CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EARTH THAT ARE NECESSARY TO SUPPORT LIFE ROCKS

The different factors necessary to support life in a planet: - naturally occurring solid aggregate of minerals sometimes with
nonmineral solid particles.
1. Temperature - It influences how quickly atoms, molecules or organisms
3 Major Classification of Rocks:
move. The most important factor that determines Earth’s temperature is the
1. Igneous rocks
gas in the atmosphere.
2. Sedimentary rocks
2. Water - It is one of the important ingredients on the different biological 3. Metamorphic rocks
processes. Absence of this will interfere reactions necessary for life. IGNEOUS ROCKS – formed by cooling and solidification of magma or lava on
the surface or beneath the Earth.
3. Atmosphere. It provides significant insulation or shielding from the sun and - 2 types of igneous rocks:
impact of small to medium size meteorites. a. Intrusive (Plutonic) – forms beneath the Earth’s surface.
Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) b. Extrusive (Volcanic) – forms on the surface of the Earth.
traps heat and avoid our planet from freezing.

Ozone (O3) layer shields the Earth’s surface from harmful UV

radiation.

The presence of gravity, the size of the planet, and its distance from
the sun helps in sustaining the Earth’s atmosphere.

4. Energy - Earth has available energy-rich sunlight to support life.

5. Nutrients - It is an essential factor used to build and maintain organism’s

body structure. In Earth, there are processes that recycle nutrients like the
water cycle, carbon cycle, oxygen cycle, and volcanism.

EARTH SUBSYSTEMS:

1. Atmosphere - the thin gaseous layer that envelopes the geosphere. Includes
the greenhouse gases and the ozone layer.
2. Geosphere – solid part of the Earth, all landforms, soil, rocks, and minerals
present in the crust.
3. Hydrosphere - All the water on Earth in any form. About 71% of the Earth is
covered with liquid water and much of it is in the form of ocean water or
saline water (97%) and the remaining 3% is fresh water (including glaciers
and ice caps).
4. Biosphere - set of all life forms on Earth.
Examples of Intrusive igneous rocks – granite, diorite, pegmatite, gabbro,
peridotite
Examples of Extrusive igneous rocks – obsidian, basalt, rhyolite, scoria, tuff,
pumice, andesite
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS - formed by the deposition and cementation of mineral or
organic particles on the floor of oceans and other bodies of water
at the Earth surface. Formed by exogenic processes like:
weathering, erosion, sediment transport, and deposition (compaction
and cementation)
Classification of Sedimentary Rocks:
1. Clastic = formed from the mechanical weathering debris of rocks
= example: breccia, conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone, shale
2. Non-clastic = evaporation and precipitation from solution or lithification of
organic matter. Classified as evaporites (halite, iron ore, gypsum, flint,
chert, and dolostone), precipitates (limestone) and bioclastic (coal,
coquina).
a. Chemical – halite (salt), iron ore, gypsum, flint, chert, and dolostone
b. Organic - bioclastic (coal, coquina).
METAMORPHIC ROCKS - formed below the surface of the earth through the
process of metamorphism with the recrystallization of minerals in
rocks. They form from existing rock types called “parent rock” in the
process called metamorphism (change in form).
- Factors are heat and pressure
Classification of Metamorphism:
1. Contact Metamorphism
- heat and reactive fluids as main factors
- creates non-foliated metamorphic rocks (hornfels, marble, quartzite,
and novaculite)
2. Regional Metamorphism
- pressure as main factor (mechanical deformation and chemical
recrystallization)
- creates foliated metamorphic rocks (schist, gneiss, phyllite, slate)
MINERALS
5 Requirements for A Material to Be Considered a Mineral:
1. Naturally occurring
2. Solid
3. Inorganic
4. Crystalline structur
5. Has a unique chemical composition
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF MINERALS (LHaCoSCrysCleFS)
Luster - it is the quality and intensity of reflected light exhibited by the mineral.
It can be described as opaque, transparent, dull, or shiny.
