Lec 6- What is landfill - It is a facility that has been engineered to protect both

the environment and people's health!

Types of Landfills:

There are several types of landfills, each with different characteristics and
purposes. Here are the main types of landfills and their differences:

1. Open dump: An open dump is the simplest and oldest form of landfill. It is
essentially a large hole in the ground where waste is simply dumped
without any lining or covering. This type of landfill is not designed to
prevent pollution or protect the environment, and it can cause serious
health and environmental problems.
2. Basic landfill: A basic landfill is an improvement over an open dump, but it
is still relatively simple. It typically has a lining made of clay or plastic to
prevent the escape of pollutants and a layer of soil on top to help contain
the waste. However, it still lacks the advanced engineering and
management practices found in more modern landfills.
3. Engineered landfill: An engineered landfill is designed with modern
engineering and environmental practices in mind. It has multiple layers of
protection, including a bottom liner, a leachate collection system, and a
cover system to prevent contamination of the surrounding environment.
Engineered landfills are also carefully monitored and managed to ensure
compliance with environmental regulations.
4. Bioreactor landfill: A bioreactor landfill is an engineered landfill designed to
accelerate the breakdown of waste through the use of liquid and air
injection systems. This process can speed up the natural decomposition of
organic waste, producing more landfill gas, which can be harnessed for
energy production.

Overall, the key differences between these types of landfills are their level of
environmental protection, engineering, and waste management practices. Open
dumps are the most basic and least protective, while bioreactor landfills are the
most advanced and environmentally friendly.

Lec 7 Water pollution: refers to the contamination of bodies of water, such as

rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater, by harmful substances or pathogens.
These pollutants can include chemicals, sewage, agricultural runoff, oil spills, and
other waste products that can have a harmful impact on aquatic ecosystems and
human health. Water pollution can disrupt the balance of ecosystems, harm
wildlife, and make water unsafe for human use, such as drinking or swimming.

Point sources and Non point sources:

1. Point sources: Point sources of water pollution are discrete locations

where pollutants enter a body of water, such as a factory or wastewater
treatment plant. These sources typically have a specific discharge point,
such as a pipe or outlet, that allows pollutants to enter a waterway in a
concentrated and measurable way.
2. Nonpoint sources: Nonpoint sources of water pollution are diffuse and
scattered, and they do not have a single, identifiable discharge point.
Nonpoint sources can include things like agricultural runoff, urban runoff,
and atmospheric deposition, which can carry pollutants into waterways
through rain or snowmelt.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) refers to the amount of oxygen gas that is dissolved in
water. Oxygen is essential for the survival of many aquatic organisms, including
fish, insects, and bacteria.

If the level of dissolved oxygen in water increases, it can lead to improved water
quality and support for aquatic life. For example, increased DO levels can help
support the growth of fish and other organisms, and can reduce the risk of
harmful algal blooms.

However, if the level of dissolved oxygen in water decreases, it can have a

negative impact on aquatic life. When DO levels are too low, it can lead to
hypoxia, a condition in which the oxygen levels are not sufficient to support life.
This can cause fish and other aquatic organisms to suffocate and die. Low DO
levels can also lead to an increase in certain types of bacteria that can produce
harmful substances and degrade water quality.

HYPOXIA: When dissolved oxygen content below 3.0 mg/L. Many Species move
elsewhere and immobile species may die
ANOXIA: When dissolved oxygen content below 0.5 mg/L. All aerobic species
will die

The oxygen sag curve: is a graphical representation of the changes in

dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in a body of water over time as organic matter is
added and decomposes. As organic matter enters a body of water, it is
consumed by bacteria that use oxygen to break down the organic material. As
the bacteria consume the oxygen, the DO level in the water decreases.

The oxygen sag curve typically has several distinct phases:

 1. Clean water phase: At the beginning of the curve, the water is relatively
free of organic matter and has a high DO level.
2. Decomposition phase: As organic matter enters the water, bacteria begin
to consume oxygen as they break down the organic material. This results
in a decrease in DO levels in the water.
3. Septic phase: As the oxygen-consuming bacteria continue to break down
the organic matter, the DO levels in the water continue to decline.
Eventually, the oxygen consumption rate reaches a maximum, and the DO
level reaches a minimum. This is known as the septic phase.

4. Recovery phase: As the bacteria consume the available organic matter

and use up the available oxygen, the rate of oxygen consumption begins to
slow down. Eventually, the bacteria are no longer able to consume all of
the available organic matter, and the DO level in the water begins to
increase.
5. Clean-up phase: In the final stage, the remaining organic matter is
consumed by bacteria, and the DO level in the water returns to its original
level.

The oxygen sag curve is important in understanding the impact of organic

pollution on aquatic ecosystems.

Water can cleanse themselves if we don't overload them or reduce their flows.

Lec 8

Eutrophication: is the process by which excessive nutrients, such as nitrogen

and phosphorus, enter a body of water, leading to an overgrowth of algae and
other aquatic plants.

Cultural eutrophication: is a specific type of eutrophication that is caused by

human activities, such as agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and the use
of fertilizers. These activities introduce excessive amounts of nutrients into
bodies of water, which can lead to the overgrowth of algae and other plants.

