit, quantities and types of wastes generated from different sources are identified and the optimum methods to minimize the quantities of wastes are evolved. Waste audit is a technical tool meant for waste reduction from all possible sources. It examines the waste generated by a facility with the objective of identifying viable actions to reuse, recycle or otherwise reduce the quality and toxicity of each waste stream.

2. Energy audit :
In an energy audit, the quantities and types of fuels consumed at different stages are identified and means to minimize consumption to eliminate the losses of fuels are suggested.

3. Health and Safety audit :
It is the collection of independent information on the efficiency, effectiveness and reliability of the total health and safety management system and drawing up plans for corrective action. A safety audit identifies different levels of risk in each work area of an organization. It ensures the continued welfare, health and safety of employees within an organization, via the systematic appraisal of on-site procedures and processes.

4. Compliance audit :
A compliance audit is a comprehensive review of an organization’s adherence to regulatory guidelines. The strength and thoroughness of compliance preparations are reviewed.

5. Management audit :
A management audit is an analysis and assessment of competencies and capabilities of a company’s management to carry out corporate objectives. The purpose of a management audit is not to appraise individual executive performance, but to evaluate the management team in its effectiveness to work in the interests of shareholders, maintain good relations with employees and uphold the reputation of the company.

6. Liabilities definition audit :
It is typically done for prospective buyers of real estate and for proposed mergers and acquisitions. Such audits identify the environmental problems that could reduce the value of a property or expose the buyer to liability.

7. Property Transfer Audit :
Transactions involving real property can convey to the buyer the liabilities associated with contamination present in the soil or groundwater. Lenders of loans, too, place their secured capital at risk if the collateralized property is contaminated.

Telangana TSBIE TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 17th Lesson Pollution Control Textbook Questions and Answers.

TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 17th Pollution Control

Essay Questions

Question 1.
Describe Air pollution control.
Answer:
A number of pollution control technologies have been developed. Pollution is regulated by various environmental agencies that establish limits for the discharge of pollutants. As the cost of pollution control may be prohibitive, attention was drawn towards reuse and recovery of value added products in the design of industrial processes with the objective of eliminating harmful environmental effects while promoting the competitiveness of industries.

Air Pollution Control :
The sources of air pollution include the burning of wood, charcoal and other biomass fuel, industries and vehicles. Air pollution control methodologies includes control of particulate emissions and the control of gaseous emissions. The term ‘particulate’ refers to tiny particles of matter such as smoke, soot and dust that are released during industrial, agricultural, or other activities. Gaseous emissions include sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen.

Particulate control :
Particulate matter emitted from industrial sources is controlled through cyclone separators, fabric filter collectors, wet scrubbers, and electrostatic precipitators.

Particulate matter controlling equipment
a) Cyclone separators use centrifugal forces for separating particulates from stack gases. When the stack gas is fed into the cyclone separator, centrifugal forces cause particulates in the gas to move outwards against the walls of the container. Then the particulate matter falls to the bottom of the container and the gases escape from the top of the container.

b) Fabric Filters are used for removing particles from the gas stream by collecting smaller particles on the surface of filter bags. The larger particles drop out into the hopper. Clean gas passes through the filter media.

c) Wet scrubber are used for collecting both particulate matter and gases from industrial emissions by using scrubbing liquid for the same. Generally water is used for collecting particulate matter.

d) Electrostatic precipitators work by applying a high voltage to create an electrical field which ionizes the particulate matter in the gas around the discharge wires. When the gas that contains particulate matter flows between the collecting plates and the discharge wires, the aerosol particles in the gas are charged and collected on the collecting plates.

Gaseous emissions control :
Scrubbers that contain a moist chemical such as lime, magnesium oxide or sodium hydroxide are used for the control of unwanted gases from industrial stacks. When the gases escape from a factory and pass through a scrubber, they react with the moist chemical and are removed. Activated charcoal is also used to absorb the unwanted gases from industrial emissions.

Vehicular pollution control :
Using of unleaded petrol, low sulphur diesel and alternative fuels such as CNG, LPG, Hydrogen, Battery driven and Biodiesel can reduce pollution from vehicles.

Vehicular emission control methods include air injection, exhaust gas recirculation and using of a catalytic converter.
a) Air injection into the engine’s exhaust ports provides oxygen, so unbumed and partially burned hydrocarbons in the exhaust will finish burning.

b) Exhaust gas recirculation dilutes the air/fuel charge to reduce peak combustion chamber temperatures. This, in turn, reduces the formation of NOx (oxides of nitrogen).

c) Catalytic converters are placed in the exhaust pipe. Hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and NOx are converted into less harmful gases by the use of a combination of platinum, palladium and rhodium as catalysts.

Question 2.
Describe water pollution control.
Answer:
Water Pollution Control :
Domestic sewage, industrial effluents and agricultural fields are the main sources of water pollution. Large-scale water and waste water treatment is typically carried out by municipalities and industries.

Sewage waste water contains carbohydrates, fats, proteins, metals, salts, pathogens and sediments. The characteristics of industrial waste water vary greatly in composition from industry to industry and may be highly acidic or alkaline and may also, contain soluble toxic organics, suspended solids, trace organics, heavy metals, cyanide, sulphides, oil and floating material.

Waste water treatment processes can be classified into physical, chemical or biological treatments. One or more of the following methods may be employed to achieve the treatment:

Sewage treatment :
Sewage is the waste water from households. It needs to be treated for the removal of contaminants. The treatment requires physical, chemical and biological processes which remove physical, chemical and biological contaminants in order to achieve an environmentally safe fluid waste stream.

Question 3.
Write an essay on Solid Waste Management (SWM).
Answer:
Municipal Solid Waste Management : (MSWM) :
Accumulation of municipal solid wastes in urban areas is posing environmental hazards. The disposal of MSW is a challenge for India.

Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) aims to reduce the amount of waste being disposed, while maximizing resource recovery and efficiency. The preferred waste management strategies include : Source reduction and reuse, recycling, waste to composting, waste to energy and finally waste disposal in landfill.

i) Source reduction and reuse :
The most preferred option for waste management is to prevent the generation of waste at various stages including at product design stage, production, packaging, use and reuse stages of a product.

ii) Waste recycling :
Segregation of recyclables and sending them for recycling.

iii) Waste to composting :
The organic fraction of waste can be composted through microbial or vermi composting.

iv) Waste to Energy :
When material recovery is not possible, energy from waste (Efw) can be recovered through bio- methanation, waste incineration, production of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and co-processing of the sorted dry rejects from MSW in cement kilns.

v) Waste Disposal :
Inerts (A category of waste that includes concrete, asphalt, brick, rubble and soil) need to be disposed in sanitary landfills, which are constructed in accordance with the regulations of the MSW Management and Handling Rules.

Hazardous Waste Management :
Any waste which exhibits ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity and toxicity, is combustible or has a flash point less than 60°C (140°F) is considered as a hazardous substance. Hazardous wastes are generated from petrochemical drug and metallurgical industries.

Household hazardous waste includes cleaners, stain removers, varnishes, batteries, automotive fluids, pesticides herbicides and certain paints.

Hazardous waste generated requires transport to an approved treatment, storage or disposal facility (TSDF) due to the potential threats to public safety and the environment.

Hazardous Waste Treatment :
Secured Land Fill disposal and incineration are the two main disposal methods for the disposal of hazardous wastes. Types of hazardous waste treatment include physical, biological and chemical neutralization or stabilization. Some treated hazardous wastes can even be reclaimed or recycled.

Secure landfills :
A secure landfill has two impermeable liners and leachate collection systems. The double leachate collection system consists of a network of perforated pipes placed above each liner. The upper system prevents the accumulation of leachate trapped in the fill and the lower layer acts as a backup. Collected leachate is pumped to a treatment plant. To reduce the amount of leachate and to minimize the potential for environmental damage, an impermeable cap or cover is placed over a finished landfill.

Question 4.
Write about Biomedical waste management, E-waste management and Radio active waste Management.
Answer:
Biomedical Waste Management :
Biomedical waste refers to waste generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals, or in research activities. It is generated by clinics, ‘ hospitals and pathological laboratories. It requires treatment to reduce adverse effects due to the infectious nature of the waste. Without treatment it may spread infectious diseases like tuberculosis, hepatitis, enteric fever, HIV infection or even AIDS.

A common biomedical waste treatment facility (CBWTF) is used by several hospitals as individual treatment facility for small hospitals is not cost effective.

Segregation of biomedical waste is necessary as different types of treatment are required for different category of wastes. The relevant treatment methods are Incineration, Autoclaving, Shredding and Disposal.

E-Waste Management :
Discarded electrical and electronic goods are considered as e-waste. Most electronic goods contain hazardous constituents. For example, cathode ray tubes (CRTs) of computer monitors contain heavy metals such as lead barium and cadmium, which can be very toxic to human health if they enter the water system. Flame-retardant plastics, used in electronics casings, release particles that can damage human endocrine functions.

Discarded electronic items are dismantled by hand and batteries are separated. The items are shredded into pieces to prepare the e-waste for sorting. Steel and iron are removed from the debris through magnets. Aluminum, copper, and brass are separated from the non-metallic content. The metals can then be reused and resold as raw materials. Water is used to separate plastic from the glass content. The sorted materials can be reused.

Radioactive Waste Management :
Radioactive wastes are generated from nuclear reactors, nuclear medicine and the manufacture of nuclear weapons. Depending on the waste source, radioactivity may last from a few hours to thousands of years. Disposal of radioactive wastes requires pre-treatment and storage in shielded containers. The containers are buried about 500m deep below the Earth’s surface.

Telangana TSBIE TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 16th Lesson Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Textbook Questions and Answers.

TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 16th Lesson Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Essay Questions

Question 1.
Write an essay on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Answer:
Environmental management is the process of improving the relationship between human beings and the environment through a check on the developmental activities of man and by practising environmental protection, conservation and regulation. A multidisciplinary approach is required for understanding environmental problems and finding solutions.

In India the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) implements environmental policies and programs through Central and State pollution control boards.

Environmental management includes :

1. Environmental impact assessment (EIA)
2. Pollution control
3. Environmental audit (EA).

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the assessment of the environmental consequences (positive and negative) of a plan, policy, program, or actual projects prior to the decision to move forward with the proposed action. It isa tool to identify possible environmental impacts of developmental ‘ activities. It is designed to predict the impacts of any project on environmental indices and thereby helps in decision making about -the project acceptance.

If the EIA indicates that no significant impact is likely, then the agency can release a finding of no significant impact (FONSI) and carry on with the proposed action. Otherwise, the agency must then conduct a full-scale Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a document required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for certain actions “significantly affecting the quality of the human environment”. An EIS is a tool for decision making. It describes the positive and negative environmental effects of a proposed action and it usually also lists one or more alternative actions that may be chosen. The statement should use an interdisciplinary approach so that it accurately assesses both the physical and social impacts of the proposed development. It provides documentation of the information related to :

1. Description of proposed project.
2. Nature and magnitude of the likely environmental effects
3. Possibility of natural disasters.
4. Possible effects on surface and ground water quality, soil and air quality.
5. Effects on vegetation, wild life and endangered species.
6. Social environment such as impact on tribes, villagers who reside there.
7. Risk analysis and disaster management.

A draft EIS is published for public review and comment for a minimum of 45 days. At the end of the period, agencies consider all substantive comments and if necessary, conduct further analyses. A final EIS is then published, which provides responses to substantive comments.