Hardness - is a measure of the mineral’s resistance to scratching. (Mohs Scale
of Hardness)
Color - Color maybe a unique identifying property of certain minerals. It is one
of the most obvious but not a reliable property of a mineral.
Streak - the color of a mineral in powdered form, which may or may not be the
same color as the mineral. It is obtained by scratching the mineral on
an unpolished piece of white porcelain called a streak plate.
Crystal Form or Habit- refers to the overall shape or growth pattern of the
mineral.
Cleavage - refers to the tendency of minerals to break along very smooth, flat,
and shiny surfaces.
Fracture - if a mineral breaks along random, irregular surfaces. (quartz)
Specific Gravity - It is the ratio of the weight of a mineral to the weight of an
equal volume of water.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF MINERALS
The Dana system shows the chemical composition of minerals. It originally
divides minerals into nine basic classes. They are:
1. natural elements 2. silicates
3. oxide 4. sulfides
5. sulfates 6. halides
7. carbonates 8. phosphates
9. mineraloids/organic minerals.
1. Native elements - These minerals are naturally occurring in nature in an
uncombined form with a distinct mineral structure. It can be classified
as metal, semimetals, and nonmetals. Example is silver.
2. Silicates - This is the largest group of minerals. Contains silicon and oxygen.
Example is feldspar.
3. Oxides - It is formed from the combination of a metal with oxygen. Example
is magnetite.
4. Sulfides - These are made of compounds of sulfur usually with a metal.
Example is pyrite (fool’s gold)
5. Sulfates - These are made of compounds of sulfur combined with metals and
oxygen. Example is gypsum.
6. Halides - They form from halogen elements like chlorine, bromine, fluorine,
and iodine combined with metallic elements. Example is halite (table
salt)
7. Carbonates - These are a group of minerals made of carbon, oxygen, and a
metallic element. Example is a dolomite.
8. Phosphates - They are often formed when other minerals are broken down ORE MINERALS: HOW THEY ARE FOUND, MINED, AND PROCESSED FOR
by weathering. Example is apatite. HUMAN USE
9. Mineraloids - It is the term used for those substances that do not fit neatly MINING - is the process of mineral extraction from a rock seam or ore – a
into one of these eight classes. Example is amber. natural rock or sediment containing one or more valuable mineral.

IMPORTANT MINERALS TO SOCIETY:

IN HOUSEHOLDS:
1. Toothpaste - toothpaste contains fluoride from the mineral fluorite.
2. Face powder - contains talc which is the softest mineral.
3. Table salts from halite - are commonly used to enhance the flavor of our
food.
4. Kitchen utensils like casserole are made of aluminum – a light and durable
I. Surface mining
metal, and stainless wares that contains mostly of iron, chromium and
a. Open-pit mining - most common type of surface mining. The pit in
carbon.
the mine is created by blasting with explosives and drilling. It is used
5. Silicon, silver and gold are used as components of gadgets like cellphones
to mine gravel and sand and even rock.
and computers.
b. Strip mining - involves the:
6. Copper is the mostly used electrical wiring because it is less expensive.
a. removal of a thin strip of overburden (earth or soil) above a desired
IN CONSTRUCTION:
deposit
1. SKYSCRAPERS – use materials like iron, carbon, and concrete (contains
b. dumping the removed overburden behind the deposit
limestone, lime, and chalk)
c. extracting the desired deposit, creating a second, parallel strip in the
2. GLASS – made mostly of quartz and silica.
same manner
3. FLOORS – granite (intrusive igneous rock) and marble (non-foliated
d. depositing the waste materials from that second (new) strip onto
metamorphic rock)
the first strip.
4. ALUMINUM – used on windows and door panels.
- used for coal, phosphates, clays, and tar mining.
IN THE MEDICAL FIELD:
3. Dredging - the process of mining materials from the bottom of a
1. TITANIUM - strong but very light metal that is used for teeth transplant.
body of water, including rivers, lakes, and oceans. (Example gold)
2. GYPSUM in plaster cast
II. Underground mining
3. ALLOYS LIKE STAINLESS STEEL - primarily composed of iron, chromium
- miners need to create a tunnel so they can reach the ore minerals.
and carbon in their tools.
