Chapter 1

Introduction to Environmental Studies And its Multidisciplinary Nature of The word ‘Environment’ is
derived from the French word ‘Environner’ which means to encircle, around or surround. The biologist
Jacob Van Uerkal (1864-1944) introduced the term ‘environment’ in Ecology. Ecology is the study of the
interactions between an organism of some kind and its environment. As given by Environment
Protection Act 1986, Environment is the sum total of land, water, air, interrelationships among
themselves and also with the human beings and other living organisms. It studies the sources, reactions,
transport, effect and fate of a biological species in the air, water and soil and the effect of and from
human activity upon these. Environmental Science deals with the study of processes in soil, water, air
and organisms which lead to pollution or environmental damages and the scientific basis for the
establishment of a standard which can be considered acceptably clean, safe and healthy for human
beings and natural ecosystems. The word environment is derived from the French word 'environ'
meaning surroundings. Hence, everything surrounding us is called "ENVIRONMENT". The Oxford
Advanced Learners Dictionary defines environment as the natural world in which people, animals and
plants live. According to Boring, ‘A person’s environment consists of the sum total of the stimulation
which he receives from his conception until his death.’ Indicating that environment comprises various
types of forces such as physical, intellectual, mental, economical, political, cultural, social, moral and
emotional. Douglas and Holland defined that ‘The term environment is used to describe, in aggregate,
all the external forces, influences and conditions, which affect the life, nature, behaviour and the
growth, development and maturity of living organisms. Ecology is the science that studies the
relationships between living things and the environment. It is also considered to be a discipline of
biology. Environment Science is the systematic and scientific study of the environment and our role in it.
Environmental Studies can be defined as the branch of the study concerned with environmental issues.
Environmental studies is an multidisciplinary academic field which systematically studies human
interaction with the environment in the interests of solving complex problems. Environmental studies
bring together the principles of the physical sciences, commerce/economics and social sciences so as to
solve contemporary environmental problems. The environment consists of four segments of the earth
namely atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere: 1. Atmosphere: The Atmosphere forms a
distinctive protective layer about 100 km thick around the earth. A blanket of gases called the
atmosphere surrounds the earth and protects the surface of earth from the Sun’s harmful, ultraviolet
rays. It sustains life on the earth. It also regulates temperature, preventing the earth from becoming too
hot or too cold. It saves it from the hostile environment of outer space. The atmosphere is composed of
nitrogen and oxygen besides, argon, carbon dioxide and trace gases. The atmosphere has a marked
effect on the energy balance at the surface of the Earth. It absorbs most of the cosmic rays from outer
space and a major portion of the electromagnetic radiation from the sun. It transmits only ultraviolet,
visible, near infrared radiation (300 to 2500 nm) and radio waves. (0.14 to 40 m) while filtering out
tissue-damaging ultra-violate waves below about 300 nm. 2. Hydrosphere: The Hydrosphere comprises
all types of water resources oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, streams, reservoirs, polar icecaps, glaciers, and
ground water. Oceans represent 97% of the earth’s water and about 2% of the water resources is locked
in the polar icecaps and glaciers. Only about 1% is available as fresh water as surface water in rivers,
lakes, streams, and as ground water for human use. 3. Lithosphere: Lithosphere is the outer mantle of
 the solid earth. It consists of minerals occurring in the earth’s crusts and the soil e.g. minerals, organic
matter, air and water. 4. Biosphere: Biosphere indicates the realm of living organisms and their
interactions with environment, viz atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere.

Elements of Environment

Environment is constituted by the interacting systems of physical, biological and cultural elements inter-
related in various ways, individually as well as collectively.

These elements are: (1) Physical Elements Physical elements are space, landforms, water bodies,
climate, soils, rocks and minerals. They determine the variable character of the human habitat, its
opportunities as well as limitations. (2) Biological Elements Biological elements such as plants, animals,
microorganisms and men constitute the biosphere. (3) Cultural Elements Cultural elements such as
economical, social and political elements are essentially man- made features, which make the cultural
background.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY NATURE OF ENVIRONMENT STUDIES Environment studies is a multidisciplinary

subject where different aspects are dealt with in a holistic approach. The science of Environment studies
comprises various branches of studies like chemistry, physics, life science, medical science, agriculture,
public health, sanitary engineering, geography, geology, atmospheric science, etc. It is the science of
physical phenomena in the environment.