EIA Methodology :

1. The first step in EIA method is to determine whether the project under consideration follows the jurisdiction of the relevant acts and regulations and if so, whether it is likely, to create a significant environmental disruption.
2. If so, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is prepared.
3. EIS is reviewed at public-hearings.
4. Finally, a decision is taken. The development project may be
   (i) accepted, or
   (ii) accepted with amendments, or
   (iii) an alternative proposal is accepted, or
   (iv) rejected.

The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) Govt, of India issued a Notification in 2006 for all developmental activities falling under sectors such as industries, v mining, irrigation, power and transport etc!, and categorised them as category A and category B projects based on the nature and size of the project.

Category A Projects include all physical infrastructure whose size and cost is greater than certain minimum levels as defined in the Schedule. Environmental Clearances for these projects are granted at the Central level. Physical infrastructure includes projects in ports, highways, water and sanitation, urban transport and solid waste management- sectors.

All new National Highways are classified as Category A. In addition, expansion of National Highways greater than 30 KM, involving additional Right of Way (ROW) greater than 20m, involving land acquisition and passing through more than one State are categorized as Category A.

Category B Covers projects with lesser size or capacity and smaller impacts than Category A. Environmental Clearances for Category B projects are granted at the State level. Each State has a dedicated department or Board, which would grant the Clearance. .

The actual size definitions depend on the sector or project type. For example in the case of ports, projects with handling capacity of more than 5 MTPA (metric tonnes per annum) come under Category A, while those with less than 5 MTPA are Category B.

An important nation wide environmental programme is the Clean India Mission.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) or Swachh Bharat Misson (SBM) or Clean India Mission is a campaign in India and run by Government of India that aims to clean up the streets, roads and infrastructure of India’s cities, smaller towns and rural areas. The objectives of Swachh Bharat include eliminating open defecation through the construction of household-owned and community-owned toilets and establishing an accountable mechanism of monitoring toilet use.

Run by the Government of India, the Mission aims to achieve an Open-Defecation Free (ODF) India by 2 October 2019, the 150^th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, by constructing 90 million toilets in rural India. It is India’s largest cleanliness drive to data with 3 million government employees, school students and college students from all parts of India participating in over 4,000 cities, towns and villages.

Swachh Sarvekshan, commissioned by the Ministry of Urban Development is an extensive sanitation survey across several hundred cities to check the progress and impact of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and to foster a spirit of competition among the cities.

Telangana TSBIE TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 15th Lesson Conservation of Biodiversity Textbook Questions and Answers.

TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 15th Lesson Conservation of Biodiversity

Essay Questions

Question 1.
Explain the measures to be taken to conserve Biodiversity.
Answer:
We read in the earlier chapters about how various human activities are damaging biodiversity. If we do not act immediately to protect biodiversity, life will cease on earth. Conservation of Biodiversity comprises the measures man should take to protect biodiversity and prevent damage to its components. The objective of such conservation is to protect species, their habitats and their ecosystems from excessive rates of extinction and the erosion of biotic interactions. The conservation of ecosystems saves large numbers of species which might otherwise, be endangered and also preserves the support systems that maintain life.

Global, national and local efforts are needed to achieve conservation of biodiversity. Conservation can be of two types a) in-situ conservation b) ex-situ conservation.

I. In Situ Conservation :
‘In-situ’ is a Latin phrase which means’ in the original palce or arrangement’. The conservation of species in their natural habitat or natural ecosystem is known as in situ conservation. In this process, the natural surroundings or ecosystems are protected and maintained so that all the constituent species (known or unknown) are conserved and benefited. The factors which are detrimental to the existence of species concerned are eliminated by suitable mechanisms.

There are different types of protected areas and sites of conservation in India, based on the level of protection provided and the amount of human intervention allowed.

Modes of In situ Conservation :
Types :

1. National Parks
2. Wild Life Sanctuaries
3. Conservation and Community Reserves
4. Marine Protected Areas Sanctuary
5. Biodiversity Heritage Sites
6. Biosphere Reserves
7. Sacred grooves
8. Ramsar sites.

1) National Parks :
A National park is a protected area aimed at betterment of wild life. There are 103 National parks in India 5 are situated in Telangana. Important national parks in Telangana-(l) Kasu Brahnandareddy National Park (HYD), (2)MahaveerVanasthali (Deer) (HYD), (3) Murgavani National Park (HYD).

2) Wild Life Sanctuaries :
Several forests have been declared as reserve forests and protected. Several lakes where birds migrate have been recognised as birds, sanctuaries. In these areas, natural habitat of birds has been preserved. Poaching of Birds hunting their eggs are prohibited. In India there are 543 wild life sanctuaries. Out of this, 9 are situated in Telangana.

1. Nagarjuna Sagar – Srisailam Sanctuary.
2. Etuari Nagaram Sancturary – near Warangal.
3. Kinnerasani Sanctuary – near Khammam.

3) Conservation and Community Reserves :
Conservation reserves and community reserves in India are terms denoting protected areas of India which typically act as buffer zones to or connectors and migration corridors between established national parks, wild life sanctuaries, protected and reserved forests in India.

Important Community Reserves in India :
Thungabhadra otter Reserves – Karnataka, Jower Tunnel – Jammu and Kashmir.

4) Marine protected areas :
Marine Protected Area (MPA) is essentially a space in the ocean where human activities are more strictly regulated than in the surrounding waters- similar to parks we have on land. These places are given special protection for natural or historic marine resources. There are 25 in peninsular India and 106 in the islands of India.

Some marine protected areas in India are :

• Coringa Sanctuary near Kakinada, A.P
• Krishna Sanctuary, near Machilipatnam, A.P

5) Biodiversity Heritage Sites : These are well defined areas that are unique, ecologically fragile ecosystems – terrestrial, fresh water or marine, having rich biodiversity and comprising any one or more of the components such as

• Species richness.
• High endemism.
• Rare, endemic (which exist only in one particular region) and threatened species.
• Keystone species (they play a crucial and unique role in the ecosystem).
• Species of evolutionary significance.
• Wild ancestors of domestic /cultivated species or land races or their varieties.
• Areas of fossil beds having cultural, ethical or aesthetic values. These are important for the maintenance of cultural diversity, with or without a long history of human association with them.

Examples :
Ameenpur lake on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Ameenpur Lake becomes the first Biodiversity Heritage site in the country. Fish and birds return : On the western fringes of Hyderabad is a sprawling and ancient man-made lake.

The lake brims with life :
bar-headed geese, flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, ruddy shelducks, and grey herons, checkered keelback snake and fish. It was because of the biodiversity tag that the government was granted Rs. 3.72 crore to improve the weir, open up inlets and clean up the lake, which has resulted in cleanup and the resultant increase in biodiversity.

6. Biosphere Reserves :
Biosphere reserves or natural reserves are multipurpose protected areas with boundaries circumscribed by legislation. The main aim of a biosphere reserve is to preserve genetic diversity in representative ecosystems by protecting wild animals, traditional life style of inhabitants and domesticated plant/animal genetic resources. These reserves are larger areas of natural habitat than a National Park or Animal Sanctuary, and often include one or more National Parks. Some important biosphere reserves are :

• Simlipal (Orissa)
• Sunderbans (West Bengal)
• Nilgiris (Tamilnadu)
• Kaziranga (Assam)
• Gulf of Mannar (Tamilnadu).

7. Sacred Grooves :
A Sacred Grooves or sacred woods are any groove of trees that are of special religious importance to a particular culture.

Example :

• Pavitraskhetralu (dense, well managed plantations on outskirts of village) in Andhra Pradesh.
• Kovilkadu sacred grove of Tamilnadu.

8. Ramsar Sites :
These are wetlands considered to be of international importance. The international convention which forms the basis for their identification is commonly referred to as the “Ramsar Convention” after the city in Iran where the convention was signed in 1971.

Example :
• Kolleru and Pulikat lakes in Andhra Pradesh.

Haritha Haaram :
Haritha Haaram is a large-scale treeplanting program implemented by the Government of Telangana to increase the amount of tree cover in the state from 24% to 33%. This flagship programme of government of Telangana is aimed at rejuvenating degraded forests, protecting these forests from threats such as smuggling encroachment, fire and grazing. It adopted intensive soil and moisture conservation measures based on a wateished approach in the areas outside the existing forest, massive planting activities were to be taken up in areas such as, roadside avenues, river and canal banks, barren hills, tank bunds and fore shore areas institutional premises, religious places housing colonies, community lands, municipalities and industrial parks.

Vanajeevi (Forester) Ramaiah’ ‘Chettu (Tree) Ramaiah* is a 70 year old man in Reddipalle village, Khammam district, who was awarded Padmasree in 2017. Thanks to the active support of his wife Janamma Mr. Ramaiah spearheaded a tree plantation drive for the past several decades across the district with a thrust on shady trees, fruit bearing and bio-diesel plants with assured environmental and economic benefits to society.

II. Ex-Situ Conservation :
Ex-situ conservation involves maintenance and breeding of endangered plants and animals under partially or wholly controlled conditions in specific areas like zoos, gardens, nurseries etc. It is the conservation of selected plants and animals in selected areas outside their natural habitat.

The stresses on living organisms due to competition for food, water and space can be avoided by ex-situ conservation, thereby providing conditions necessary for secure life and breeding.

Modes of Ex Situ Conservation :

1. Gene Banks
2. Seed Banks
3. Botanical Gardens and Zoos
4. Field Gene Banks
5. Microbial Cultural Collection Centres.

1. Gene Banks :
Gene banks are a type of bio-repository which preserve genetic material. For plants, this could be by freezing cuttings from the plant, or stocking the seeds (e.g. in a seedbank). For animals, this is the freezing of sperm and eggs and also embryos in zoological freezers until further need.

2. Seed Banks :
A seed bank preserves dried seeds by storing them at a very low temperature. It the most cost-effective method of providing plant genetic resources for long-term exsitu conservation. The main advantage of seed banking is that it allows large populations to be preserved and genetic erosion to be minimised by providing optimum conditions and reducing the need for regeneration.
Examples :
Navdariya Conservation Farm Uttarakhand, Seed bank at ICRISAT Hyderabad.

3. Botanical Gardens and Zoos :
Botanical gardens and zoos are the most conventional methods of ex-situ conservation, all of which house protected specimens for breeding and reintroduction into the wild when necessary and possible. These facilities provide not only housing and care for specimens of endangered species, but also have an educational value. They inform the public of the threatened status of endangered species and of those factors which cause the threat, with the hope of creating public interest in stopping and reversing thsoe factors which jeopardize a species’ survival in the first place. They are the most publicly visited ex-situ conservation sites.
Example :

• Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad
• Hyderabad Botanical Garden.

4. Field Gene Banks :
This is a method of planting plants for the conservation of genes. For this purpose, an ecosystem is created artifically. Through this method one can compare the differences among plants of different species and study them in detail. It needs large tracts of land, adequate soil, conductive weather, etc. Germ plasmas of important crops are conserved through this method. 42,000 varieties of rice are conserved in the Central Rice Research Institute in Orissa.

5. Microbial Cultural Collection Centres :
These are organizations which collect, store and distribute standard reference microorganisms, cell lines and other materials for research and development. Culture collections are valuable resources for the sustainable use of microbial diversity and its conservation.
Examples :

• Microbial Type Culture Collection & Gene Bank (MTCC) – Chandigarh, India.
• National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCM) – Pune, India.

Question 6.
Write the acts of Biodiversity.
Answer:
Convention on Biological Diversity :
The Convention on Biodiversity was held at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as a comprehensive strategy for “sustainable development”. It establishes three main goals:

1. the conservation of biological diversity.
2. the sustainable use of its components.
3. the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources.