- more expensive and dangerous because miners need to use explosive
IN POWER PLANTS:
devices to remove the minerals from the rocks that cover them.
1. URANIUM is used as source of heat energy to run a nuclear reactor.
- MINERAL PROCESSING:
2. COAL - particularly mineral coal, to generate electricity.
- the process of extracting minerals from the ore, refining them, and
3. BATTERIES - nickel, copper, and lithium.
preparing these minerals for use.
IN AGRICULTURE:
1. NPK Fertilizers - contain vital minerals for the plant to grow Steps in Mineral Processing:
healthy. These minerals include nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.
2. LIME – reduces the acidity of the soil. 1. Sampling – getting a sample.
2. Analysis - chemical, mineral and particle size analysis. - Carbon content 71-77%
- Percentage of volatile matter (49-42%).
3. Comminution – through crushing and grinding. 4. Lignite
- which is also known as brown coal. It is the lowest grade coal with the
4. Concentration - separation of the valuable minerals from the raw materials least concentration of carbon.
- Carbon content 60-71%
5. Dewatering – uses the concentration to convert it to usable minerals. This - Percentage of volatile matter (53-49%).
involves filtration and sedimentation of the suspension and drying of the solid
materials harvested from this suspension.

FOSSIL FUELS
- are basically remains of plants and animals that died millions of years
ago. Increase in temperature and pressure greatly contribute to their
formation.
- They are the world’s primary energy source that provide most of the
energy support in transportation, electricity, and industries.
- They are considered as non-renewable energy source as they take
millions of years to form. B. OIL
- Fossil fuels contain high percentages of carbon and include coal, - Oil is an organic material, mostly algae, which was buried in mud at
petroleum/oil, and natural gas. the bottom of the sea and lakes.
A. COAL - OIL is liquid hydrocarbons that are present in certain layers of
- a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock usually sedimentary rock (the geosphere)
occurring in rock strata in layers or veins called coal beds or coal C. NATURAL GAS
seams. - It is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon gas with the mixture of
There are four major ranks of coal. methane.
- It is the Earth’s cleanest fossil fuel and is odorless and colorless in its
1. Anthracite
natural state.
- the highest rank of coal. It is a hard, brittle, and black lustrous coal,
- Natural gas is produced from sedimentary rock formation by forcing
often referred to as hard coal, containing a high percentage of fixed
chemicals, water, and sand down a well under high pressure.
carbon and a low percentage of volatile matter (29-8%).
- The Philippines’ main domestic source of energy is the Malampaya
- Carbon content is 77-87%.
natural gas field which is located at Palawan Island.
2. Bituminous coal
- It usually has a high heating value and is the most common
ENERGY RESOURCES:
type of coal used in electricity generation. It appears shiny and smooth
Possible sites where geothermal power plants can be situated:
at first glance, but when you look closely, you will see that it has layers.
• Near volcanoes and fumaroles
- Percentage of volatile matter (42-29%).
• Near hot springs
- Carbon content is 77-87%.
• Near geysers
3. Sub-bituminous coal
- which is black in color and dull and has a higher heating value than HEAT - is one of the types of energy that is dynamic, transferable and can be
lignite. converted into useful forms.
    - It is the product of random motion of particles that are continuously • 3) binary cycle power plants.
colliding and vibrating.
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY - The heat generated beneath the ground that when HYDROPOWER OR HYDROELECTRICITY
harnessed can generate electrical energy for community use. (Through • is the conversion of flowing water (mechanical energy) into electrical
geothermal power plants) energy. The key to this energy conversion is water cycle or the
• is the heat from the earth’s core due to the slow decay of radioactive hydrologic cycle.
substances.  • the volume of water and the height of the source determines the rate
• This energy comes out to the surface through the tectonic plate of power generation.
boundaries and edges where most formation of volcanoes occurs. • Looking back at history, the use of running water is for milling process
The Philippines, being one of the countries within the Ring of Fire that (grinding grains).
encircles the Pacific Ocean, is rich in renewable geothermal energy and has 3 Main types of hydro plants:
high potential to harness it into electricity. 1. Impoundment facilities – most common technology. Uses a dam to create a
• What are the basic parts of a geothermal power plant to produce large reservoir of water.
electricity?  Turbine, Generator, and Transformer 2. Pumped storage facilities - are similar but have a second reservoir below
Three main types of geothermal energy systems:  the dam.