The complex relationship that exist in our natural environment among people, animals, others
organisms, water soil, air tree, ocean, and so on. The interconnections are numerous and involve many
different disciplines. We need inputs from diverse disciplines such as biology, botany, zoology, soil
science, technology oceanography, atmospheric science, economics, sociology, anthropology and ethics.
Environmental studies involve educating the people for preserving the quality of environment.

SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES The scope of environmental studies is very wide and it deals with
many areas like i) Conservation of natural resources, ii) ecological aspects, iii) pollution of the
surrounding natural resources, iv) controlling the pollution, v) social issues connected to it, and vi)
impacts of human population on the environment. 1. Developing an awareness and sensitivity to the
total environment and its related problems. 2. Motivating people for active participation in
environmental protection and improvement. 3. Developing skills for active identification and
development of solutions to environmental problems. 4. Imbibe and inculcate the necessity for
conservation of natural resources. 5. Evaluation of environmental programmes in terms of social,
economic, ecological and aesthetic factors. Environmental Studies Biology Botany Zoology Soil Science
Technology Oceanog raphy Atmospheric Science Economics Sociology Anthropology Ethics
IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

The environment studies make us aware about the importance of protection and conservation of our
mother earth and about the destruction due to the release of pollution into the environment. The
increase in human and animal population, industries and other issues make the survival cumbersome. A
great number of environment issues have grown in size and make the system more complex day by day,
threatening the survival of mankind on earth. Environment studies have become significant for the
following reasons:

Environment Issues are being of Global: It has been well recognized that environment issues like global
warming and ozone depletion, acid rain, marine pollution and biodiversity are not merely national issues
but are global issues and hence require international efforts and cooperation to solve them.
Development and Environment: Development leads to Urbanization, Industrial Growth,
Telecommunication and Transportation Systems, Hi-tech Agriculture and Housing etc. However, it has
become phased out in the developed world. The North intentionally moves their dirty factories to South
to cleanse their own environment. When the West developed, it did so perhaps in ignorance of the
environmental impact of its activities. Development of the rich countries of the world has undesirable
effects on the environment of the entire world. Explosive Increase in Pollution World census reflects
that one in every seven persons in this planet lives in India. Evidently with 16 per cent of the world's
population and only 2.4 per cent of its land area, there is a heavy pressure on the natural resources
including land. Agricultural experts have recognized soil health problems like deficiency of
micronutrients and organic matter, soil salinity and damage of soil structure. Need for an Alternative
Solution It is essential, especially for developing countries to find alternative paths to an alternative
goal. We need a goal as under: A true goal of development with an environmentally sound and
sustainable development. A goal common to all citizens of our planet earth. A goal distant from the
developing world in the manner it is from the over-consuming wasteful societies of the “developed”
world. It is utmost important for us to save the humanity from extinction because of our activities
constricting the environment and depleting the biosphere, in the name of development. Need for Wise
Planning of Development Our survival and sustenance depend on resources availability. Hence
Resources withdraw, processing and use of the products have all to be synchronized with the ecological
cycle. In any plan of development our actions should be planned ecologically for the sustenance of the
environment and development.

NEED FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS

The need of the hour is to make the public aware of the consequences of the environmental
degradation, if not corrected and reformative measures undertaken, would result in the extinction of
life. In today’s world because of industrialization and increasing population, the natural resources has
been rapidly utilized and our environment is being increasingly degraded by human activities, so we
need to protect the environment. It is not only the duty of government but also the people to take
active role for protecting the environment, so protecting our environment is economically more viable
than cleaning it up once, it is damaged. The role of mass media such as newspapers, radio, television,
etc is also very important to make people aware regarding environment.