Under the Convention, governments are required to develop. national biodiversity strategies and action plans, and to integrate these into broader national plans for environment and development. This is particularly important for such sectors as forestry, agriculture, fisheries, energy, transportation and urban planning.

The Biological Diversity Act 2002 of India :
The Act covers conservation, use of biological resources and associated knowledge occurring in India for commercial or research purposes or for the purposes of bio – survey and bio-utilisation. It provides a frame work for access to biological resources and sharing the benefits arising out of such access and use.

State biodiversity Boards are statutory and autonomous bodies constituted by the Government. Their main function is to

Advise the State Government subject to any guidelines issued by the Central Government on matters relating to conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of biological resources.

Biodiversity Management Committee :
Every local body shall constitute a Biodiversity Management Committee within its area, which is the best example of taking the practice of science right down to the grass-roots. The roles of BMCs are

• Promoting conservation of biological diversity.
• Sustainable use and documentation of biological diversity.
• Preservation of habitats.
• Conservation of Landraces (domesticated, locally adapted traditional varieties of a species of animal or plant), folk varieties and cultivars (Plant varieties produced in cultivation by selective breeding), domesticated stocks & breeds of animals and microorganisms.
• Chronicling of knowledge relating to biodiversity.
• Facilitating preparation of people’s biodiversity registers (PBRs)

People’s Biodiversity Register :
It is a document that contains comprehensive information on locally available Bioresources, their medicinal or any other use, or any other traditional knowledge associated with them. This is an innovative decentralized approach to knowing, us,ing and safeguarding our biodiversity and traditional knowledge. This helps in the conservation of biodiversity. It also supports claims of local ownership of biodiversity and traditional knowledge. The PBR process creates a mass awareness and knowledge flow, which is important for biodiversity conservation.

Telangana TSBIE TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 14th Lesson Significance of Biodiversity Textbook Questions and Answers.

TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 14th Lesson Significance of Biodiversity

Essay Questions

Question 1.
Write an essay on benefits or significance of Biodiversity.
Answer:
Biodiversity provides the fundamental building blocks for the many goods and services man derives from the environment. These include things that are essential to health, like clean air, fresh water, and food products. Our clothes, medicines, fuels and homes are dependent on the resources of the biosphere. When ecosystems are intact, biological processes are preserved. These processes include the nutrient and water cycles, photosynthesis and the food chain, all of which are necessary for the sustenance of life. The more the microbe, plant, insect and animal species there are in an area, the greater the biodiversity and the healthier the ecosystem. Conversely, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the loss of biodiversity would result in the loss of all forms of life.

Given below are some of the ways in which man benefits from biodiversity :

Benefits of Biodiversity :
i. Consumptive Use Value :
This refers to the value that can be assigned to natural products that are directly used for food, fodder, timber, fuel woods etc. They are consumed in small amounts to meet daily needs. Many people around the world still depend on wild species to fulfill their needs such as food, shelter and clothing. Forest products, vegetables and fruits are consumed by many tribes.

ii. Productive Use Value :
This refers to the value that can be assigned to commercially harvested and marketed ‘produce’ of plants and animals. Almost all the present agricultural crops have originated from wild varieties. Wild species of plants are used to develop new, better yielding varieties of plants which are cultivated on a commercial scale. Large scale cultivation and marketing of rice, wheat, maize, vegetables and fruits are examples of the productive use value of biodiversity.

Animal foods like milk, meat and eggs are consumed by people throughout the world. Other animal products, such as tusks of elephants, are used for decorative purposes, while wool from sheep and silk from silkworms are used to clothe the body.

iii. Economic Value :
Plants and animals are useful, not only as food, but in several other ways too. Many industries such as the paper industry, textile industry, leather industry and pearl industry are dependent on the commercial values of plants, trees, animals and marine life. Fuel sources like coal, oil and natural gas have their origin due to biodiversity. Many important chemicals and dyes are extracted from various plants and animals.

Many medicines, such as quinine, opium, codeine and cortisone are derived from plants and animal by – products. Some are recreational drugs like marijuana. It is quite likely that several new medicines will be derived from plants and animals in the future too.

iv. Educational and Scientific Value :
Our understanding of life is greatly enhanced by the study of living organisms, their interactions with each other and the environment. We have gained much insight about various human systems and their functioning by studying other organisms, both in their natural habitat as well as in controlled conditions in the laboratory. Fruit flies, worms, frogs, dogs and monkeys are routinely used in biological experiments. Guinea pigs have been largely replaced by mice in laboratories but they are still used to study diseases like diabetes, T.B and scurvy, v.

v. Aesthetic and recreational value :
The majesty of the mountains, the refreshing fragrance of flowers, the softness of moss, and the melodious songs of birds are some of the things in nature which soothe the senses and uplift the spirit. Human beings derive great joy from various forms of biodiversity. Botanical and zoological gardens are means of biodiversity conservation and are of aesthetic value.

Biodiversity is also a significant source of leisure activities. It is a focal point for tourism and all kinds of recreational’ activities. People enjoy going for a holiday to a sea resort or a mountain resort. They take delight in rock climbing, sea surfing, river rafting, jungle safaris and ocean cruises. Bird watching, having pets and keeping an aquarium are other expressions of the aesthetic value we derive from biodiversity.

vi. Ethical value :
Biodiversity must be seen in the light of ethical values. Since man is the most intelligent living organism, it should be his prime responsibility and moral obligation to protect other organisms. Biodiversity encourages man to adopt the attitude ‘Live and Let Live’ and to accept that every species of life,, whether useful or not to man, has the right to exist. Laws are being framed to protect man from destroying biodiversity. For instance there are No – Construction Zones, protected forest areas, and wild life sanctuaries.

vii. Inspiration for Scientific Inventions / Biomimicry :
Living organisms provide inspiration for engineers seeking better and more efficient products. This field, known as biomimicry, involves the design and production of materials and systems that are modelled on biological processes. For example, shark skin provided the model for hydrodynamic swimming suits. The glue used by sandcastle worms (Phra- gmatopomacalifornica) to cement together their sand particle shells was the inspiration for a glue that mends fractured bones in the aqueous internal environment of the body. Scientists are using the chemical nature of spider’s silk to design strong, lightweight fibre.

viii. Ecosystem Service Value :
Biodiversity is indispensable for the maintenance of ecological balance. Ecosystems in nature sustain soil fertility, cycle nutrients, prevent soil erosion, fix nitrogen and serve several such functions which are vital for the existence of life. Without the water cycle, for instance, there would be no rains and, consequently, no crops or drinking water. Life itself would come to an end. Any disturbance in the delicately fabricated ecological balance maintained by different organisms can lead to calamities like drought, floods and famine and may threaten the survival of life on the planet.

ix. Cultural and Spiritual Value :
Many cultural practices and ceremonies in India are associated with biodiversity. For example, the tulasi plant and banyan tree are venerated in India. Mango leaves are used for decoration on auspicious occasions, Mehandi is applied by ladies on their palms and hands during social ceremonies. Animals like the cow, snake, bull and owl hold a special place in Indian socio-cultural life, religion and mythology.

Telangana TSBIE TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 13th Lesson Concept, Types and Threats to Biodiversity Textbook Questions and Answers.

TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 13th Lesson Concept, Types and Threats to Biodiversity

Essay Questions

Question 1.
Define biodiversity and explain the levels or types of Biodiversity.
Answer:
The term biodiversity was introduced by Walter Rosen in 1986. Biodiversity is the shortened form of two words “biological” and ” diversity.” It refers to all the variety of life that can be found on Earth (plants, animals, fungi and micro-organisms) as well as to the communities that they form and the habitats in which they live.

An ecosystem includes all the living things (plants, animals and other organisms) in a given area, interacting with each other, and also with their non-living environments, such as weather, Sun and soil. It is, thus, the interaction of living and non-living things in a particular environment. A biome is a specific geographic area notable for the large community of plants and animals that live there. For example, tropical rainforests, deserts and grasslands.

Biodiversity is not merely the sum of all ecosystems, species and genetic material. Rather, it represents the variability within and among them. It can be distinguished from the expression “biological resources”, which refer to the tangible components of ecosystems. Biological resources are real entities (a particular species of bird, a wheat variety growing in a field, oak wood, etc.) while biological diversity is an attribute of life (the variety of bird species, the genetic variability of wheat around the world, forest types, etc.)

It has been estimated that more than 50 million species of plants, animals and micro – organisms exist in the world. Out of these, about 1.4 million species have been identified so far.
Each species is adapted to live in a specific environment, whether it is the mountain peaks or the depths of the seas, the polar ice caps or the tropical rain forests and deserts. All this diversity of life is confined to a one kilometre thick layer of lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere which forms the biosphere.

Biodiversity Concepts
All life forms that make up biodiversity, including humans, are ultimately connected to all other life forms, and to their physical environment.

• No one living element of any ecosystem can survive independent of the others.
• Connections among living and non-living elements keep the environment functioning and healthy.
• Because biodiversity represents the inter-connectedness of all things, the effects of some causes can be surprising.
• Human impact on the environment, therefore, difectly or indirectly affects the function of other living things, and, by extension, ourselves.

Types of biodiversity :
Biodiversity includes four main types : They are :

1. Species Diversity
2. Genetic Diversity
3. Ecosystem or Community Diversity
4. Functional Diversity.

LEVELS OF BIODIVERSITY
Species Diversity :
Refers to the number of different species of plants, animals, fungi and micro-organisms that are represented in a given community. For example palm trees, elephants or bacteria. The number of species that live in a particular location is called species richness. Abundance is defined as the number of individuals of each species.

Genetic Diversity :
Refers to the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species. The more genetic diversity a population has, the more likelihood the population will be able to adapt and survive. For example, poodles, german shepherds and golden retrievers are all dogs, but they all look different as they have different genes.

Ecosystem or Community Diversity :
Refers to a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. Each ecosystem corresponds to a series of complex relationships between biotic (living) components such as plants and animals, and abiotic (non-living) components which include sunlight, air, water, minerals and nutrients such as air, water, and mineral soil. Examples : tropical or temperate forests, hot and cold deserts, wetlands, rivers, mountains, coral reefs, etc.

Functional Diversity :
Refers to the way species behave, obtain, food and use the natural resources of an ecosystem. In general a species rich ecosystem is presumed to have high functional divesity, because there are many species with many different behaviours. Functional diversity can be useful to ecologists trying to conserve an ecosystem or restore it when it is damaged, because knowing the behaviours and roles of species can point to gaps in a food cycle or ecological niches that ‘ack species.

Question 2.
Explain Bio-geo-graphical classification of India.
Answer:
India is a mega biodiverse country. In Greek language Mega means ‘Large’. In 1998, India has been recognised as one of the Mega bio – diversity country out of 17 countries in the world. India has been divided into 10 Bio – geographical realms and 26 Bio provinces. India is a land of forests, grasslands,, oceans, wet lands, coastal regions, marine eco system etc.

India is a land of 167 plant species of millets, fruits, vegetables, pulses etc. There are nearly about or more than 100 domestic species, 5, 000 flowering plants, 62% of amphibians. Totally there are 46,000 flora and 81,000 fauna species.