  1) direct use and district heating  3. Run-of-river facilities - rely more on natural water flow rates, diverting just a
  2) geothermal power plants  portion of river water through turbines, sometimes without the use of a dam
  3) geothermal heat pumps or reservoirs.
1. Direct use and district heating systems 
• use hot water from springs or reservoirs located near the surface of VARIOUS WATER RESOURCES ON EARTH
the earth.  - Nearly three-fourths of the earth's surface is covered with water. Most
• Ancient Roman, Chinese, and Native American cultures used hot of which is found in the ocean (saline water).
mineral springs for bathing, cooking, and heating. - Great amount of the freshwater is found below the earth's surface
2. Geothermal power plant, it is required to drill 1 to 2 miles deep to pump called ground water and the rest of the freshwater is found in lakes,
steam or hot water into the surface. rivers, streams.
• At this depth, the power plant that uses hydrothermal resources - Water is also present in air in the form of water vapour.
(having both water and heat) can attain the required temperature that Sources of Water
is about 300 o F to 700 o F. - Rainwater, oceans, rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, and springs are
3. Geothermal heat pumps natural sources of water. Dams, wells, tube wells, hand-pumps, canals,
- apply the constant temperatures near the surface of the earth to increase etc, are man-made sources of water.
and decrease the temperature of buildings or houses. Geothermal heat
Rainwater
pumps transfer heat from the ground (or water) into buildings during the
Rainwater is collected on Earth in the form of surface water and
winter and reverse the process in the summer with the use of refrigerant.
underground water.
1. Surface Water - Water present on the surface of the earth in the form of
Three basic types of geothermal power plants: 
oceans, rivers, lakes, reservoir, ponds, and streams. Also includes ice
• 1) dry steam plants
caps and glaciers.
• 2) flash steam plants and 
2. Underground Water - Some of the rainwater seeps through the soil on to
the nonporous rocks below.
- Sometimes due to high pressure, this water sprouts out in the form of
springs. It can be obtained by digging wells or sinking tube wells.
- The rocks that store and transmit groundwater are called aquifers.
Sources of drinking water:
- Spring, streams, ponds, lakes, reservoirs, wells, and rivers.
ACTIVITIES THAT AFFECT THE QUALITY AND AVAILABILITY OF WATER FOR
HUMAN USE:
Conservation is the ethical use and protection of valuable resources.
Water quality - describes the condition of the water, including chemical,
physical, and biological characteristics, usually with respect to its suitability for
a particular purpose such as drinking or swimming.
Physical attributes of water:
- temperature, color, taste, odor, and turbidity.
Chemical characteristics of natural water:
- a reflection of the soils and rocks with which the water has been in
contact.
Water availability is defined as the quantity of water that can be used for
human purposes without significant harm to ecosystems or other users.
Water scarcity occurs when the amount of water withdrawn from lakes, rivers
or groundwater is so great that water supplies are no longer adequate to
satisfy all human or ecosystem requirements, resulting in increased
competition between water users and other demands.
- can be caused primarily by human activities which promote
sedimentation, pollution, climate change, deforestation, landscape
changes, and urban growth.
Human waste disposal contributes pollution of the air, the land, and water
resources. Such pollution can affect the quality of rainwater and of
water resources both above and below ground, thus damaging our
natural systems.
Sediments can occur in bodies of water naturally, but they are also
produced in large amounts because of land-use change and agriculture.
Activities such as farming, clearing forests, building roads, and mining
can put too much soil and particulate matter as sediment in rivers.