Dead zone: In severe cases, the depletion of dissolved oxygen can create a
"dead zone" in the water, where oxygen levels are too low to support aquatic life.

Lec 9 - Weather: refers to the short-term conditions of the atmosphere in a

specific location, including temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind speed, and
cloud cover. Weather conditions can change rapidly, often over the course of
hours or days.

Climate: is defined in terms of the average of weather elements (such as

temperature and precipitation) over a specified period of time (30 years
according to the WMO).

The Köppen Climate Classification System:

Tropical: tropical climates are characterized by warm temperatures(above 18

degree), high humidity, abundant rainfall, and dense vegetation, and they are
some of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. The high temperatures and
humidity in tropical climates create favorable conditions for the formation of
tropical storms and hurricanes, which can cause significant damage to coastal
areas.

Dry: dry climates are characterized by limited precipitation, high evaporation

rates, high temperatures, sparse vegetation, and unique geological formations.
These regions can be challenging for human habitation and agriculture, and can
also be vulnerable to desertification and land degradation..

Moderate: moderate climates are characterized by moderate temperatures, (-3 -

18C) moderate precipitation, four distinct seasons, deciduous forests, agricultural
production, varied wildlife, and tourism. These climates are often considered
ideal for human habitation, and are home to some of the world's most densely
populated regions.

Polar: Clod throughout the year. Temperature never exceeds 10 degree Celsius
The two polar regions on Earth are the Arctic ( north pole) and the Antarctic
(south pole)

Bangladesh has a subtropical monsoon climate, which is a type of tropical

climate. The country is located in South Asia and is characterized by high
temperatures, humidity, and heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.
The climate in Bangladesh can be divided into three main seasons: a hot and
humid summer from March to June, a monsoon season from June to October
with heavy rainfall and occasional flooding, and a cool and dry winter from
November to February. The average annual temperature in Bangladesh is
around 26°C (79°F), with variations depending on the season and location within
the country.

While Bangladesh is primarily a tropical country, there are some variations in

climate across different regions of the country. For example, areas in the north
and northeast experience cooler temperatures than the rest of the country, and
the southeastern region experiences a higher level of rainfall compared to other
parts of Bangladesh.

3 vulnerability of BD:

Flooding: Bangladesh is located in a low-lying delta region, which makes it highly

vulnerable to flooding. The country is crisscrossed by many rivers, which
regularly overflow during the monsoon season, causing widespread flooding and
damage to homes, crops, and infrastructure.

Cyclones: Bangladesh is also highly vulnerable to cyclones, which can cause

extensive damage and loss of life. The country is located in the Bay of Bengal,
which is a hotspot for cyclone activity. Cyclones in Bangladesh can cause storm
surges, heavy rain, and strong winds that damage homes, crops, and
infrastructure.

Himalayas: Made up

The greenhouse effect is a natural process by which certain gasses in the

Earth's atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide C02, water vapor, and methane
CH4, trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space. This
process helps to keep the Earth's surface warm enough to support life, but when
the concentration of these gasses increases due to human activities such as
burning fossil fuels, it can lead to an enhanced greenhouse effect and contribute
to global warming.

Global warming potential (GWP) is a measure of how much a particular

greenhouse gas, such as carbon dioxide or methane, is estimated to contribute
to global warming over a given period of time, usually 100 years.

Greenhouse effect good or bad: the problem arises when the concentrations of
greenhouse gasses, such as carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere increase due to
human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. This enhanced
greenhouse effect leads to an increase in global temperatures, which can have a
range of negative impacts on the environment and human society. These include
rising sea levels, Global warming and disruptions to ecosystems and agriculture.

So, while the greenhouse effect itself is a necessary and natural process, the
enhanced greenhouse effect caused by human activities is generally considered
to be a negative phenomenon with serious consequences for the planet and its
inhabitants.

Lec 10: Soil:is the thin layer of organic and inorganic materials that covers the
Earth's rocky surface.

Soil pollution: is a problem that arises when pollutants such as chemicals,

heavy metals, and other harmful substances are introduced into the soil through
human activities, such as industrial processes, agriculture, mining, and waste
disposal. Soil pollution can affect soil quality, reduce soil productivity, and
contaminate groundwater, which can have negative impacts on human health,
wildlife, and ecosystems.

The effects of soil pollution: can be wide-ranging and severe. Here are some
examples:

1. Reduced soil fertility: Soil pollution can affect the chemical and biological
processes that support plant growth, leading to reduced soil fertility and
lower crop yields.
2. Contaminated food and water: Soil pollution can lead to the accumulation
of toxic chemicals in crops and groundwater, which can then be consumed
by humans and animals, leading to negative health impacts.
3. Erosion and soil degradation: Soil pollution can increase soil erosion and
degradation, making it more difficult for plants to grow and leading to
desertification in some areas.
4. Negative impacts on wildlife: Soil pollution can harm the soil organisms
and microorganisms that support plant growth and provide habitat for
wildlife, leading to disruptions in ecosystems and the loss of biodiversity.
5. Human health impacts: Exposure to soil pollutants can lead to a range of
negative health impacts, including respiratory problems, neurological
disorders, cancer, and birth defects.