Question 3.
Describe the threats of Biodiversity.
Answer:
Consequences of loss of Biodiversity :
Biodiversity is under serious threat. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that 22% of known mammals, 32% of amphibians, 14% of birds, and 32% of gymnosperms (plants that do not bear flowers or fruit, e.g. : ferns and moss) are threatened with extinction. Species that were abundant within the last 200 years have gone extinct. For example, passenger pigeons, which numbered more than three billion in the mid 1800s are now extinct. Animals like the polar bear, leopard, tiger, orangutan, otter and pangolin are shrinking in numbers.

Species extinction and loss of biodiversity can be as devastating for the earth as climate change and water pollution. Each species, no matter how small, may have an important role to play in the ecosystem. If there is a drastic increase or decrease in the population of a particular species, it can cause an imbalance in the ecosystem and have unforeseen, cascading effects that cannot be reversed. For instance, the loss of elephants in an area can cause the population of deer to multiply. As the number of deer increases, the available vegetation there decreases. Grass eating animals are affected adversely and may die. The cycle does not stop there. Carnivorous animals which feed on herbivores are, in turn, deprived of prey. Another example is the decline of the honey bee population which is adversely affecting the production of several crops, as pollination fails to take place in the absence of bees.

Causes of loss of Biodiversity / Threats to Biodiversity :
The primary cause of loss of biodiversity is habitat alteration caused by human activities which directly or indirectly affect the ecosystems. These dangers to biodiversity include: population growth and resource consumption, climate change and global warming, habitat conversion and urbanization, invasive alien species, over exploitation of natural resources and environmental degradation.

The table below summarizes the main threats to biodiversity in India

Threats to Marine Water

Telangana TSBIE TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 12th Lesson Energy Conservation Textbook Questions and Answers.

TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 12th Lesson Energy Conservation

Essay Questions

Question 1.
Explain the need for Energy Conservation.
Answer:
The Need for Energy Conservation :
Carbon Footprint :
It is possible to calculate the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that individual or group activities produce. This measure is called the carbon footprint. For instance, approximately one kg of carbon is added to our personal carbon footprint when we drive a car for a distance of about 6km or when we operate a computer for 32 hours. The more the emission of carbon, the more the environment gets polluted. Today there is greater awareness about the need to reduce our carbon footprint and thereby protect the environment. Energy conservation is one of the methods to reduce damage to the environment.

Energy conservation refers to the effort made to reduce the consumption of energy by using less of an energy service. Energy conservation differs from efficient energy use, which refers to using less energy for a constant service. For example, driving less is an example of energy conservation. Driving the same amount with a higher mileage vehicle is an example of energy efficiency. Energy conservation and efficiency are both energy reduction techniques. Energy conservation leads to enhanced environmental quality and greater personal savings. Energy Conservation is one of the most important steps towards building a sustainable energy system. If a country is self-sufficient in energy, it need not bow down to the pressure tactics of other countries to meet its energy needs.

While the government can formulate policies and frame laws which ensure energy conservation, there are many small steps that can be taken by individuals to conserve energy. Given below are energy conservation techniques that you can follow in your daily life to reduce your overall carbon footprint and save money in the long run. Long term solutions for energy conservation too are listed.

I. Energy conservation at the individual level :
1. Install CFL and LED lights :
Incandescent bulbs should be replaced with CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) or LED (light emitting diode) bulbs. CFL and LED bulbs cost more upfront but last 12 times longer than incandescent bulbs. CFL and LED bulbs save not only energy but also money over a period of time.

2. Optimise the Room Temperature :
Heaters, coolers and air conditioners are commonly used to regulate the temperature indoors. The more the difference between indoor and outdoor temperature, the more the energy consumed to maintain room temperature. The temperature indoors should be kept as close as possible to the outside temperature for energy conservation. Programmable thermostats can be used for this purpose.

3. Insulate your house :
Insulation gives cool air in summer and winter.

Energy-Saving Tips

1. Replace light bulbs with CFLs
2. Unplug electronics when not in use
3. Adjust your thermostat 5* higher
4. Load up dishwasher until full
5. Keep cool with ceiling fans
6. Power down your computer
7. Wash clothes in cold water

4. Maximize the use of natural light :
Switch Off lights during day time will reduce current bill.

5. Get an Energy Audit Done :
Take advice from expert energy saver to save current bill.

6. Use Energy Efficient Appliances :
Buy star products to save electricity bill.

Concept
The Green Building concept is gaining importance in various countries including India. These are building that ensure that were is minized that every stage including the construction and operation of the building resulting low costs, according to experts in the technology.

7. Drive Less, Walk More and Carpool :
Sharing Transport Vehicles will save energy.

8. Switch Off Appliances when Not in Use :
Save energy by switching off computer, Electric devices etc., when not in use.

9. Grow trees :
Plant more trees to provide cool air

II. Long term solutions for energy conservation :
1. Education :
Educate the people to create awareness on Energy Saving.

2. Availability of Eco friendly Alternatives :
Eco friendly alternatives should be available to reduce the carbon footprint. Energy saving bulbs like LED, CFL should be supplied as subsidized for consumers.

3. Zero Energy Balance Construction :
New methods are being used to construct buildings in such a way that there is minimum emission of green house gases.

4. Alternative Sources of Energy :
The use of alternative sources like solar energy and wind energy, is a key energy conservation technique.

5. Cap and Trade Agreements :
There are agreement between Government and Person concerned who establish industry. He will record minimum pollutant limits.

6. Reduced Demand :
With the emergence of specific economy and social conditions Vehicles and Hydride Cars, including in India – the demand has increased and reduce manifold.

7. Research & Development :
Continued funding of research should be done to solve the problem of Fuel.

Telangana TSBIE TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 11th Lesson Conventional and non-Conventional Sources of Energy Textbook Questions and Answers.

TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 11th Lesson Conventional and non-Conventional Sources of Energy

Essay Questions

Question 1.
Explain the sources of energy.
Answer:
I. Conventional Sources of Energy :
(Non-Renewable) Conventional Energy refers to energy that is obtained from any source that has been in widespread use for a long time. Fossil fuels and traditional biomass are the most widely used conventional source of energy. Coal, petroleum and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels. Kerosene and propane are derivatives of fossil fuels. Traditional biomass refers to wood and other organic matter.

Till the beginning of the nineteenth century nearly all the energy in the world was produced by the burning of wood. Less than 2% was derived from coal, produced and used mostly in the U.K. Oil consumption began in the 1870s. By the end of the nineteenth century, coal consumption increased greatly. It accounted for half the global energy.

Fossil fuels are formed from the fossilized remains of dead plants and animals by exposure to heat and pressure in the Earths crust over millions of years. When fossil fuels are burnt they produce a lot of energy. Although human beings used fossil fuels in ancient times, the large scale extraction of these fuels began only during the Industrial Revolution. Within a short period of two hundred years we have consumed so much fossil fuel that the available deposits have been practically exhausted.

It is estimated that we will run out of oil, gas and coal by the end of this century. New reserves of fossil fuels are difficult to find and are much smaller than the ones found in ihe past. For this reason fossil fuels are considered Non Renewable sources of energy. They are a finite resource and cannot be replenished as they take millions of years to be formed.

Advantages of Conventional Sources of Energy :

1. The technology to harness energy from fossil fuels is well developed.
2. Fossil fuels are cheap and reliable sources of energy.

Disadvantages of Conventional Sources of Energy :

1. Fossil fuels contain large amounts of carbon and contribute to global warming. They are not green sources of energy and so, pollute the environment.
2. Fossil fuels are nomrenewable sources of energy. The existing reserves will almost certainly be exhausted well before the turn of this century.

II. Non-Conventional Sources of energy (Renewable) :
As conventional sources of energy are exhaustible and also cause pollution, scientists have been trying to find alternative sources of energy which can be easily replenished and do not pollute the environment. Many non conventional sources of energy have been developed during the last few decades. Solar energy, wind energy, nuclear energy, biomass energy, geothermal energy and tidal energy are examples of non conventional energy. While it is true that some of these sources, such as wind energy and biomass energy, were harnessed even in ancient times, the large scale exploitation of these resources in a systematic manner started only towards the end of the nineteenth century.

Advantages of Non – Conventional Sources of Energy :
a) Renewable Resources :
The most promising aspect of non – conventional sources of energy is that they are inexhaustible. Solar energy and wind energy can be harnessed as long as the Sun exists. The vast oceans are a perennial source of wave and tide energy. Uranium, needed for nuclear energy, may be exhausted in 200 years but if extracted from sea water, will last for 60,000 years. Non conventional sources of energy are, therefore, called Renewable sources of energy as they are constantly being replenished and will never get depleted.

b) Non Polluting :
Another remarkable feature of non conventional sources of energy is that they are clean and do not pollute the environment. No waste is produced. Biomass energy releases carbon, no doubt, but the carbon is already present in the organic waste that is burnt to get energy.

c) Cost Effective :
Non-conventional sources of energy are becoming increasingly cost effective with each passing day. Rapid improvements in technology are enabling developing countries to leapfrog and remain on a par with developed countries.

Disadvantages of Non – Conventional Sources of Energy :
a) Safety issues :
Accidents in nuclear power plants can cause leakage of radioactive material. This can have disastrous consequences not only for the workers involved but for residents living several miles away from the plant. The effects of radioactivity on human beings can linger for decades, affecting future generations. The ecosystem too is destroyed.

b) Initial costs of installation of power plants may be high.

Question 2.
Explain the types of Non – Conventional sources of energy.
Answer:
1. Solar Energy :
The Sun is a powerful source of energy. The energy provided by the Sun to the Earth in one hour can meet the energy needs of the entire globe for a year. At present we are able to harness only .0001 % of that energy. Rapid strides in technology are enabling us to transform solar power into thermal and electrical energy efficiently and at reduced costs. The International Energy Agency estimates that by 2050 the production of solar energy will account for nearly a quarter of the world’s total energy use.

Solar power harvests the energy of the Sun by using collector panels to create conditions that can then be turned into a kind of power. Large solar panel fields are often used to gather enough power to charge small substations. Many people use solar systems for heating their house in winter and cooling it in summer. Hot water too is easily obtained.

Advantages of Solar Energy :

1. Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source.
2. Once a solar panel is installed, solar energy can be produced free of charge.
3. The Sun is practically an infinite source of energy as it will exist for another 5 billion years. In contrast, it is estimated that the world’s oil reserves will last only for another 30 to 40 years.
4. Solar energy causes no pollution. Solar cells do not produce emissions or noise.
5. Very little maintenance is needed to keep solar cells running.

Disadvantages of Solar Energy :

1. The initial cost of setting up solar panels is quite high.
2. Solar cells can generate electricity only during daylight hours.
3. Solar energy production is not feasible in geographical areas which receive less sunlight.
4. Pollution levels in the air can affect the efficiency of solar panels.
5. Solar panels are heavy, so roofs of houses where they are being installed must be strong.

India has set a target of achieving 100 GW of solar power by 2022. Four of the largest solar plants in the world are in India, including the second largest solar park in the world at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The world’s largest solar power plant, Bhadla Solar Park, is being constructed in Rajasthan.

2. Wind Energy :
Wind energy is a form of solar energy. Wind turbines, like windmills, are mounted on towers and convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power. A generator then converts the mechanical power into electricity. Wind energy harvesting has grown by 25% every year over the last two decades. By 2030 wind power is expected to supply nearly 20% of the world’s electricity.

Advantages of Wind Energy :

1. Wind is a clean, non polluting source of energy.
2. It is an inexhaustible source of energy as it originates in the Sun.
3. It is cheap. The cost of wind power is rapidly decreasing and has fallen by more than 50% over the last few years. In 2018 it fell to a record low of ₹ 2.43 per unit in India.
4. Wind turbines are space efficient. As they do not occupy much space, there is practically no disruption in the usage of the open land in which they are located.
5. Maintenance costs are low.

