Environmental
Science
Environmental
science is a multidisciplinary academic field that integrates physical,
biological and information sciences, including but not limited to ecology,
physics, chemistry, zoology, mineralogy, oceanlogy, limnology, soil science,
geology, atmospheric science, geography and geodesy to the study of the
environment, and the solution of environmental problems. Environmental science
provides an integrated, quantitative, and interdisciplinary approach to the study
of environmental systems.
Related
areas of study include environmental studies and environmental engineering
environmental quality in every aspect. Incorporates more of the social sciences
for understanding human relationships, perceptions and policies towards the
environment. Environmental engineering focuses on design and technology for
improving environmental quality in every aspect.
Environmental scientists work
on subjects like the understanding of earth processes, evaluating alternative
energy systems, pollution control and mitigation, and the effects of almost
always include an interaction of physical, chemical, and biological processes.
Environmental scientists bring a systems approach to the analysis of
environmental problems. Key elements of an effective environmental scientist
include the ability to relate space, and time relationships as well as
quantitative analysis.
Environmental
science came alive as a substantive, active field of scientific investigation
in the 1960s and 1970s driven by the need for a multi disciplinary approach to
analyze complex environmental problems, the arrival of substantive
environmental laws requiring specific environmental protocols of investigation
and the growing public awareness of a need for action in addressing
environmental problems. Events that spurred this development included the
publication of Rachael Carson's landmark environmental book along with major
environmental issues becoming very public, such as the, and of Cleveland, Ohio,
catching fire also in 1969, and
helped increase the visibility of environmental issues and create this new
field of study.
The science of
Environment studies is a multi disciplinary science because it comprises
various branches of studies like chemistry, physics, medical science, life
science, agriculture, public health, sanitary engineering etc. It is the
science of physical phenomena in the environment. It studies of the sources,
reactions, transport, effect and fate of physical biological species in the
air, water and soil and the effect of from human activity up on these.
Terminology
In common usage, environmental science and ecology
are often used interchangeably, but technically, ecology refers only to the
study of organisms and their interactions with each other and their
environment. Ecology could be considered a subset of environmental science,
which also could involve purely chemical or public health issues ecologists
would be unlikely to study. In practice, there is considerable overlap between
the work of ecologists and other environmental scientists.
The National Center for Education Statistics in
the United States defines an academic program in environmental science as
follows,
A program that focuses on the application of
biological, chemical, and physical principles to the study of the physical
environment and the solution of environmental problems, including subjects such
as abating or controlling environmental pollution and degradation, the
interaction between human society and the natural environment; and natural
resources management. Includes instruction in biology, chemistry, physics,
geosciences, climatology, statistics, and mathematical modelling.
Atmospheric Science focuses on the earth
atmosphere, with an emphasis upon its interrelation to other systems.
Atmospheric science can include studies of meteorology, greenhouse gas
phenomena, focuses on the Earth atmosphere, with an emphasis upon its
interrelation to other systems. Atmospheric sciences can include studies of
phenomena, sound propagation phenomena related to, and even. Taking the example
of the phenomena, physicists create of
atmospheric circulation and infra-red radiation transmission, chemists examine
the inventory of atmospheric chemicals and their reactions, biologists analyze
the plant and animal contributions to fluxes, and specialists such as and add
additional breadth in understanding the atmospheric dynamics.
Ecology
Ecology
is the study of the interactions between organisms and their environment.
Ecologists might investigate the relationship between a population of organisms
and some physical characteristic of their environment, such as concentration of
a chemical, or they might investigate the interaction between two populations
of different organisms through some symbiotic or competitive relationship. For
example, an interdisciplinary analysis of an ecological system which is being
impacted by one or more stressors might include several related environmental
science fields. In an estuarine setting where a proposed industrial development
could impact certain species by and, would describe the flora and fauna, would
analyze the transport of water pollutants to the marsh, would calculate air
pollution emissions and would assist in understanding the marsh soils and bay
muds.
Environmental
Science is the study of chemical alterations in the environment. Principal areas
of study include and water pollution. The topics of analysis include chemical
degradation in the environment, multi phase transport of chemicals for example,
evaporation of a containing lake to yield solvent as an air pollutant, and
chemical effects upon biota.
As an example study, consider the case of a
leaking solvent tank which has entered the habitat soil of an of amphibian. As
a method to resolve or understand the extent of soil contamination and
subsurface transport of solvent, a computer model would be implemented.