There are various institutions, which are playing positive role towards environment to make people
aware regarding environment like BSI (Botanical Survey of India, 1890), ZSI (Zoological Survey of India,
1916), WII (Wild Life Institute of India, 1982) etc. It is also necessary to face the various environmental
challenges and to act accordingly to make the acts eco-friendly. The major challenges ahead are the
following: Population: A population of over thousands of millions is growing at 2.11 per cent every year.
Over 17 million people are added each year. India accounts for 16 % of the world population, but with
only 2.4 per cent of the land area. This makes considerable pressure on the natural resources and
reduces the gains of development. Hence, the greatest challenge before us is to limit the population
growth. Although the population control does automatically lead to development, yet the development
leads to a decrease in population growth rates. For this development to be happened, knowledge of the
women is essential. The future population growth has to be linked to the resource base in order to have
sustainable development. Poverty Alleviation: India has often been described a rich land with poor
people. The poverty and environmental degradation are inter-dependent. The vast majority of our
people are directly dependent on the natural resources of the country for their basic needs of food, fuel,
fodder and shelter. About 65 % of Indians are poor and about 40% of our people are still below the
poverty line. Environment degradation has adversely affected the poor who depend upon the natural
resources of their immediate surroundings. Thus, the challenge of poverty and the challenge of
environment degradation are two facets of the same challenge. The population growth is essentially a
function of poverty. Agricultural Growth: The people must be acquainted with the methods to sustain
and increase agricultural growth without damaging the environment. Fertilizers and pesticides are
causing major threats to the environment in the form of soil and water pollution. It is evident that it is
very difficult that these chemicals will be kept out of soil, water and food chain if they are extensively
and continuously used in crop production. Highly intensive agriculture has caused soil salinity and
damage to the physical structure of soil. Protecting Ground Water from pollution: Because of intensive
agriculture, increase in number of industries, rapid urbanization and population growth, the need for
water is growing at a faster rate. This leads to the fast depletion of groundwater table. It is very essential
of rationalizing the use of groundwater now. Factors like community wastes, industrial effluents and
chemical fertilizers and pesticides have polluted our surface water and affected the quality of
groundwater also. The need of the hour is to restore the water quality of our rivers and other water
bodies as lakes and to avoid the groundwater pollution. Finding suitable strategies for consecration of
water, provision of safe drinking water and keeping water bodies clean which are difficult challenges
ahead. Rain water harvesting and water management can help to an extent in this regard. Development
and Forests: Forests provide raw materials for construction of houses and for industries like paper and
pulp manufacturing, packaging, fire wood and fodder for people etc. Forests serve as catchments for the
rivers. With increasing demand of water, huge dams were constructed in independent India leading to
submergence of large forest areas; displace local people and damage flora and fauna. As such, the dams
on the river Narmada, Bhagirathi and elsewhere have become areas of political conflicts and scientific
debate. Forests in India have been shrinking for several centuries owing to pressures of agriculture and
other uses. Vast areas of forests in many states are now converted as agricultural lands for growing hilly
vegetables and plantation crops and mining. These areas are to be brought back under forest cover. The
tribal communities inhabiting forests respects the trees and birds and animal that gives them
sustenance. We must recognize the role of these people in restoring and conserving forests. The
modern knowledge and skills of the forest department should be integrated with the traditional
knowledge and experience of the local communities. The strategies for the joint management of forests
by the government officials and tribal people should be evolved in a well-planned way to implement
afforestation. Degradation of Land: At present out of the total 329 mha of land, only 266 mha possess
any potential for production. Of this, 143 mha is agricultural land and 85 mha suffers from varying
degrees of soil degradation. Of the remaining 123 mha, 40 mha are completely unproductive. The
remaining 83 mha is classified as forest land, of which over half is denuded to various degrees. Nearly
406 million head of livestock have to be supported on 13 mha, or less than 4 per cent of the land
classified as pasture land, most of which is overgrazed. Thus, out of 226 mha, about 175 mha or 66 per
cent is degraded to varying degrees. Water and wind erosion cause further degradation of almost 150
mha This degradation is to be avoided. Reduction of Genetic Diversity: Immediate measures to conserve
genetic diversity need to be taken at the earliest. At present most wild genetic stocks have been
disappearing from nature. The protected areas network like sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere
reserves are isolating populations. Remedial steps are to be taken to check decreasing genetic diversity.
Evil Consequences of Urbanization: Nearly 27 per cent Indians live in urban areas. Urbanization and
Industrialization has given birth to a great number of environmental problems that need urgent
attention. Over 30 percent of urban Indians live in slums. Out of India’s 3,245 towns and cities, only 21
have partial or full sewerage and treatment facilities. Hence, coping with rapid urbanization is a major
challenge. Air and water Pollution: Majority of our industrial plants are using outdated treatment
technologies and makeshift facilities devoid of any provision of treating their wastes. A great number of
cities and industrial areas that have been identified as the worst in terms of air and water pollution. Acts
are enforced in the country, but their implementation is not so easy. The reason is their implementation
needs great resources, technical expertise, political and social will. Again, the people are to be made
aware of these rules. Their support is indispensable to implement these rules. Since our environment is
getting degraded due to human activities, we need to do something about it to sustain the quality. We
often feel that government should take proper measuring steps. But all of us are equally responsible to
protect our environment. Hence public awareness needs to be created. Both print media and electronic
media can strongly influence public opinion. Politicians should respond positively to a strong publicly
supported activity. NGOs can take active role in creating awareness from grass root levels to the top-
most policy decision makers. Environment is an integration of both living and non-living organisms.
Water, air, soil, minerals, wild life, grass lands, forests, oceans, agriculture are all life supporting systems.
Since these natural resources are limited, and human activities are the causative factors for
environmental degradation, each one of us need to feel responsible to protect the environment. The
activities help in creating awareness among public are • Join a group to study nature such as WWF-I or
BNHS or any other organization • Read newspaper articles and periodicals like Down to earth, WWF-I
newsletter, BNHS, Hornbill, Sanctuary magazine. • Discuss environmental issues with friends and
relatives. • Join local movements that support activities like saving trees in your locality, reducing use of
plastics, going for nature treks, practicing 3 Rs i.e. reduce, reuse, & recycle. • Practice and promote good
civic sense and hygiene such as enforcing no spitting or tobacco chewing, no throwing garbage on the
road and no urinating in public places. • Take part in events organized on World Environment Day,
Wildlife week etc. • Visit a National park or sanctuary or spend time in whatever natural habitat you
have near your home.