Disadvantages of Wind Energy :

1. Wind energy is a fluctuating or intermittent source of energy as wind conditions do not remain steady in a place. Wind energy needs to be stored for full utilization.
2. Initial building and installation costs of wind turbines are high.
3. Wind turbines generate noise though newer technology is making them much quieter. A wind turbine located 300 meters from a house generates just about the noise of an air conditioner.
4. It has been claimed that wind turbines are a threat to wild life, especially bats, but these claims are not substantiated.

Denmark is regarded as the birthplace of wind energy harvesting. The Gansu wind farm in China is the world’s largest wind farm, with a target of 20000 MW by 2020. Today wind energy is India’s biggest source of renewable electricity, accounting for nearly three times as much generating capacity as solar. The Muppandal wind farm in Tamilnadu is the largest wind farm in India.

3. Geothermal Energy :
Geothermal energy is the energy that is produced from beneath the Earth. It is clean, sustainable and environment friendly. High temperatures are produced continuously inside the Earth’s crust by the slow delay of radioactive particles. Hot rocks present below the Earth heat up the water that produces steam. The steam is then captured and is used to move turbines. The rotating turbines power the generators.

Geothermal energy can be used by a residential unit or on a large scale by an industrial application. It was used during ancient times for bathing and space heating. The biggest drawback in using geothermal energy is that it can be produced only at select sites throughout the world. The largest group of geothermal power plants in the world is located at The Geysers, a geothermal field in California, United States. Indonesia, Iceland, and Philippines are countries which have very large geothermal plants. The first geothermal plant of India is located in Balrampur district in Chhattisgarh and will become operational shortly.

4. Hydrogen Energy :
Hydrogen is one of the most common elements available on Earth. It is an energy carrier, not an energy source. Hydrogen can store and deliver usable energy, but it does not typically exist by itself in nature and must be produced from compounds that contain it. Once hydrogen is separated from compounds such as water, it can be used as a fuel for generating electricity. Hydrogen is a tremendous source of energy and can be used as a source of fuel to power ships, vehicles, homes, industries, and rockets. It is completely renewable, can be produced on demand from organic waste or water and does not leave any toxic emissions in the atmosphere. However, the cost of producing hydrogen energy is very high. Japan, Germany, Iceland, and U.S.A are countries which are in the forefront in the field of hydrogen energy.

5. Tidal Energy :
Tidal energy uses the rise and fall of tides to convert kinetic energy of incoming and outgoing tides into electrical energy. It is dependent on the gravitational force of the Earth and the moon. Tides are produced when there is increased height of water levels in the ocean. The generation of energy through tidal power is mostly prevalent in coastal areas. Huge investment and limited availability of sites are the major drawbacks of tidal energy. Tidal energy is one of the renewable sources of energy. Large amounts of energy are produced even when tides move at a low speed. South Korea has the largest tidal power plant in the world. France, U.K. and Belgium are other countries which have such plants.

6. Wave Energy :
Wave energy is produced from the movement of waves that are produced in the oceans. Wave energy is renewable, environment friendly and causes no harm to the atmosphere. It can be harnessed along the coastal regions of many countries and can help a country to reduce its dependence on foreign countries for fuel. However, wave energy has its disadvantages. It can damage the marine ecosystem and can also be a source of disturbance to private and commercial vessels. It is highly dependent on wavelength and can also be a source of visual and noise pollution. Sweden, Portugal, Spain and U.K. are some countries which produce wave energy.

7. Hydroelectric Energy :
Hydroelectric energy is produced when the power of moving water is harnessed to produce electricity. The power of moving water has been harnessed for centuries. Initially it was used to run grain mills. Today hydroelectric power is the most widely used non conventional type of energy in the world. It represents about 17% of total electricity production. China is the largest producer of hydroelectricity, loilowed by Canada, Brazil and the united States.

Advantages of Hydroelectric Energy :

1. Hydroelectric energy is a clean fuel source as it is produced from water.
2. Hydropower plants do not pollute the air, unlike power plants that burn fossil fuel.
3. These plants are safe when compared to nuclear plants.
4. They are renewable sources of energy as electricity can be produced as long as water is available.

Disadvantages of Hydroelectric Energy :

1. Hydroelectric energy can be produced only in regions where there is ample water.
2. It is not possible to generate hydroelectricity in the event of drought.
3. The initial cost of building dams and hydroelectric power plants is high.
4. The construction of dams can have a negative impact on the ecology. Thousands of people are displaced and lose their livelihood. The breeding and migratory patterns of fish, like salmon, are affected. Sediments that would go down-stream and replenish the soil are held back by dams. Now-a-days, therefore, environmentalists put up stiff opposition when hydroelectric projects, such as the Narmada Valley Project, are constructed.

8. Biomass Energy :
Biomass energy is produced from organic material that comes from plants and animals. Biomass includes crops, plants, trees, yard clippings, wood chips and animal wastes. Wood accounts for 44% of biomass energy. Chlorophyll present in plants captures the Sun’s energy by converting carbondioxide from the air and water from the ground into carbohydrates through the process of photosynthesis. When the plants are burned, the water and carbondioxide are again released back into the atmosphere. Biomass energy is used for heating and cooking in homes and as fuel in industrial production.

Advantages of Biomass Energy :

1. Biomass energy is a renewable source of energy as biomass plants utilize leftover wood.
2. It is an alternative to fossil fuels.
3. It does not produce carbon. It merely releases the carbon that is already there in the plant or animal waste. In that respect it differs from fossil fuels which generate carbon when burnt.
4. Organic waste of plants and animals is readily available in abundance.
5. Instead of being thrown in landfills and polluting the environment, organic waste is utilized to get energy.
6. Different products can be created from different kinds of organic matter. Methane, biodiesel and other biofuels can be produced. Heat and electricity can be generated with the help of turbines.

Disadvantages of Biomass Energy :

1. Biomass energy is not a clean energy as pollution is created from the burning organic waste. The pollution may be as bad as that caused by the burning of coal.
2. In addition to plant and animal waste, healthy trees are often cut and used for the purpose of producing biomass energy. This can lead to deforestation, displacement of people and destruction of the habitat.
3. Biodiesel products like ethanol are inefficient fuels compared to gasoline. The long term use of ethanol may be harmful to combustion engines.
4. Biomass plants require a lot of space and add to urban congestion when located in cities.
5. The cost of setting up biomass plants is very high.

9. Nuclear Energy :
Nuclear energy is power released through specific nuclear reactions. This power is then converted to electrical power. There are about 30 countries which produce nuclear power. U.S.A produces more electricity through the use of nuclear power than any other nation. It is followed by France, Russia, South Korea, Germany and China. France derives more than 75% of its energy needs from nuclear power.

Advantages of Nuclear Energy :

1. Nuclear energy is cheap.
2. It is a source of clean energy as relatively low amounts of carbon dioxide are released during the nuclear reactions.
3. The technology is readily available.

Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy :

1. There are major concerns about safety. An accident in a nuclear plant can cause leakage of radioactive material which would have disastrous and long-lasting consequences on human beings as well as on the environment. The nuclear plant accident in Fukushima, Japan in 2011 is one such example.
2. Nuclear waste that is generated must be disposed of with extreme care.
3. Nuclear plants can become targets for terrorists.

Telangana TSBIE TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 10th Lesson Demand for Energy and Energy Consumption Patterns Textbook Questions and Answers.

TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 10th Lesson Demand for Energy and Energy Consumption Patterns

Essay Questions

Question 1.
Write an essay on energy consumption.
Answer:
Energy is defined as power derived from the utilization of physical or chemical resources, especially to provide light and heat or to work machines. The amount of energy consumed in a process or system, or by an organization or society is known as Energy Consumption. Energy consumption can be classified under four economic sectors: Residential, Commercial, Transportation and Industrial.

Energy Consumption Sectors :

1. Residential sector energy is the energy used for domestic purposes. Examples are the use of charcoal, wood, kerosene and LPG for cooking, use of electricity and batteries to run devices such as fans, lights, generators, T.Vs, refrigerators, coolers and computers.
2. Commercial sector energy is the energy used in businesses and organizations. It also includes energy used by municipalities for street lighting, disposal of garbage and supply of water.
3. Transportation sector energy consumption is the energy consumed, mostly as petrol and diesel, by various modes of transport which are used to carry passengers or move goods. Cars, buses, trucks, aeroplanes and ships are the most common modes of transport.
4. Industrial sector energy includes manufacturing, agriculture, construction, forestry and mining. Energy is used in industries for various purposes, such as to produce heat and steam in industrial processes, in brick kilns, to run machinery and for drilling. Every industry uses energy but the maxi-mum energy is consumed by the bulk chemicals industry, the refining industry and mining.

Global Energy Consumption is the total energy used by the entire human civilization at any given point of time. The consumption of energy worldwide has dramatically increased over the last few decades. Since 1800 it has increased by more than 25 times. It is closely associated with two factors :
a) Growth in Population :
As the population of the world increases, so do energy needs. Food production must keep pace with the burgeoning population. More houses, schools and hospitals need to be built. Adequate infrastructure like roads, sewerage and garbage disposal systems must be provided. Large amounts of energy are expended for all these activities.

b) Growth in Per Capita Income :
As standards of living improve, so does energy consumption. If a person’s income increases, he is likely to stop using public transport and will buy his own car. He may now live in a bigger house and buy several kinds of goods and gadgets to keep himself comfortable. His energy consumption, thus, increases.

Energy Scenario in the Future :
Based on current trends of energy consumption, scientists have made predictions about the likely scenario in the future. Some of the observations and predictions made by them are :

• Fast growth in developing economies will drive up global energy demand multifold.
• According to some estimates, the global energy mix basket will be much bigger by 2040 with oil, gas, coal and non-fossil fuels each contributing around a quarter.
• Renewable sources of energy are growing very fast, increasing five-fold and providing around 14% of primary energy.
• With ever-growing population, the demand for oil and natural gas is increasing. Efforts are being made worldwide to scale up the exploitation of the existing reserves.
• Oil and gas together account for over half of the world’s energy.
• Global coal consumption, however, is not increasing and it seems likely that Chinese coal consumption has plateaued.
• The number of electric cars will grow to around 15% of the total number of cars, but because of the much higher intensity with which they are used, they will account for 30% of passenger vehicle kilometers.
• Carbon emissions will continue to rise, signalling the need for a comprehensive set of actions to stem the damage to the environment.
• All of the growth in energy consumption is happening in the fastest emerging economies : China and India.
  • Renewable energy is the fastest-growing energy source, accounting for 40% of the increase in primary energy.
  Demand for oil and other liquid fuels will grow for some years but will gradually slow down and stabilize by the 2030s.
• The availability of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) will increase globally.

Energy Consumption in India :
Energy consumption is greatly increasing in developing countries like India which are experiencing good economic growth. India’s energy consumption is set to grow 4.2% a year by 2035, faster than that of all major economies in the world. India is Asia’s second biggest energy consumer since 2008. In 2015 it overtook Japan as the world’s third largest oil consuming country, after the U.S.A and China. India’s consumption growth of fossil fuels will be the highest by 2035 and it will overtake China as the largest growth market.

Telangana TSBIE TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 9th Lesson Global Environmental Issues Textbook Questions and Answers.

TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 9th Lesson Global Environmental Issues

Essay Questions

Question 1.
Write an essay on Global Environmental Issues and its protection.
Answer:
Global Environmental issues :
All across the world, people are facing a plethora of new and challenging environmental problems every day. Some of them are small and affect only a few ecosystems, but others are drastically changing the world as we know it.

Our planet is on the brink of a severe environmental crisis. Current environmental problems make us vulnerable to disasters and tragedies, now as well as in the future. We are in a state of planetary emergency. Unless we address the various issues prudently and seriously, we are doomed to disaster.

Given below are some of the major environmental problems that require urgent attention.

Major Current Environmental Problems :
i)Pollution :
The ill effects of the pollution of air, water and soil cannot be undone even in a thousand years. Water pollution is caused by oil spill, acid rain and discharge of effluents by industries; air pollution is caused by various gases and toxins released by industries and factories and combustion of fossil fuels; soil pollution is caused mainly by industrial waste that deprives soil of essential nutrients. Pollutants like heavy metals, nitrates and plastic degrade the environment and are a threat to all forms of life.

ii) Global Warming :
Fossil fuel consumption results in emission of greenhouse gases like methane, carbondioxide and nitrous oxide which are responsible for global warming and climate change. Global warming leads to rising temperatures of the oceans and the Earth’s surface, causing melting of polar ice caps, rise in sea levels and also unnatural patterns of precipitation such as flash floods, excessive snow or desertification. Nations throughout the world are taking efforts to shift to renewable sources of energy like solar, wind, biogas and geothermal energy. The cost of installing the infrastructure and maintaining these sources has plummeted in recent years.

iii) Over population :
The population of the planet is reaching unsustainable levels as it faces shortage of resources like water, fuel and food. Population explosion is more pronounced in developing countries. India is expected to become the most populous country in the world in 2022 and by 2030 its population is expected to cross 1.5 billion. Intensive agriculture practised to produce food causes damage to the environment through use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides.

iv) Natural Resources Depletion :
Natural resources occur within the environment in their original and natural form, undisturbed by humanity. They may take centuries or even millions of years to form. While some like air and water are vital for our survival, others like coal and minerals are used for satisfying daily needs. Natural resources are getting consumed much faster than they can be replenished or regenerated. This leads to the degradation of the ecosystems.

v) Waste Disposal :
The over consumption of resources and use of plastics is creating a global crisis of waste disposal. Developed countries are notorious for producing an excessive amount of waste or garbage and dumping their waste in the oceans and in less developed countries. Nuclear waste disposal is associated with tremendous health hazards. Plastic, fast food packaging and cheap electronic wastes threaten the well-being of humans and animals.

vi) Climate Change :
Change in regional climate patterns in many parts of the world is another environmental problem that has assumed deadly proportions during the last few decades. Climate change has various harmful effects including melting of polar ice, change in seasons, occurrence of new diseases, frequent occurrence of floods and changes in the overall weather scenario.

vii) Loss of Biodiversity :
It is the extinction of species (human, plant or animal) worldwide and also the local reduction or loss of species in a certain habitat. Human activity is leading to the extinction of species and habitats and loss of biodiversity. Eco systems, which took millions of years to perfect, are in danger of being destabilised when any species population gets decimated. The population of wild bees is rapidly decreasing, posing a threat to global agriculture. Balance of natural processes like pollination is crucial for the survival of the ecosystem. Similarly, the destruction of coral reefs is endangering marine life.

viii) Deforestation :
Forests are natural sinks of carbon dioxide and produce fresh oxygen. They also help in regulating temperature and rainfall. At present forests cover 30% of the land but every year tree cover equal in area to the country of .Panama is lost due to deforestation. Billions of trees are being cut every year to cater to the needs of the growing polulation. The green cover is decreasing in order to make more land available for residential, industrial and commercial purposes.

ix) Ocean acidification :
oceans is called ocean acidification. It is a recent phenomenon. Human activities have led to massive amounts of carbon dioxide being produced. Oceans absorb nearly 30% of carbon dioxide in the air. The carbondioxide that is absorbed reacts with sea-water and makes it acidic. In the past 200 years alone, ocean water has become 30 percent more acidic-faster than any known change in ocean chemistry in the last 50 million years. Ocean acidification is a threat to marine life, particularly shellfish and plankton.

x) Ozone Layer Depletion :
The ozone layer is an invisible layer-of protection around the planet that protects us from the sun’s harmful rays. Depletion of the crucial ozone layer of the atmosphere is attributed to pollution caused by chloro-fluoro carbons (CFCs). Once these toxic gases reach the upper atmosphere, they cause a hole in the ozone layer, the biggest of which is above the Antarctic. CFCs are banned in many industries and consumer products.

xi) Acid Rain:
It is rain polluted by acid that has been released into the atmosphere from factories and other industrial processes. Acid rain occurs due to the presence of certain pollutants in the atmosphere. Acid rains can be caused due to combustion of fossil fuels or erupting volcanoes or rotting vegetation which release sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide into the atmosphere. Acid rain adversely affects human health, wildlife and marine life.

xii) Water Pollution :
Clean drinking water is becoming a rare commodity. Water is becoming an economic and political issue as the human population fights for this resource. Industrial development is filling rivers, seas and oceans with toxic pollutants which are a threat to human health. .

xiii) Urban Sprawl :
Urban sprawl refers to the expansion of population from high density urban areas to low density surrounding areas, often without planning. This results in the spreading of the city over more and more rural land. Urban sprawl results in land degradation, increased traffic, environ-mental issues and health issues. The evergrowing demand for land destroys the natural environment.

xiv) Public Health Issues :
Current environmental problems pose a risk to the health of humans and animals. Dirty water is the biggest health risk of the world. Pollutants in the soil, air and water include toxins, chemicals and disease carrying organisms. They cause respiratory diseases like asthma and cardiac- vascUlar problems. High temperatures encourage the spread of infectious diseases like dengue.

xv) Genetically Modified Foods (GM foods) :
GM food or bio-engineered foods are foods produced from organisms that have changes introduced into their DNA using methods oi genetic engineering. The technique allows the introduction of new traits into the organism. For instance, foods be engineered to become more resistant to weeds and pests. Texture, flavour and nutrient values can be improved. The first GM food was sold commercially in 1994. It was a type of tomato which had a long shelf life. Genetic modification of food sometimes results in increased toxins and diseases as genes from a plant that cause allergies can get transferred to the target plant.

Genetically modified crops can cause serious environmental problems as an engineered gene may prove toxic to wild life. Sometimes excessive toxins are used to make plants resistant to insects. This can cause resultant organisms to become resistant to antibodies. Bt cotton is the first GM crop to be approved in India and it is being cultivated extensively. Bt bringal and GM mustard are ready for commercial use but approval was withheld because of widespread concerns regarding safety of eating GM foods.

There is an urgent need for a change in our way of living. We have caused immense damage to the environment but, at least we can try to prevent further degradation. Even small measures like judicious use of water, electricity, reduction in the usage of plastic and disposable, items, proper segregation of domestic waste and greater use of public transport can go for a long way in protecting our planet. Governments too should play a more protecting roles in striking a balance between developmental activities, and conservation of the environment. If urgent steps are not taken at the individual and collective level, it will soon be too late to save the planet. By raising awareness in the local community and also within the family about such issues, one can help contribute to a more clean and green environment.

Telangana TSBIE TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 8th Lesson Natural and Manmade Disasters Textbook Questions and Answers.

TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 8th Lesson Natural and Manmade Disasters

Essay Questions

Question 1.
Define Disasters and what are its types? Explain Natural Disasters.
Answer:
A disaster is a sudden, calamitous event that seriously disrupts the functioning of a community or society and causes human, material, and economic or environmental losses that exceed the community’s or society’s ability to cope using its own resources. Disasters can broadly be classified as a) natural disasters b) man-made disasters.

Natural disasters are a major adverse event resulting from natural processes of the Earth. Some examples of natural disasters are : floods, forest fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

Man-made disasters involve an element of human intent, negligence, or error; or involve a failure of a man-made system. Stampedes, road and railway accidents, plane crashes and fire accidents are examples of man-made disasters which result in human suffering and loss of lives. The damage to the environment is often temporary and negligible. Sometimes, however, the impact of man-made disasters on the environment is colossal and long lasting, There may be a large scale destruction of lives and property. Examples are nuclear disasters, war, industrial accidents and oil spills in the ocean.

Given below are tables containing informanon about various natural and man made disasters and the damage that ensures :

I. Natural Disasters :

Type	Desription	Damage
Earthquake	An earthquake is a shak­ing of the ground caused by the sudden breaking and movement of tectonic plates of the Earth’s rocky outermost crust.	The shifting masses send out shock waves that may be powerful enough to al­ter the surface of the Earth, thrusting up cliffs and opening great cracks in the ground. Earthquakes cause loss of lives and also great damage, like col­lapse of buildings, broken power and gas lines, land­slides snow avalanches, tsunamis.
Volcanic eruptions	A volcanic eruption oc­curs when hot materials are thrown out of a volca­noes. Eruptions can come from side branches or from the top of the volcano. Kilauea, in Hawaii, is con­sidered one of the worlds most frequently active volcanoes. It erupted in May 2018.	Hot lava can travel very far and burn, bury or dam­age buildings and trees in its path. Ash may cause roofs to collapse under its weight. Even small quan­tities can harm humans if inhaled. The main danger from a volcano is the immense cloud of ash which has a disastrous global effect on climate and temperature for many areas.
Cyclone	A cyclone refers to any low pressure area with winds spiraling inwards.	The main effects of tropical cyclones include heavy rain, strong wind and large storm surges at landfall. Sea water with combined force rushes inlands and in­undates the low lying areas.
Flood	A flood is an overflow of an expanse of water that submerges land.	The primary effects of flooding include loss of life, damage to buildings, bridges, sewerage systems, roadways and canals. Floods also fre­quently damage power tran­smission.
Drought	A drought is a period of below-average precipitation in a given region, resulting in prolonged short­ages in the water supply, whether atmospheric, sur­face water or ground wa­ter.	Shortage of water can adversely affect both residen­tial areas and industrial ar­eas. The formation of dust bowls indicates severe erosion of land. Diminished crops and se­vere scarcity of food may ensue. Droughts have a dev­astating impact on livestock. Damage to wildlife takes place.
Tsunami	A tsunami is a series of water waves caused by the displacement of a large volume of body of water, gen eraliy an ocean or a large lake. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other under water explosions, landslides, glacier calvings (breaking), meteorite impacts and other disturbances above or be­low water all have the po­tential to generate a tsunami.	The force of a tsunami cau­ses massive damage and loss of life. The push of saltwater into freshwater sources nearby can disrupt farming, Floodling can also carry sew age and toxic substances into the environment, posing a health risk.
Landslide	A landslide is defined as the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope. Landslides are a type of “mass wasting,” which denotes any down-slope movement of soil and rock under the direct influence of gravity.	Landslides cause property damage, injury and death and adversely affect a vari­ety of resources. For ex­ample, water supplies, fish­eries, sewage disposal sys­tems, forests, dams and roadways can be affected for years.
Epidemic	An epidemic occurs when a disease strikes a large number of people at one time. It spreads at a rapid rate. E.g.: SARS virus, swine flu, ebola, nipah virus. Many diseases are spread after natural di­sasters like tsunami, floods etc.	Loss of lives, damage to the economy, adverse effect on tourism, breakdown of public health infrastructure. A pandemic is the sudden outbreak of a disease that affects a whole region, a con­tinent or the world and causes a high degree of mortality.