Chemists would then characterize the molecular bonding of the solvent to the
specific soil type, and biologists would study the impacts upon soil, plants,
and ultimately pond dwelling organisms that are the food of the endangered amphibian.
Geosciences
include environmental geology, environmental soil science, volcanic phenomena
and evolution of the Earth's crust. In some classification systems this can
also include, including oceanography.
Regulations driving the Studies
In the U.S. the of 1969 set forth requirements
for analysis of major projects in terms of specific environmental criteria.
Numerous state laws have echoed these mandates, applying the principles to
local-scale actions. The upshot has been an explosion of documentation and study
of environmental consequences before the fact of development actions.
One can examine the specifics of environmental
science by reading examples of prepared under NEPA such as Waste water treatment expansion options
discharging into the San, Expansion
of the, Development of the,
Metro Transportation system, Expansion
of the metropolitan MBTA transit system, and Construction of through
Arlington, Virginia.
In England and Wales the formed in 1996, is a
public body for protecting and improving the environment and enforces the
regulations listed on the communities and local government site. Formerly the
office of the deputy prime minister. The agency was set up under the as an
independent body and works closely with UK Government to enforce the regulations.
What is Environmental
Science
Environmental
science is the study of the interaction of the living and non-living components
of the environment with special emphasis on the impact of humans on these
components. Environmental science is a very dynamic area of research and
involves many different fields of study.
In
the sciences, for example, biologists study biodiversity, and ecologists study
how plants and animals interact with their environment. Geologists study the
formation, history, structure, and physical composition of the earth. Chemists
study the composition of both living and non-living material, and the reactions
controlling the distribution of material. Physicists contribute expertise on
physical laws, such as thermodynamics, governing both biotic and abiotic
components of the environment. Engineers, mathematicians, and computer
scientists are involved in important technical innovations as well as computer
modelling. Biomedical expertise is required to assess health implications of
environmental problems, such as pollution and disease.
Environmental
science also looks at the impact that humans are having on the environment, and
these have important economic as well as socio political ramifications. Thus,
an effective environmental scientist also must have a solid background in
economics, sociology, and political science. Political scientists and
economists study how we use and interact with our environment, and how to make
policy and communicate with government. Sociologists and anthropologists are
needed to address issues of societal impacts and social justice. Philosophy and
religious studies are important in examining how we value our environment and
how we make connections to it. Journalists work to publicize important results
of environmental research, and artists describe and interpret our environment.
All
of these areas of study and others as well, are necessary in order to gain a
full and objective understanding of our environment, including the causes
of and possible solutions to our current environmental problems. Because our
program is multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary, it is called the
Environmental Science and Policy program.
Environmental science is the study of the environment. It is the study
of the interaction of different types of elements found usually in nature. It
combines the physical and social.
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The Department of Environmental Sciences
We
are an interdisciplinary department within the College of Natural and
Agricultural Sciences at UC Riverside with both undergraduate and graduate
programs in environmental science. The Department seeks to expand knowledge of
the physical, chemical, biological and human components of the Earth System,
through cutting edge research, rigorous student training and service to the
community. The Department consists of 16 faculty and 50 graduate students, post
docs and research staff working within and across the fields of soil sciences,
aquatic sciences, microbial ecology, atmospheric sciences and environmental
economics and policy.
Our
undergraduate program exposes students to a wide array of environmental science
disciplines and prepares them for careers in State Federal resource agencies,
private consulting and for graduate education. There are four areas within our
graduate program: Soil and Water Sciences, Environmental Microbiology,
Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, and Environmental and Natural
Resource Economics and Policy. All of our graduate areas of study emphasize
quantitative, interdisciplinary study of the Earth System. Alumni from our
graduate programs have gone on to successful careers in government and
university science, resource management, education and economics.
We invite you to
explore our new and expanded website to learn more about our exciting research
and education programs and to meet our faculty and students.
What Environmental Scientists
Environmental
scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to
protect the environment and human health. They may clean up polluted areas,
advise policy makers, or work with industry to reduce waste.
Work Environmental
Environmental
scientists and specialists work in offices and laboratories. Some may spend
time in the field gathering data and monitoring environmental conditions firsthand.
Most environmental scientists and specialists work full time.
American
Journal Environmental Science
American
Journal of Environmental Sciences is an international peer reviewed journal,
presents original research articles, reviews, and letters in all areas of
environmental studies and environmental sciences.
School Environmental
Science
The School of Environmental Sciences was
established in the year 1974. The academic programme of the School has been
periodically reviewed, revised and updated, keeping in mind the need for
sharper focussing, the available expertise at any given time, and the changes
desired in curriculum of individual courses or specific programmes.