- This sediment can harm plants and animals by:
- carrying toxic chemicals into the water
- smothering fish eggs and small organisms used by fish as food
- raising water temperature
- reducing the amount of sunlight penetrating the water.
HUMAN ACTIVITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT:
Soil is an important abiotic factor that enables life on earth.
- can be defined as the organic and inorganic materials on the surface of
the earth that provide the medium for plant growth.
- develops slowly over time and is composed of many different materials
through the process of weathering.
- is a necessary resource because it helps sustain life on Earth including
humans, animals, and plants.
- soil helps purify, or clean water as it drains through the ground and
into rivers, lakes, and oceans.
- decomposers in soil also help recycle nutrients by breaking down the
remains of plants and animals, releasing nutrients that living plants use
to grow.
- provides a home for a variety of living things, from tiny one-celled
organisms to small mammals.
Soil degradation – the physical, chemical, and biological decline in soil quality.
- is a major agricultural and environmental problem in the Philippines
due to erosion.
- Loss of nutrients and organic nutrients, salinization, acidification,
pollution, compaction and subsidence are other soil degradation
processes cause by erosion.
HUMAN ACTIVITIES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOSS OF GOOD QUALITY SOIL:
1. FARMING - is one of the traditional sources of income in our country done
by planting crops or raising livestock.
Positive effects of Farming:
a. Application of herbicide, a pesticide used to kill unwanted plants has a
positive effect on soil health.
b. Lime and mineral fertilizers added to soil provide stable optimum growing
conditions for plants.
c. Organic manures and other organic fertilizers provide a source of
food/energy for many soil organisms thus making the soil healthy and
good for planting.
d. provision of water through irrigation and drainage stabilizes soil moisture
and health.
Negative effects of Farming
a. Tillage - It can cause direct damage to soil microorganisms and potentially
expose those to new predators.
b. Pesticides - have long term harmful effects on the overall activity or
population of soil organisms.
2. CONSTRUCTION OF STRUCTURES - Construction activities, such as grading
and filling, reduce soil quality on construction sites.
- Land use conversion usually done to support urbanization activities can cause
rapid soil degradation and sedimentation.
3. WASTE DISPOSAL - Soil quality is adversely affected by improper waste
disposal.
- Soil pollution happens when hazardous chemicals from human and
industrial sewage are carelessly disposed of, altering soil’s natural health and
quality.
METHODS OF SOIL CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION:
1. Forest Protection - Trees as well as other plants and vegetation in the forest
are important in the creation of new soil as leaves and other vegetation rot
and decompose.
2. Buffer Strips - strips or corridors of permanent vegetation used to reduce
water and wind erosion.
- They provide protection where stream banks exist. They can be
created with grass, trees, and shrubs.
3. No-Till Farming - an approach that allows crops to remain in place for a
season. This keeps the soil from being left bare and unprotected.
4. Fewer Concrete Surfaces - Using paving stones for patios and gardens work
to protect the soil. They are also a tool to prevent soil erosion in specific areas.
5. Plant Windbreak Areas - Windbreaks are composed of shrubs, plants and
trees. These will work together to slow the force of wind over ground
areas. This is a method that can also work to prevent erosion of the
soil.
6. Terrace Planting - done by maximizing the topography of the land.
- It benefits from the way the rainwater flows naturally. This is a way to protect
the soil from erosion. It is also a proven method to encourage growth
from moist soil areas.
7. Plant trees - As the tree grows, its roots become even more secure in the
soil. This soil is protected in numerous ways because of the trees’
existence. Erosion is prevented from this planting process.
8. Crop Rotation - It is accomplished by planting and growing a series of
different crops in the same soil. This prevents overgrowth of
pathogens and a lack of fertility in the soil, overall.
9. Water the Soil - This helps to not only nourish the soil but to protect it.
Moist soil is not in danger of erosion due to wind activity.
10. Maintain pH - A pH range of approximately 6 to 7 promotes the readiest
availability of plant nutrients. The pH levels in the soil can be affected
by several pollutants and acid.