II. Man-Made Disasters :

Question 2.
Write an essay on Disaster Management.
Answer:
Disaster management is defined as the organization and management of resources and responsibilities for dealing with all. humanitarian aspects of emergencies, in particular preparedness, response and recovery in order to lessen the impact of disasters. It refers not only to steps taken after a disaster occurs, such as providing shelter and food to those affected by an earthquake or fire, and rebuilding property that has been destroyed, but also includes preventive measures that are taken by the government as well as citizens to avert impending loss of life and property when a disaster is expected to take place.

For example, in 2014 when Hudhud, a cyclone of intense severity, was expected to strike the eastern coast of India, fishermen were warned not to venture into the sea, citizens were advised to stay indoors and hourly updates regarding the movements of the cyclone were broadcast. Thousands of people living in low lying areas were evacuated and given shelter in safe places. Though the damage to property in and around Visakhapatnam was colossal, the loss of lives was greatly minimized because of good disaster management.

Given below are some of the measures that can be taken by people to minimize the impact of natural disasters :

Cyclone :

1. Keep track of the weather warnings that are being broadcast on T.V or the radio. This will help you prepare for an emergency evacuation.
2. Prepare an emergency kit consisting of dry food, water, warm clothes etc.
3. Remain indoors. Stay in the strongest part of the building.
4. Board up the windows and lock the doors.
5. At the onset of the cyclone, disconnect all electrical appliances and turn off the gas. Do not venture outdoors till it is declared safe to do so.

Heat Weave :

1. Avoid going out in the Sun, especially between 12.00 noon and 3.00 p.m.
2. Drink sufficient water and as often as possible, even if not thirsty.
3. Wear light-weight, light-coloured, loose, and porous cotton clothes. Use protective goggles, umbrella/hat, shoes or chappals while going out in the Sun.
4. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks as these dehydrate the body.
5. Avoid high-protein food and do not eat stale food.
6. Use ORS (oral rehydration solution), homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water and buttermilk which help to re-hydrate the body.
7. Keep animals in the shade and give them plenty of water to drink.

Sun Stroke :

1. Make the affected person lie in a cool place or in the shade. Wipe her/him with a wet cloth/wash the body frequently. Pour water of normal temperature on the head. It is important to bring down the body temperature.
   
2. Give the person ORS to drink or lemon sarbat/torani to rehydrate the body.
3. Take the person immediately to the nearest health centre. The patient needs immediate hospitalisation as heat strokes can be fatal.

Flood :
If a flood is likely to hit your area, one should :

1. Listen to the radio or television for information.
2. Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
   
3. Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.
4. Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

Earthquake :

Have a disaster emergency kit ready which contains: Battery operated torch, battery operated radio, first aid kit, emergency food (dry items) and water (packed and sealed), candles and matches in a waterproof container, chlorine tablets, essential medicines, cash and credit cards, thick ropes and sturdy shoes.

If-indoors :

1. Drop to the ground; take cover by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; hold on until the shaking stops. If there is no table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
2. Stay away from glass windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, (such as lighting fixtures or furniture).
3. Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, load bearing doorway.
4. Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
5. Be aware that the electricity or fire alarms may go out.

If-outdoors :

1. Do not move from where you are. However, keep away from buildings, trees, streetlights and utility wires.
2. If you are in open space, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass and falling objects.

Given below are some measures that can be taken to minimize the impact of Man Made Disasters :

Nuclear Disaster/Exposure to Radiation Disaster :

1. It is imperative for the management and the government to conduct onsite (within the nuclear plant, where workers are affected) and offsite (surrounding areas where residents are affected) emergency response planning and training, besides conducting mock drills.
2. In the event of a nuclear disaster, people within a 10 mile ERZ (Emergency Radiation Zone) are evacuated to a safe place so that their risk of being exposed to radiation is minimized.
   
3. Residents may be given potassium iodide tablets by the government to reduce or prevent the effects radiation.
4. People should not drink water from open wells/ponds; they should avoid crops and vegetables that are grows in a 50 mile ERZ as there are high chances of radioactive contamination of food and water supplies.
5. People should follow the instructions of the district or civil defence authorities and not panic.

Chemical Disaster :

1. Do not panic, evacuate the premises calmly and quickly move in a direction that is perpendicular to the wind direction through the designated escape route.
2. Keep a wet handkerchief or piece of cloth/sari on the face during evacuation.
3. Keep the sick, elderly, weak and handicapped inside the house and close all the doors and windows tightly.
   
4. Do not consume uncovered food and water left open to the air. Drink only from covered bottles.
5. Change into fresh clothing after reaching a safe place/shelter and wash hands properly.
6. Inform Fire & Emergency services, Police and Medical services from the safe location by calling 101, 100 and 108 respectively.
7. Provide correct and accurate information to government officials.
8. Inform/Caution others about the occurrence of the event at public gathering places (like schools, shopping centres, theatres etc.).
9. Do not pay attention to rumours and do not spread rumours.

Fire disaster management :

1. During a fire do not panic.
2. Alert the firemen (fire service), ambulance services and nearby police stations.
3. Use fire extinguishers.
4. Deaths due to fire accidents mostly occur due to inhalation of smoke and asphyxiation rather than burning. Cover your head with a towel soaked in water and breathe through it.
5. Evacuation of the trapped people should be undertaken in a systematic manner.
6. People whose clothes have caught fire should be covered in blankets or coats and rolled on the ground.
7. Elevators should not be used when there is a fire.

Question 3.
Discuss some Global Environmental Disasters.
Answer:
London’s Killer Fog Also called the Great Smog of London, it was a severe air pollution event that affected London for several days in December 1952. The city was covered with a thick, black blanket of fog and smoke, containing nitrogen oxide, soot, and sulfur dioxide. Visibility was drastically reduced as the smog entered indoors too. It is estimated that nearly 12,000 people were killed in this disaster.

The Nuclear Power Plant Explosion in Chernobyl, Ukraine :
In April 26, 1986, a reactor shutdown was experienced at the Chernobyl Nuclear Facility. The horrific fire and explosion that ensued claimed the lives of 50 personnel instantly and emitted more than 400 times the radiation released during the Hiroshima atom bomb. More than 4000 cancer deaths have been linked with the extensive spread of radioactive substances. Radiation levels at the site are still high.

Union Carbide Cyanide Gas Leak, Bhopal, India :
On December 3, 1984, a Union Carbide India Limited pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India accidentally released a deadly chemical fog, which killed more than 5,000 people. They were victims of fatal poisoning by methyl isocyanate. More than 50,000 people underwent treatment due to exposure to the gas. It is believed that the gas leak has claimed an additional 20,000 lives since. It is regarded as the worst industrial chemical disaster in history.

Minamata Disease Disaster :
Industrial waste water containing methyl mercury was released by Chisso Corporation into Minamata Bay and the Shiranui Sea in Japan from 1932 to 1968. The highly toxic chemical accumulated in shell fish and other fish. The local people who consumed the fish fell victim to mercury poisoning. The cause of the disease was identified in 1956. About 2000 people died as a result of ‘Minamata disease’ and another ten thousand people were affected seriously.

British petroleum oil spill, Gulf of Mexico : On April 20, 2010, there was an explosion and sinking of the deep water horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. The explosion was regarded as the most prominent accidental marine oil spill in the petroleum industry history. Eleven employees died. The explosion released about 60 million barrels of mixed grade oil from the disconnected well over a period of four months. Over 34,000 birds (including egrets and blue heron) hundreds of sea turtles, about 72 dolphins and other marine vertebrates and invertebrates were poisoned and suffocated in the oil.

Gulf of Mexico dead zone : This is one of the ill-famed aquatic regions that arose as a consequence of human activity. It is considered the largest “dead zone” region in the United States. Hundreds of fish are often found floating dead in the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone. The cause for the “dead zone” is the relentless dumping of phosphorus and nitrogen nutrients in the area. The nutrients come from the Mississippi River, which is the drainage area for nearly half the nitrogen and phosphorus waste of continental America. Aquatic species including plants, fish and cannot survive in the area.

E-waste In Guiyu, China :
Guiyu, China is considered the area which is the biggest electronic waste site on the planet. Massive amounts of obsolete electronics are dumped in the area. It has resulted in high toxicity levels of heavy metals and chemicals in the region’s soils and water systems. Consequently, about 88% of the children in the province suffer from lead poisoning and there is a higher than normal rate of miscarriages. The province is labelled the world’s “electronic graveyard”.

Telangana TSBIE TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 7th Lesson Types, Sources and Effects of Pollution Textbook Questions and Answers.

TS Inter 1st Year Environmental Education Study Material 7th Lesson Types, Sources and Effects of Pollution

Essay Questions

Question 1.
Define Environmental pollution. Explain sources, effects and control measures of air pollution.
Answer:
Environmental pollution can be defined as any undesirable change in the physical, chemical or biological characteristics of any components of the environment (air, water, soil) which can cause harmful effects on various forms, of life or property. In other words, it is the contamination of air, water or soil by substances that are harmful to living beings. The major forms of pollution are air pollution, water pollution and soil pollution. Noise pollution, thermal pollution, nuclear pollution and plastic pollution too are types of pollution. The contamination of the environment by the generation and improper disposal of garbage and other wastes is sometimes referred to as waste pollution. .

Air pollution :
Air pollution is the introduction of particulates or harmful gases into the earth’s atmosphere, causing undesirable effects on man and his environment. Put simply, it is the fouling of the air by harmful substances.

Sources of Air Pollution :
The sources of air pollution are natural and anthropogenic (man-made). Natural sources include volcanic eruptions, forest fires, sea salt sprays and pollen grains. Man-made sources include industrial units, vehicular emissions and agricultural activities.

Indoor air pollution can be more dangerous than outdoor air pollution

Air pollutants and their sources

Effects of Air Pollutants (substances that pollute the air)

National Air Quality Index :
There are six AQI categories, namely Good, Satisfactory, Moderately polluted, Poor, Very Poor and Severe. Each of these categories is decided based on ambient (existing in the surroundings) concentration values of air pollutants and their likely health impacts, known as health breakpoints. These pollutants include particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, ammonia and lead.

AQI categories and health breakpoints for the eight pollutants :
Air Quality Index is a tool for effective communication of air quality status to people in terms which are easy to understand. It transforms complex air quality data of various pollutants into a single number (index value), nomenclature and colour.

Control of Air Pollution :

1. Locating of industries away from residential areas.
2. Modification of process and/or equipment.
3. Using low sulphur coal.
4. Controlling vehicular pollution.
5. Using mass transport system.
6. Using non-conventional sources of energy.
7. Planting more trees and indoor plants.

Question 2.
Explain about noise pollution.
Answer:
Noise Pollution :
Unpleasant and unwanted sound is called Noise. The intensity of sound is expressed in decibels (dB).

According to the World Health Organization, sound levels less than 70 dB do not cause damage to living organisms, regardless of how long or consistent the exposure is. Exposure for more than 8 hours to constant noise beyond 85 dB may be hazardous.

Sources of Noise Pollution :
The main sources of noise are various household sources, agriculture machines, modes of transportation (like air, road, rail transportation), industrial operations, construction activities, defence equipment, loud speakers, celebrations, electric home appliances and the bursting of crackers.

Effects of Noise :
i) Interferes with human communication :
In a noisy area communication is severely affected.

ii) Hearing damage :
Noise can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss depending on the intensity and duration of the sound level.

iii) hysiological and Psychological changes :
Continuous exposure to noise may result in hypertension, insomnia (sleeplessness), gastrointestinal and digestive disorders, peptic ulcers, blood pressure changes, behavioral changes and emotional changes.