Ecosystem:

What is an Ecosystem?
The ecosystem is the structural and functional unit of ecology where the living organisms interact with
each other and the surrounding environment. In other words, an ecosystem is a chain of interaction
between organisms and their environment. The term “Ecosystem” was first coined by A.G.Tansley, an
English botanist, in 1935. Living organisms cannot live isolated from their non-living environment
because the latter provides materials and energy for the survival of the former i.e. there is interaction
between a biotic community and its environment to produce a stable system; a natural self-sufficient
unit which is known as an ecosystem. Read on to explore the structure, components, types and
functions of the ecosystem in the ecosystem notes provided below.

Types of Ecosystem

An ecosystem can be as small as an oasis in a desert, or as big as an ocean, spanning thousands of miles.
There are two types of ecosystems:

Terrestrial Ecosystem Aquatic Ecosystem Terrestrial Ecosystems Terrestrial ecosystems are exclusively
land-based ecosystems.

There are different types of terrestrial ecosystems distributed around various geological zones. They are
as follows:

1. Forest Ecosystems

2. Grassland Ecosystems

3. Tundra Ecosystems

4. Desert Ecosystem Forest Ecosystem

A forest ecosystem consists of several plants, animals and microorganisms that live in coordination with
the abiotic factors of the environment. Forests help in maintaining the temperature of the earth and are
the major carbon sink. Grassland Ecosystem In a grassland ecosystem, the vegetation is dominated by
grasses and herbs. Temperate grasslands, savanna grasslands are some of the examples of grassland
ecosystems. Tundra Ecosystem Tundra ecosystems are devoid of trees and are found in cold climates or
where rainfall is scarce. These are covered with snow for most of the year. The ecosystem in the Arctic
or mountain tops is tundra type. Desert Ecosystem Deserts are found throughout the world. These are
regions with very little rainfall. The days are hot and the nights are cold. 2 Aquatic Ecosystem Aquatic
ecosystems are ecosystems present in a body of water. These can be further divided into two types,
namely: 1. Freshwater Ecosystem 2. Marine Ecosystem Freshwater Ecosystem The freshwater
ecosystem is an aquatic ecosystem that includes lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and wetlands. These have
no salt content in contrast with the marine ecosystem. Marine Ecosystem The marine ecosystem
includes seas and oceans. These have a more substantial salt content and greater biodiversity in
comparison to the freshwater ecosystem.
Structure of an Ecosystem:

Each ecosystem has two main components:

(1) Abiotic

(2) Biotic

(1) Abiotic Components: The non-living factors or the physical environment prevailing in an
ecosystem form the abiotic components. They have a strong influence on the structure,
distribution, behaviour and inter-relationship of organisms. Abiotic components are mainly of
two types:

(a) Climatic Factors: Which include rain, temperature, light, wind, humidity etc.