The school has started its M.Sc degree programme
firstly in 1976. It was discontinued for some time to allow some major
revision. It has restarted in 1987, and it is being conducted successfully
since then. However, in the light of the dynamic nature of the discipline
besides its tremendous growth in many of its sub disciplines, the programme has
been revised once again in 2009 and is being offered from the academic years.
The M.Phil. Ph.D.
Programe started since 1975 has also undergone periodic changes in the
curriculum. Indeed the School was the first to start M.Sc. M.Phil. Programe in
Environmental Sciences in the country.
The School has
diversified interest in various earth, atmospheric and biological processes.
Linkages between Ecological and Social processes give an additional dimension
to School's interest, making the work relevant. Therefore, the curriculum has
components of disciplinary areas such as physical sciences, earth and
atmospheric sciences, environmental biology, and environmental monitoring and
management. With such a high level of diverse research interests, over 100
students have so far successfully completed their Ph.D. Programe in different
aspects of Environmental Sciences.
Environmental Science and
Technology
Environmental
Science Technology is a biweekly peer reviewed scientific
published since 1967 by the American chemical society. It covers research in
and including environmental policy. The journal also includes a magazine
section. According to the, the journal has a,
International Journal of Environmental Science
and Technology is an international
scholarly refereed research journal which aims to promote the theory and
practice of environmental science and technology, innovation, engineering and
management.
A broad outline of the journal's scope includes:
peer reviewed original research articles, case and technical reports, reviews
and analyses papers, short communications and notes to the editor, in interdisciplinary
information on the practice and status of research in environmental science and
technology, both natural and man made.
The main aspects of research areas include, but
are not exclusive to, environmental chemistry and biology, environments
pollution control and abatement technology, transport and fate of pollutants in
the environment, concentrations and dispersion of wastes in air, water, and
soil, point and non point sources pollution, heavy metals and organic compounds
in the environment, atmospheric pollutants and trace gases, solid and hazardous
waste management, soil biodegradation and bioremediation of contaminated sites,
environmental impact assessment, industrial ecology, ecological and human risk
assessment, improved energy management and auditing efficiency and
environmental standards and criteria.
This journal is a member of the Committee on
Publication Ethics and subscribes to its principles on how to deal with acts of
misconduct.
Definition Environmental Science
Environment
science is defined as a biological study which relates various organisms to the
environment. It stipulates how these organisms survive or adapt to various
conditions of the environment. The
branch of science concerned with the physical, chemical, and biological
conditions of the environment and their effect on organisms.
An
environmental engineer job is to solve
environmental problems like air pollution and waste disposal. For example, an
environmental engineer can design a waste-water treatment.
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Environmental Explained
Literary
environment means the surrounding external conditions influencing development
or growth of people, animal or plants, living or working conditions etc. This involves
three questions,
What is Surrounded
The answer to this question is living objects in
general and man in particular.
By what Surrounded
The physical attributes are the answer to this
question, which become environment. In fact, the concern of all education is
the environment of man. However, man cannot exist or be understood in isolation
from the other forms of life and from plant life. Hence, environment refers to
the sum total of condition, which surround point in space and time. The scope
of the term Environment has been changing and widening by the passage of time.
In the primitive age, the environment consisted of only physical aspects of the
planted earth land, air and water as biological communities. As the time passed
on man extended his environment through his social, economic and political
functions.
Where Surrounded
The
answer to this question. It is in nature that physical component of the plant
earth, viz land, air, water etc., support and affect life in the biosphere.
According to a Goudie environment is the representative of physical components
of the earth where in man is an important factor affecting the environment.
Definitions of Environment
Some
important definitions of environment are as under,
Boring
A
persons environment consists of the sum total of the stimulation which he
receives from his conception until his death. It can be concluded from the
above definition that Environment comprises
various
types of forces such as physical, intellectual, economic, political, cultural,
social, moral and emotional. Environment is the sum total of all the external
forces, influences and conditions, which affect the life, nature, behaviour and
the growth, development and maturation of living organisms.
Douglas and Holland
The
term environment is used to describe, in the aggregate, all the external
forces, influences and conditions, which affect the life, nature, behaviour and
the growth, development and maturity of living organisms.
Scope of Environment
The environment consists of four segments as
under:
Atmosphere
The atmosphere implies the protective blanket of
gases, surrounding the earth,
·
It sustains life on the earth.