Ambient Air Quality Standards in respect of Noise recommended by CPCB :

Day time : 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. (16 hours); Night time : 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. (8 hours)

Noise Pollution during Deepawali :
Noise quality is affected by the fireworks during Deepawali festival. Deepawali is a festival of lights. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India during the month of October or November (onset of winter).

Deepawali is celebrated by bursting crackers and fireworks, which increase the pollution load in terms of air and noise quality. Fireworks contain chemicals such as aluminium, potassium nitrate, copper compounds, antimony sulphide, arsenic, sulphur, manganese, potassium perchlorate, chrontium nitrate and barium nitrate.

Control of Noise Pollution :

1. Reduction of noise at source.
2. Proper oiling of machinery.
3. Use of sound absorbing silencers.
4. Planting more trees.
5. Banning of crackers.

Question 3.
Explain water pollution.
Answer:
Water pollution is defined as the alteration of physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water resulting in harmful effects on life systems.

Sources of water pollution :

Types of Water Pollution :

Effects of Water Pollution :

1. Sewage and domestic wastes affect human health resulting in diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery.
2. Industrial discharges contain metals like lead, mercury and cadmium, which have a deleterious impact on life systems. They also contain harmful chemicals like arsenic.
   Lead – damages liver end kidneys.
   Arsenic – lung cancer, ulcers in gastro intestinal tract.
   Cadmium- diarrhea, kidney cysts, bone deformation. Mercury – neurological disorders,
3. Agricultural discharges include fertilizers and pesticides which are toxic to both aquatic and human life.

Marine pollution can mean plastic litter, other litter such as glass bottles and cans, oil and chemical spills or polluted stormwater from drains and rivers flowing into the sea.

Control of Water Pollution :

1. Restricted use of pesticides.
2. Prevent run-off of fertilizers and manure (washing away of fertilizers and manure into nearby water sources or leaching into ground water).
3. Stop entry of sewage into water bodies.
4. Stop letting out industrial effluents into water bodies.

Question 4.
Write about Soil Pollution.
Answer:
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. Causes of Soil Pollution : There are two main causes through which soil pollution is generated: anthropogenic (manmade) causes as natural causes. .

Man-made Soil Pollutants :
Man-made soil pollution is usually caused by the improper disposal of waste coming from industrial or urban sources, industrial activities and agricultural pesticides and also due to accidental spills.

Natural Soil Pollutants :
Natural processess can lead to an accumulation of toxic chemicals in the soil. This type of contamination has been accorded only in a few cases, such as the accumulation of high levels of perchlorate in soil from the Atacama Desert in Chile, a type of accumulation which is purely due to natural processes in arid environments.

Effects of Soil Pollution :

1. Sewage sludge contains many pathogenic organisms, bacteria, viruses and intestinal worms which cause various diseases.
2. Industrial discharges like acids, alkalis, pesticides, insecticides, weedicides and fungicides affect soil fertility by causing changes in the physical, chemical and biological properties.
3. There is an increase in salinity when soil gets polluted by nitrate and phosphate deposits used in fertilizers and pesticides. Plants cannot grow properly in saline soil and they can be poisonous to humans when consumed.
4. Crops grown on polluted soils become unfit for human consumption as they become poisoned with chemicals and metals that have leached into the soil from industries.
5. Soil pollution causes water and air pollution. Water contamination takes place when toxic chemicals from the soil leach into groundwater. Air is fouled by toxic chemicals and gases that are discharged into the air by polluted soil.
6. Radioactive wastes discharged form industries and laboratories into the soil can cause neurological damage, loss of hair and nausea.

Control of Soil Pollution :

1. Effluents should be properly treated before being discharged into the soil.
2. Wastes should be properly collected and disposed of by appropriate methods.
3. Recovery of useful products from wastes should be encouraged.
4. Biodegradable organic waste should be used for generation of biogas.
5. Microbial degradation of biodegradable substances.

Question 5.
Write about thermal, nuclear and plastic pollution.
Answer:
Thermal Pollution :
Thermal pollution is the industrial discharge of heated water into a river, lake or other body of water, causing a rise in temperature that endangers aquatic life and harms others who use the water.

Effects of Thermal Pollution :

1. The dissolved oxygen of the content of water decreases.
2. Fish migration is affected due to formation of various thermal zones.
3. Composition of flora and fauna changes as sensitive species are replaced by species which are temperature tolerant.

Control of Thermal Pollution :
The following methods can be employed for control:

1. Cooling ponds
2. Cooling towers
3. Spray ponds or reservoirs in which warm water, usually from thermal plants, is cooled before reuse.

Nuclear Pollution :
The term refers to the risk or danger to human health or the environment posed by radiation emanating from the atomic nuclei of a given substance, or the possibility of an uncontrolled explosion originating from a fusion or fission reaction of atomic nuclei.

Sources of Radioactivity :
i) Natural Sources :
Cosmic rays from outer space, radioactive radon – 222, soil, rocks, air, water and food, which contain one or more radioactive substances.

ii) Anthropogenic Sources :
Nuclear power plants, nuclear accidents, X-rays.

Effects of Radiation :

Control of Nuclear Pollution :

1. The site of the nuclear power plant should be carefully chosen after studying long term and short term effects.
2. Proper disposal of radioactive wastes from the laboratory should be undertaken.

VII) Plastic Pollution :
Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic products in the environment to the extent that it adversely affects wildlife, wildlife habitat, or humans. Plastic is cheap and durable. It is present in thousands of articles we use in daily life, whether in furniture or toys, carpets or containers, diapers or mobile phones. ‘Use and throw’ disposable plastic plates and glasses, plastic articles such as bottled drinks, straws, shopping bags and packaging material are commonly used even in developing countries.

Plastic may be convenient to use but it is very harmful to the environment. Landfill areas are filled with mounds of plastic. As plastic is not biodegradable, it remains as debris in the soil or is washed away into the water and remains there for hundreds of years without decomposing. It releases harmful chemicals into the soil. These chemicals seep into groundwater and harm species that drink the water. Plastic fishing nets used for trawling operations lie submerged in water and leak toxins. Sea animals get entwined in these nets and die.

It is estimated that since the 1950s more than 6 billion tonnes of plastic have been produced, of which only a fifth has been recycled or incinerated. Plastic is clogging the sewage system and leaching harmful chemicals into the soil, air and water. It chokes marine life and kills land animals which ingest it by mistake. Plastic is suspected of being a causative factor in several diseases which afflict human beings, including cancer. It can also cause genetic mutations.

Given below are diagrams which point out the harmful effects of plastic and the measures we can take to reduce plastic pollution.

India hosted the global World Environmental Day celebrations on 5 June 2018. “Beat Plastic Pollution”, the theme for World Environment 2018, urges governments, industry, communities, and individuals to come together and explore sustainable alternatives and urgently reduce the production and excessive use of single- use plastic which pollutes our oceans, damages marine life and threatens human health.

Question 6.
Write about solid waste pollution.
Answer:
Waste can be defined as a material or substance that is eliminated or discarded as it is no longer useful or required after the completion of a process. Waste pollution is the fouling of the environment by wastes. Ther term ‘solid waste’ refers to any material that is discarded by being abandoned or thrown away. It includes garbage, refuse, sludge and discarded materials. It may consist of not only solids but semisolids, liquids and gaseous substances too. Solid waste can be classified as .municipal, industrial, agricultural, medical, mining waste and sewage sludge.

Different Types of Wastes :
i) Municipal Solid Waste :
Municipal waste contains a variety of discarded materials like polyethylene bags, empty metal and aluminum cans, scrap metals, glass bottles, waste paper, diapers, cloth/rags, and food waste.

ii) Industrial Waste :
Such wastes are generated due to processes and activities pertaining to industry, manufacturing, mining, and agriculture. Industrial waste can be classified as hazardous or non-hazardous. Hazardous waste may be flammable, corrosive or reactive, such as chemical solvents, metals, and paper products. They.should be disposed of very carefully. Non-hazardous industrial wastes include sludge and demolition debris such as bricks. They are usually accepted in landfills.

iii) Bio-Medical Waste :
Waste in any form from hospitals, clinics, pathological laboratories, and blood banks is referred to as bio-medical waste. Examples are: discarded syringes, gloves, and bandages, unwanted samples of human and animal blood, urine, and tissues, discarded medicines.

iv) Electronic Waste :
E-waste or electronic waste refers to discarded electrical and electronic equipment including their components, consumables, and spares. Examples are computers, TVs, and mobile phones which have been discarded as they have reached the end of their ‘useful life’.

v) Construction and Demolition Wastes :
Wastes or debris generated during construction, demolition or renovation of buildings. The wastes include concrete, brick, wood, steel and plaster.

Effects of Waste Pollution :
i) Municipal solid wastes pile up on the roads due to improper disposal. This type of dumping allows biodegradable materials to decompose under uncontrolled and unhygienic conditions. The garbage produces a foul smell and is a breeding ground for various types of insects and harmful micro – organisms, besides spoiling the aesthetics of the site.

5 R concept for Waste Management

ii) Industrial solid wastes are sources of toxic metals and hazardous wastes. The harmful chemicals discharged into the water, land and air have adverse effects on human health, besides fouling the environment.

iii) Toxic substances may leach or percolate to contaminate the ground water.

iv) Various types of wastes like cans, pesticides, cleaning solvents, batteries (zinc, lead or mercury), radioactive materials, plastics and e-waste are mixed up with paper, scrap and other non-toxic materials which can be recycled. Burning of some of these materials produces toxic gases which have the potential to cause various types of ailments including cancer.

Handling of Waste :
Waste management is the collection, transportation and disposal of garbage, sewage and other waste material. The adverse effects of solid wastes can be minimized through proper waste management. It is necessary to create public awareness through information, education and communication campaigns and to educate those who generate waste on the following :

1. not to litter.
2. minimise generation of waste.
3. reuse waste to the extent possible.
4. practice segregation of waste into bio-degradable, non-biodegradable (recyclable and combustible), sanitary waste and domestic hazardous wastes at Source.
5. practise home composting, vermicomposting, bio-gas generation and community level composting.
6. wrap sanitary waste securely in pouches and place the same in the bin meant for non-biodegradable waste.
7. store segregated waste at source in different bins.
8. hand over segregated waste to waste pickers, waste collectors, recyclers or waste collection agencies.
9. pay monthly user fees to waste collectors or local bodies for sustainability of solid waste management.
10. stop land filling or dumping of mixed waste.
11. allow only non-usable, non-recyclable, non-biodegradable, non-combustible and non-reactive inert waste to go to the sanitary landfill.

SEGREGATE WASTE AT HOME

Hazardous waste :
Tube lights & bulbs, Batteries, Cleaning agents, Paints, Oils, Aerosol cans, Cosmetics, Insecticides, Medicines, Syringes, Thermometers, and E-waste (computer and mobile parts)

Debris :
Dust, Drain silt, Ashes, Broken bricks, Broken glass, Construction waste, Demolition waste

Sanitary Waste :
Sanitary napkins, Disposable diapers, Bandages, and Any material contaminated with blood

Dry Waste :
Glass, Wire, Cloth, Leather, Rubber, Thermacol, Metal, Paper Plastic, Wood, Rubber, Rexine, Leather, Fabric.

Garden waste :
Fallen leaves, Trimmed branches, Lawn trimming, Weeds

Wet Waste :
Cooked food, Uncooked food, Fruits, Vegetable peels, Flower waste