(b) Edaphic Factors: includes soil, pH, topography minerals etc. The functions of important
factors in abiotic components are given below

Soils are much more complex than simple sediments. They contain a mixture of weathered rock
fragments, highly altered soil mineral particles, organic matter, and living organisms. Soils
provide nutrients, water, a home, and a structural growing medium for organisms.

The vegetation found growing on top of a soil is closely linked to this component of an
ecosystem through nutrient cycling. The atmosphere provides organisms found within
ecosystems with carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and oxygen for respiration. The processes of
evaporation, transpiration and precipitation cycle water between the atmosphere and the Earth’s
surface. 3 Solar radiation is used in ecosystems to heat the atmosphere and to evaporate and
transpire water into the atmosphere. Sunlight is also necessary for photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis provides the energy for plant growth and metabolism, and the organic food for
other forms of life. Most living tissue is composed of a very high percentage of water, up to and
even exceeding 90%. The protoplasm of a very few cells can survive if their water content drops
below 10%, and most are killed if it is less than 30-50%. Water is the medium by which mineral
nutrients enter and are trans-located in plants. It is also necessary for the maintenance of leaf
turgidity and is required for photosynthetic chemical reactions. Plants and animals receive their
water from the Earth’s surface and soil. The original source of this water is precipitation from the
atmosphere. (2) Biotic Components: The living organisms including plants, animals and micro-
organisms (Bacteria and Fungi) that are present in an ecosystem form the biotic components. On
the basis of their role in the ecosystem the biotic components can be classified into

natural resource, any biological, mineral, or aesthetic asset afforded by

nature without human intervention that can be used for some form of
benefit, whether material (economic) or immaterial. What is considered a
“resource” (or, for that matter, “natural”) has varied over time and from one
society to another. Examples of assets that can be considered natural
resources include forests, surface water and groundwater, and the fertile
lands or the soil and minerals within them (rather than the crops that grow
on them), as well as energy resources (such as petroleum, natural gas, and
heated water [that is, geothermal energy]) contained within layers of rock.

The practice of natural resource management considers the ways in which

societies manage the supply of or access to the natural resources upon
which they rely for their survival and development. Under some definitions,
only those natural resources that can renew themselves and whose
exploitation relies on their regenerative capacities properly necessitate
management. For example, petroleum (oil) is not usually considered a
subject of natural resource management, whereas forests are. The
management of renewable natural resources seeks to balance the demands
of exploitation with a respect for regenerative capacities. In contrast, the
use, regulation, and protection of nonrenewable resources tend to fall under
the auspices of natural resources law, which is made up of a complex body
of national and local laws that have both statutory and common-
law components.

three main groups: (A) Producers (B) Consumers (C) Decomposers or Reducers.

Different Types of Natural Resources:

There are many ways of classifying these natural resources. They can be biotic or
abiotic(that is derived from organic materials or inorganic materials). Another way of
classification of resources is by the amount of resources available for human
consumption. Through this, resources can be classified into exhaustible and
inexhaustible natural resources.

1. Inexhaustible Natural Resources:

Nature has blessed us with an unlimited supply of resources such as air, water and
sunlight. These resources are called inexhaustible resources. They are also called
renewable resources.

2. Exhaustible Natural Resources:

As the human population is increasing at an astounding rate, we have reached a
number of 7.4 billion today! Naturally, this means that we are utilizing more and
more natural resources. If we go at this rate, we will soon reach a day when nature
will not be able to provide us with resources such as plants and trees, animals,
mineral ores, and fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural gas. Thus, these
resources are exhaustible. These resources are called exhaustible or non-
renewable resources.

If the use of these resources is not monitored carefully, there will be no food for our
predecessors to eat, no energy for them to power their machines and no material for
them to build a shelter with. This is why it is important to understand which
resources are exhaustible and which are not, and to practice sustainable
development. This is nothing but the development that meets the needs of the
present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs.