11. Indigenous Crops – native crops. Planting these is a way to ensure
conservation efforts. They should be planted even when diverse crops
are being planted, as well.12. Afforestation – tree planting method
wherein the areas under trees are protected. This is usually done by
planting foliage in forest undergrowth areas. It encourages healthy soil
and water absorption.
13. Monitor Grazing - Monitoring the areas where cows and other animals
graze is important. This helps to prevent depletion of the soil. It also
addresses the issue of hoof damage, which can occur to the soil.
14. Dams - These structures work to prevent soil erosion by providing
additional protection.
15. Fertilizers - The use of organic fertilizer improves the quality of soil because
it is composed of readily biodegradable materials make better nutrient
sources.
16. No Soil Compacting - You can do this by creating dedicated paths in your
garden. This helps you to not walk on wet soil causing it to be
compacted.
17. Control Storm Water - Setting up large container to hold excess water in
problem locations is helpful. This water can be re-used for watering
gardens and yards.
18. Monitor Growth of plants - Checking the salient composition and fertility is
important. This is done through regular monitoring of the soil and
overall plant growth.
SOIL CONSERVATION volatile radionuclides are discharged to the stack after scrubbing with
1. Tree Planting sodium hydroxide and filtration through charcoal filter.
2. Terraces Building
3. No-till Farming
4. Contour Plowing
5. Crop Rotation
6. Maintaining Soil pH
7. Water the Soil
8. Salinity Management
9. Promote Helpful Soil Organisms
10. Grow Indigenous Crops

DIFFERENT TYPES OF WASTE

Waste - is an issue in different parts of the world since waste quantities are
generally growing.
- is generated by human activities in all economic sectors and is
regarded as an unavoidable by-product of economic activities.
- unwanted or unusable materials which are disposed of or are intended
to be disposed of or are required to be disposed of by the provisions of
national law. (United Nations Environment Programme)
Solid waste management
- remains a major challenge especially in urban areas like Metro Manila.
- Dominant concerns in the country:
Improper waste disposal
Inefficient waste collection
Lack of disposal facilities
KINDS OF WASTES:
A. Solid Waste. This type of wastes is in solid form like domestic, commercial
and industrial wastes such as plastics, Styrofoam, papers, scrap iron
and sludge from a wastewater treatment plant or air control facility.
B. Liquid Waste. This type of wastes is in liquid form such as chemicals, oils,
and wastewater from ponds and manufacturing industries. It includes
sewage as well as wastewater from industrial processes and
agricultural processing.
C. Gaseous Waste. This type of waste is in gaseous form which usually
originates from chopping and dissolution operations. As an example,
5 R’s : recycling, reusing, repurposing, reducing and recovering.
The main objective of waste management is to reduce the quantity and type
of hazardous substances used to avoid adverse impact on human health and
environment.
WASTE ACCORDING TO GENERATION/ORIGIN
1. Municipal Solid Wastes
Solid wastes that include household garbage, rubbish, construction and
demolition debris, sanitation residues, packaging materials, trade refuges and
others managed by the any municipality.
2. Industrial Wastes
Liquid and solid wastes that are generated by manufacturing and processing
units of various industries like chemical, petroleum, coal, metal, gas, sanitary
and papers.
3. Agricultural Wastes
Waste generated from farming activities. These substances are mostly
biodegradable.
4. Fishery Wastes
Waste generated due to fishery activities like fish viscera, fish bones and
scales. These are extensively found in coastal and estuarine areas.
5. Radioactive Wastes
Waste containing radioactive materials. These are commonly by-products of
nuclear processes.
6. E-Wastes
Waste generated from any modern establishments. They may be described as
discarded electrical or electronic devices.
7. Biomedical Wastes
Solid or liquid wastes including containers, intermediate or end products
generated during diagnosis, treatment and research activities of medical
sciences.
WASTE DISPOSAL PRACTICES:
1. Landfills - a place to dispose waste material by burying or covering over with
soil and become an extending usable land after few years.
2. Dump - an excavated piece of land for waste storage and regulated by the
government. Smaller than a landfill.