·
It saves it from the hostile environment of
outer space.
·
It absorbs most of the cosmic rays from outer
space and a major portion of the electromagnetic radiation from the sun.
·
It transmits only here ultraviolet, visible,
near infrared radiation and radio waves. While filtering out tissue-damaging
ultra violate waves below about 300 nm. The atmosphere is composed of nitrogen
and oxygen. Besides, argon, carbon dioxide, and trace gases.
Hydrosphere
The Hydrosphere
comprises all types of water resources oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, streams,
reserviour, polar icecaps, glaciers, and ground water.
· Nature 97% of the earth’s water supply is in the
oceans,
· About 2% of the water resources is locked in the
polar icecaps and glaciers.
· Only about 1% is available as fresh surface
water rivers, lakes streams, and
· Ground water fit to be used for human
consumption and other uses.
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
Biosphere
Biosphere indicates
the realm of living organisms and their interactions with environment, viz atmosphere,
hydrosphere and lithosphere.
Element 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
may be explained as under,
Physical elements
Physical elements are as space, landforms, water
bodies, climate soils, rocks and minerals.
They determine the variable character of the
human habitat, its opportunities as well as
limitations.
Biological elements
Biological elements such as plants, animals,
microorganisms and men constitute the
biosphere.
Cultural elements
Cultural elements such as economic, social and
political elements are essentially man-
made features, which make cultural milieu.
Importance of Environment
Studies
The
environment studies enlighten us, about the importance of protection and
conservation of our indiscriminate release of pollution into the environment. At
present a great number of environment issues, have grown in size and complexity
day by day, threatening the survival of mankind on earth. We study about these
issues besides and effective suggestions in the Environment Studies.
Environment studies have become
significant for the following reasons,
Environment Issues Being of International Importance
It
has been well recognised 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 must be tackled with international efforts and
cooperation.
Problems Cropped in the Wake of Development
Development,
in its wake gave birth to Urbanization, Industrial Growth, and Transportation
Systems,
Agriculture and Housing etc. However, it has become phased out in the developed
world. The North, to cleanse their own environment has fact fully, managed to
move dirty factories of South. When the West developed, it did so perhaps in
ignorance of the environmental impact of its activities. Evidently such a path
is neither practicable nor desirable, even if developing world follows that.
Explosively Increase in Pollution
World
census reflects that one in every seven persons in this planted 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 soils health problems like
deficiency of micronutrients and organic matter, soil salinity and damage of
soil structure
Need for an Alternative Solution
It is essential, specially for developing
countries to find alternative paths to an alternative goal. We need a goal as
under, A goal, which ultimately is the true goal of development an
environmentally sound and sustainable development. A goal common to
all citizens of our earth. A goal distant from the developing world in the
manner it is from the over consuming wasteful societies of the developed world.
Need To Save Humanity From Extinction
It is incumbent upon us to save the humanity
from extinction. Consequent to 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. Resources
withdraw, processing and use of the product have all to by synchronised with
the ecological cycles in any plan of development our actions should be planned
ecologically for the sustenance of the environment and development.
NEED FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS
It is essential to make the public aware of the
formidable consequences of the Environmental Degradation, if not retorted and
reformative measures under taken would result
in the extinction of life. We are facing various environmental challenges. It
is essential to get the country acquainted with these challenges so that their
acts may be eco friendly. Some of these challenges are as under,
Growing 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. It puts considerable pressure on its natural resources and reduces the
gains of development. Hence, the greatest challenge before us is to limit the population
growth. Although population control does automatically lead to development, yet
the development leads to a decrease in population growth rates. For this
development of the women is essential.
Poverty
India has often been described a rich land with
poor people. The poverty and environmental degradation have a nexus between
them. The vast majority of our people are directly dependent on the nature
resources of the country for their basic needs of food, fuel shelter and
fodder. About 40% of our people are still below the poverty line. Environment degradation
has adversely affected the poor who depend upon the resources of their
immediate surroundings. Thus, the challenge of poverty and the challenge
environment degradation are two facets of the same challenge. The population
growth is essentially a function of poverty. Because, to the very poor, every
child is an earner and helper and global concerns
have little relevance for him.
Agricultural Growth
The
people must be acquainted with the methods to sustain and increase agricultural
growth with damaging the environment. High yielding varities have caused soil
salinity and damage to physical structure of soil.