To know more about fossil fuels natural gas, coal and petroleum which give us the
energy to run our homes, factories, and vehicles, and how they are harnessed,

biodiversity
. The term biodiversity was coined by Walter G. Rosen in 1985. It has been defined as “ the richness in
variety and variability of species of all living organisms in a given region (habitat)”. According to the U.S.
office of Technology Assessment (1987), Biodiversity may be defined as the variety and variability of
living organisms and the ecological complexes in which they exist. • In other words, biodiversity is the
occurrence of different types of ecosystems, different species of organisms with the whole range of their
variants and genes adapted to different climates, environments along with their interactions and
processes.

Biodiversity , besides its ecological significance provides a socio-economic and monetary asset to the
nation. Human society depends on biological resources, their diversity and the ecosystems that sustain
them to provide essential goods and services. Values related to biodiversity can be grouped into three
categories as below- • Productive use: Biodiversity provides us many products, such as fuel, timber, fish,
fodder, skin, fruits, cereals and medicines. • Consumption use: Consumption value is related to natural
products that are consumed directly, i.e., the goods which do not come under normal circulation of
trade. For example, a significant number of such non-timber forest products as soft broom grass and
cane come under this category. • Indirect use: Indirect use of biodiversity is of much significance
because this value is related primarily with functions of ecosystem and is concerned with national
accounting systems. They may provide us indirect benefits as non-consumption values. Maintenance of
ecological balance, conservation of natural resources and prevention of soil erosion may be considered
as the examples of indirect use of biodiversity.
Types of Biodiversity

Biodiversity is of three types

1. Genetic diversity: It describes the variation in the number and types of genes as well as chromosomes
present in different species. The magnitude of variation in genes of a species increases with increase in
size and environmental parameters of the habitat

. The genetic variation arises by gene and chromosome mutation in individuals and in sexually
reproducing organisms and it is spread in the population by recombination of genetic materials during
cell division after sexual reproduction.

2. Species diversity: It describes the variety in the number and richness of the spices with in a region.
The species richness may be defined as the number of species per unit area. The richness of a species
tells about the extent of biodiversity of a site and provides a means for comparing different sites. The
species richness depends largely on climatic conditions.

The number of individuals of different species with in a region represents species evenness or species
equitability. The product species richness and species evenness give species diversity of a region. When
a species is confined entirely to a particular area, it is termed as endemic species.

3. Ecosystem diversity: It describes the assemblage and Interaction of spices living together and the
physical environment a given area. It relates varieties of habitats, biotic communities ecological
processes in biosphere. It also tells about the diversity within the ecosystem. It is referred as Land
escape diversity because it includes placement and size of various ecosystems.

For example, the landscapes like grass lands, deserts, mountains etc. show ecosystem diversity. The
ecosystem diversity is due to diversity of niches, trophic levels and ecological processes like nutrient
cycling, food webs, energy flow, role of dominant species and various related biotic interactions. Such
type of diversity can generate more productive and stable ecosystems or communities capable of
tolerating various types of stress Importance of Biodiversity The living organisms on earth are of great
diversity, living in diverse habitats and possessing diverse qualities and are vital to human existence
providing food, shelter, clothing’s, medicines etc.

The biodiversity has the following importance

: 1. Productive values: Biodiversity produces a number of products harvested from nature and sold in
commercial markets. Indirectly it provides economic benefits to people which include water quality soil
protection, equalisation of climate, environmental monitoring, scientific research, recreation etc.

2. Consumptive value: The consumptive value can be assigned to goods such as fuel woods, leaves,
forest products etc. which may be consumed locally and do not figure in national and international
market.

3. Social value: The loss of biodiversity directly influences the social life of the country possibly through
influencing ecosystem functions (energy flow and biogeochemical cycle). This be easily understood by
observing detrimental effects of global warming and acid rain which cause an unfavorable alteration in
logical processes.

4. Aesthetic value: Aesthetic values such as refreshing fragrance of the flowers, taste of berries, softness
of mossed, melodious songs of birds, etc. compel the human beings to preserve them. The earth’s
natural beauty with its colour and hues, thick forest, and graceful beasts has inspired the human beings
from their date of birth to take necessary steps for its maintenance. Similarly botanical and zoological
gardens are the means of biodiversity conservation and are of aesthetic values.