3. Composting/Compost Pit
4. Resource recovery and energy recovery
EARTH MATERIAL AND PROCESSES:
What is solid waste?
Solid waste - any garbage, refuse, sludge from waste treatment plant,
water supply treatment plant, or air pollution control facility and other
materials, including solid, liquid, semisolid, contained gaseous resulting
from industrials, commercials, mining, and agricultural operations
from community activities.
Types of Waste
1. Biodegradable waste.
These are the wastes that come from our kitchen, and it includes food
remains, garden waste, etc. Also known as moist waste. This can be
composted to obtain manure. It decomposes themselves over a period
depending on the material.
2. Non-biodegradable waste.
These are the wastes which include old newspapers, broken glass pieces,
plastics, etc. Known as dry waste. Dry wastes can be recycled and can be
reused. Non-biodegradable wastes do not decompose by themselves and
hence are major pollutants.
FIVE TYPES OF WASTE
1. Liquid Waste - commonly found both in households as well as in
industries. It includes dirty water, organic liquids, wash water, waste
detergents and rainwater.
2. Solid Rubbish can include a variety of items found in your household along
with commercial and industrial locations. It commonly broken down into the
following types:
a. Plastic waste – This consists of bags, containers, jars, bottles, and
many other products that can be found in your household. Plastic is
not biodegradable, but many types of plastic can be recycled. Plastic
should not be mix in with your regular waste, it should be sorted and
placed in your recycling bin.
b. Paper/card waste – This includes packaging materials, newspapers,
cardboards and other products. Paper can easily be recycled and
reused so make sure to place them in your recycling bin or take them
to your closest recycling area near your place.
c. Tins and metals – This can be found in various forms throughout
your home. Most metals can be recycled. Consider taking these items
to a scrap yard or your closest recycling area to dispose of this waste
type properly.
d. Ceramics and glass – These items can easily be recycled. Look for
special glass recycling bins and bottle banks to dispose them correctly.
3. Organic Waste - All food waste, garden waste, manure, and rotten meat.
4. Recyclable Rubbish – includes all waste items that can be converted into
products that can be used again.
5. Hazardous Waste - includes all types of rubbish that are flammable, toxic,
corrosive and reactive.
CHARACTERISTICS OF WASTES
1. Corrosive: these are wastes that include acids or bases that are capable of
corroding mental containers, e.g. acid or alkaline solution, rust remover,
battery acid and caustic hot tank waste.
2. Ignitability: this is waste that can create fires under certain condition, e.g.
waste oils and solvents.
3. Reactive: these are unstable in nature, they cause explosions, toxic fumes
when heated, e.g. lithium-sulfur batteries and explosives.
4. Toxicity: waste which are harmful or fatal when ingested or absorbed, e.g.
are the household products in everyday homes that are improperly disposed of
such as old batteries, pesticides, paint, and car oil.
5. Non-Hazardous waste: is any type of industrial waste which, according to
regulations, cannot be added to a dumpster or sewage line. e.g. refuse,
garbage, sludge, municipal trash.
6. Hazardous waste: The most common examples of hazardous waste found
within the home include paints, batteries, solvents, cleaning agents and
pesticides, heavy metals, and chemical sludges.
7. Radioactive: high and low-level radioactive waste. Low-Level Radioactive
Waste (or LLRW) is a regulatory term defined as the broad group or class of
radioactive waste that is not included in the following classes of radioactive
waste: Spent nuclear fuel.
8. Mixed waste: Radioactive organic liquids, radio-active heavy metals. Mixed
hazardous waste is waste which falls into two or more different categories of
hazardous materials. Examples include radioactive contaminated
phenol/chloroform, or blood labeled with a radionuclide.
CAUSES OF INCREASE IN SOLID WASTE
1. Population growth
2. Increase in industrials manufacturing
3. Urbanization
4. Modernization, technological advancement and increase in global
population
SOURCES OF WASTE CAN BE BROADLY CLASSIFIED INTO FOUR TYPES:
1. Industrial Waste. These are the wastes created in factories and industries.
Most industries dump their wastes in rivers and seas which cause a lot of
pollution. Example: plastic, glass, etc.