Need to Ground water
It
is essential of rationalizing the use of groundwater. Factors like community
wastes, industrial effluents and chemical fertilizers and pesticides have
polluted our surface water and affected quality of the groundwater. It is
essential to restore the water quality of our rivers and other water body as
lakes is an important challenge. It so finding our suitable strategies for
consecration of water, provision of safe drinking water and keeping water bodies
clean which are difficult challenges is essential.
Development and Forests
Forests serve catchments for the rivers. With
increasing demand of water, plan to harness the mighty river through large
irrigation projects were made. Certainly, these would submerge forests;
displace local people, damage flora and fauna. As such, the dams on the river
Narmada, Bhagirathi and elsewhere have become areas of political and scientific
debate. Forests in India have been shrinking for several centuries owing to
pressures of agriculture and other uses. Vast areas that were once green, stand
today as wastelands. These areas are to be brought back under vegetative 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 of the forest
deptt, should be integrated with the traditional knowledge and experience of
the local communities. The strategies for the joint management of forests
should be evolved in a well planned way.
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 nearly and 85 suffer from varying degrees of soil
degradation. Of the remaining 123 mha, 40 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, our of 226 mha, about 175 mha or 66 per cent is
degraded to varying degrees. Water and wind erosion causes further degradation
of almost 150 mha this degradation is to be avoided.
Reorientation of Institutions
The people should be roused to orient
institutions, attitudes and infrastructures, to suit conditions and needs today.
The change has to be brought in keeping in view India’s traditions for
resources use managements and education etc. Change should be brought in
education, in attitudes, in administrative procedures and in institutions.
Because it affects way people view technology resources and development.
Reduction of Genetic Diversity
Proper measures to conserve genetic diversity
need to be taken. At present most wild genetic stocks have been disappearing
from nature. Wilding including the Asiatic Lion are facing problem of loss of
genetic diversity. The protected areas network like sanctuaries, national
parks, biosphere reserves are isolating populations. So, they are decreasing
changes of one group breeding with another. Remedial steps are to be taken to
check decreasing genetic diversity.
Evil Consequences of Urbanisation
Nearly 27 per cent Indians live in urban areas.
Urbanisation and industrialization has given birth to a great number of
environmental problem 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 Population
Majority of our industrial plants are using
outdated and population 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 implement 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.
Various Types of Environment
According
to Kurt Lewin, environment is of three types which influence the personality of
an individual as under,
· Physical Environment,
· Social
and Cultural Environment, and
· Psychological
Environment.
These
may be explained as under,
Physical Environment
Physical
environment, refers to geographical climate and weather or physical conditions wherein
and individual lives. The human races are greatly influenced by the climate.
Some examples are as under,
· In the cold countries i.e. European countries
the people are of white colour. Likewise, in Asian and African countries, that
is, in hot countries people are of dark complexion.
·
The
physique of an individual depends on climate conditions as the individual tries
to adjust in his physical environment.
· The human working efficiency also depends on the
climatic conditions.
Social Environment
Social
Environment includes an individual’s social, economic and political condition wherein
he lives. The moral, cultural and emotional forces influence the life and
nature of individual behaviour. Society may be classified into two categories
as under,
·
An open society is very conductive for the
individual development.
·
A closed society is not very conductive for the
development.
Psychological Environment
Although physical and social environment are
common to the individual in a specific situation. Yet every individual has his
own psychological environment, in which he lives. Kurt Lewin has used the term life
space for explaining psychological environment. The Psychological environment
enables us to understand the personality of an individual. Both the person and
his goal form psychological environment. If a person is unable to overcome the
barriers, he can either get frustrated or completed to change his goal for a
new psychological environment. But adopting this mechanism, the individual is
helped in his adjustment to the environment.
Structure of Environment
Environment
is both physical and biological. It includes both living and non living
components.
Physical Environment
The Physical Environment is classified into
three broad categories viz.
· Liquid
· Gas.
These
represent the following spheres.
The lithosphere
The hydrosphere and
The atmosphere
As such, the three basic of physical environment
may be termed as under,
Lithospheric Environment
Hydrospheric Environment
Atmospheric Environment
The scientists have classified them into smaller
units based on different spatial scales,
Biological Environment
The biological of the environment consists of,
· Plants
· Animals
Thus, the biotic environment further be divided
into floral environment and faunal environment. All the organisms work to form
their social groups and organizations at several levels. Thus, the social
environment is formed. In this social environment the organisms work to derive
matter from the physical environment for their sustenance and development. This
process gives birth to economic environment. Man claims to be most skilled and
civilized of all the organisms. This is the reason why his social organization
is most systematic. The three aspects of man,
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