5. Legal values: Since earth is homeland of all living organisms, all have equal right to coexist on the
surface of earth with all benefits. Unless some legal value is attached to biodiversity, it will not be
possible to protect the rapid extinction of species.

6. Ethical value: Biodiversity must be seen in the light of holding ethical value. Since man is the most
intelligent amongst the living organisms, it should be prime responsibility and moral obligation of man
to preserve and conserve other organisms which will directly or indirectly favour the existence of the
man.

7. Ecological value: Biodiversity holds great ecological value because it is indispensable to maintain the
ecological balance. Any disturbance in the delicately fabricated ecological balance maintained by
different organisms, will lead to severe problems, which may threaten the survival of human beings. 8.
Economic value: Biodiversity has great economic value because economic development depends upon
efficient and economic management of biotic resources. es e.g. drought, flood etc.

Uses of Biodiversity
1-The major fuel sources of the world including wood and fossil fuels have their origin due to
biodiversity.

2- It is the source of food for all animals and humans.

3- Biodiversity constitutes the gene pool of the world. Agricultural production of many crops depends
on the introduction of fresh genetic material form wild ‘varieties to create new hybrids

. 4- By introducing fresh genetic characters from the gene pool, new hybrid varieties of both plants and
animals are being developed that are high yielding and disease resistant

. 5- Biodiversity has the potential for developing new crops or commercial products from wild plants and
animals.

6-Many important chemicals have their origin from the diverse flora and fauna, which are used in
various industries

7-Most of the modern medicines are derived from the treasures of biodiversity. Many marine
organisms are also being tested for use in the pharmaceutical industries

. 8-Diverse groups of animals like rodents, rabbits, monkeys, etc are used for medical research during
the testing of new drugs.

9-The richness of diversity of vegetation is an important factor in regulating the world’s climate.

10-Biodiversity provides excellent pollution control. Plants remove toxic substances from the air, water
and soils. As different species have different capabilities for removal of toxins, a diversity of species can
provide a better range of pollution control.

11-Biological diversity is of great importance to many indigenous people, especially in poor countries.
For them, diversity in forests and wildlife provides food, wood, shelter, material for clothing and
medicine. A reduction in the biodiversity will increase the poverty of these people.

1 There are various types of pollution chiefly arising as a result of anthropogenic

causes. Also contributing to pollution is globalisation, where humanity’s constant
need for natural resources has slowly started to change the face of the earth.

Though the quality of living has drastically improved, other new issues have risen
that gradually impact human health and the environment. In this article, we shall
explore the meaning, causes and types of pollution. Also, we shall analyse the
repercussions of pollution on human health and the environment

Types of Pollution

What is Pollution?
“Pollution is the introduction of substances (or energy) that cause adverse
changes in the environment and living entities .”

Pollution need not always be caused by chemical substances such as particulates

(like smoke and dust). Forms of energy such as sound, heat or light can also cause
pollution. These substances that cause pollution are called pollutants.

Pollution, even in minuscule amounts, impacts the ecological balance. Pollutants

can make their way up the food chain and eventually find their way inside the human
body. Read on to explore the types of pollution and their implications.

Also Read: Industrial Melanism

Types of Pollution
As stated before, there are different types of pollution, which are either caused by
natural events (like forest fires) or by man-made activities (like cars, factories,
nuclear wastes, etc.) These are further classified into the following types of pollution:

 Air Pollution
 Water Pollution
 Soil Pollution
 Noise Pollution

Besides these 4 types of pollution, other types exist such as light pollution, thermal
pollution and radioactive pollution. The latter is much rarer than other types, but it is
the deadliest.

Air Pollution

Air Pollution
Air pollution refers to the release of harmful contaminants (chemicals, toxic gases,
particulates, biological molecules, etc.) into the earth’s atmosphere. These
contaminants are quite detrimental and in some cases, pose serious health issues.
Some causes that contribute to air pollution are:

 Burning fossil fuels

 Mining operations
 Exhaust gases from industries and factories

The effects of air pollution vary based on the kind of pollutant. But generally, the
impact of air pollution ranges from:
  Increased risk of respiratory illness and cardiovascular problems
 Increased risk of skin diseases
 May increase the risk of cancer
 Global warming
 Acid rain
 Ozone depletion
 Hazards to wildlife

Among the other types of pollution, air pollution is theorized to have a planet-wide
implication. Scientists have even speculated an apocalypse-like scenario where air
pollution if left unchecked, can bring about an extreme form of global warming called
the runaway greenhouse effect. Though this is purely speculative, it is a
phenomenon that has already occurred on Venus.