2. Commercial Waste. Commercial wastes are produced in schools, colleges,
shops, and offices. Example: plastic, paper, etc.
3. Domestic Waste. The different household wastes which are collected during
household activities like cooking, cleaning, etc. are known as domestic
wastes. Example: leaves, vegetable peels, excreta, etc.
4. Agricultural Waste. Various wastes produced in the agricultural field are
known as agricultural wastes. Example: cattle waste, weed, husk, etc.
SOME OF THE MAIN WASTE DISPOSAL METHODS INCLUDE:
1. Incineration- The burning of waste materials at high temperatures to
transform them into gases or residue.
2. Recycling- The conversion of waste material into new products. It aims to
reduce strain on the environment by minimizing the waste that is added to
the water, air, and land.
3. Open Dumping- A simple and inexpensive method which involves the
deliberate disposal of garbage in an open space.
4. Ocean Dumping- Occurs when sewage, garbage, construction debris,
hazardous chemicals etc. are intentionally discarded at sea by ships,
aircrafts and other man-made machines. Incineration of trash at sea is also
included in this definition.
THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT KIND OF WASTE TO PEOPLE AND ENVIRONMENT
- Exposure to hazardous waste can affect human health, children being
more vulnerable to these pollutants.
- Soil, water and air pollution can all be a result of improper waste
disposal and occurs when either of them becomes contaminated with
hazardous materials.
SOURCES OF HUMAN EXPOSURES:
1. Exposures occurs through
a. Ingestion of contaminated water or food
b. Contact with disease vectors
c. Inhalation
d. Dermal
2. Points of contact, Soil adsorption, storage, and biodegrading
3. Plant uptake
4. Ventilation
5. Runoff
6. Leaching
7. Insects, birds, rats, flies, and animals
8. Direct dumping of untreated waste in seas, rivers and lakes results in the
plants and animals that feed on it.
THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF THE IMPROPER REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL OF
WASTE.
1. Soil contamination - It does not only affect plant growth, it is also unhealthy
to humans and animals feeding on those plants. Take the case of plastic
bottles. When they eventually break down, they release DEHA
(diethylhydroxylamine), a carcinogen that affects our reproduction systems,
causes liver dysfunction, and weight loss.
2. Air contamination - Waste that releases dioxins are also dangerous and
pose a health risk when they diffuse into the air that we breathe. Landfill gas
produced by the decomposing wastes, can be explosive and can harm nearby
communities.
3. Water contamination - Untreated sewages can destroy and suffocate
marine habitats, such as corals. Contaminated water is also dangerous and
harmful to humans who consume fish and other marine life.
4. Bad impact on human health - Improper disposal of waste can greatly affect
the health of the population living nearby the polluted area or landfills.
Exposure to improperly handled wastes can cause skin irritations, blood
infections, respiratory problems, growth problems, and even reproductive
issues.
5. Impact on animals and marine life- The effects of pollution caused by
improperly disposed wastes and rubbish, Styrofoam and cigarette butts have
been known to cause deaths in marine animals. Animals who consume grasses
near contaminated areas or landfills are also at risk of poisoning due to the
toxins that seep into the soil.
6. Disease-carrying pests- Mosquitoes breed in cans and tires that collect
water and can carry diseases such as malaria and dengue. Rats find food and
shelter in landfills and sewage, and they can carry diseases such as
leptospirosis and salmonellosis.
7. Adversely affect the local economy- Landfill facilities that are mismanaged
can cause the local economy to sink, which can then affect the livelihood of the
locals.
8. Missed recycling opportunities. There is revenue in recycling. Cities that do
not implement proper removal and recycling of wastes miss on this, miss out
on the resources that can be reused and on the employment opportunities
that a recycling center brings.
9. Causes extreme climate changes Decomposing waste emits gases that rise
to the atmosphere and trap heat. Greenhouse gases are one of the major
culprits behind the extreme weather changes that the world is experiencing.