More to Read: Steps to Control Air Pollution

Water Pollution

Water Pollution

Water Pollution
Water pollution is said to occur when toxic pollutants and particulate matter are
introduced into water bodies such as lakes, rivers and seas. These contaminants
are generally introduced by human activities like improper sewage treatment and
oil spills. However, even natural processes such as eutrophication can cause water
pollution.
Other significant causes of water pollution include:

 Dumping solid wastes in water bodies

 Disposing untreated industrial sewage into water bodies
 Human and animal wastes
 Agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilisers

The effects of water pollution are very pronounced in our environment. Furthermore,
toxic chemicals can bioaccumulate in living beings, and these chemicals can travel
their way up the food chain, ultimately reaching humans.

Among the other types of pollution, water pollution has severe consequences on
humans. For instance, in 1932, a grave case of water pollution incapacitated the
inhabitants of an entire city in Japan with neurological diseases and mental illness
for many decades. However, the immediate cause was not apparent but was
eventually attributed to acute mercury poisoning. Methylmercury was dumped into
the surrounding bay and had ultimately bioaccumulated inside the fish. The local
population then consumed these fish, and this resulted in the manifestation of ill
effects and neurological diseases.

Read More: A grave case of water pollution

Other consequences of water pollution include:

 Disruption of the ecosystem

 Threats to marine life
 Increased risk of water-borne diseases
 Increases toxic chemicals (such as mercury) in water bodies
 Eutrophication

Soil Pollution
 Soil Pollution
Soil pollution, also called soil contamination, refers to the degradation of land due
to the presence of chemicals or other man-made substances in the soil. The
xenobiotic substances alter the natural composition of soil and affect it negatively.
These can drastically impact life directly or indirectly. For instance, any toxic
chemicals present in the soil will get absorbed by the plants. Since plants are
producers in an environment, it gets passed up through the food chain. Compared to
the other types of pollution, the effects of soil pollution are a little more obscured, but
their implications are very noticeable.

Some of the common causes of soil pollution are:

 Improper industrial waste disposal

 Oil Spills
 Acid rain which is caused by air pollution
 Mining activities
 Intensive farming and agrochemicals (like fertilisers and pesticides)
 Industrial accidents

The effects of soil pollution are numerous. Specific wastes, such as radioactive
waste become particularly hazardous when they are not well-contained. A well-
documented example is a nuclear accident in Chernobyl, which has left an area of
2,600 km2 uninhabitable for several thousand years.

Other effects of soil pollution include:

 Loss of soil nutrients, which renders the soil unfit for agriculture
 Impacts the natural flora and fauna residing in the soil
  Degrades vegetation due to the increase of salinity of the soil
 Toxic dust (such as silica dust) can cause respiratory problems or even lung cancer

Read More: Soil Profile

Noise Pollution

Noise Pollution
Noise pollution refers to the excessive amount of noise in the surrounding that
disrupts the natural balance. Usually, it is man-made, though certain natural
calamities like volcanoes can contribute to noise pollution.

In general, any sound which is over 85 decibels is considered to be detrimental.

Also, the duration an individual is exposed plays an impact on their health. For
perspective, a normal conversation is around 60 decibels, and a jet taking off is
around 15o decibels. Consequently, noise pollution is more obvious than the other
types of pollution.

Noise pollution has several contributors, which include:

 Industry-oriented noises such as heavy machines, mills, factories, etc.

 Transportation noises from vehicles, aeroplanes, etc.
 Construction noises
 Noise from social events (loudspeakers, firecrackers, etc.)
 Household noises (such as mixers, TV, washing machines, etc.)

Noise pollution has now become very common due to dense urbanisation and
industrialisation. Noise pollution can bring about adverse effects such as :

 Hearing loss
  Tinnitus
 Sleeping disorders
 Hypertension (high BP)
 Communication problems

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