1) Write short notes on

a) Photochemical smog

Photochemical smog is a brownish-gray haze caused by the action of solar ultraviolet

radiation on atmosphere polluted with hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen. It contains
anthropogenic air pollutants, mainly ozone, nitric acid, and organic compounds, which are trapped
near the ground by temperature inversion. These pollutants and also some others can affect human
health and cause damage to plants. Photochemical smog often has an unpleasant odor due to some
of its gaseous components. The term smog (not to be confused with photochemical smog) is
commonly used to represent a near-ground haze made of a combination of smoke and fog rather
than ozone, nitric acid, and organic compounds.

b) Acid rain

Acid rain results when sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) are emitted into the
atmosphere and transported by wind and air currents. The SO2 and NOX react with water, oxygen
and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. These then mix with water and other
materials before falling to the ground.

While a small portion of the SO2 and NOX that cause acid rain is from natural sources such as
volcanoes, most of it comes from the burning of fossil fuels. The major sources of SO2 and NOX in
the atmosphere are:

 Burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity. Two thirds of SO2 and one fourth of NOX in the
atmosphere come from electric power generators.
 Vehicles and heavy equipment.
 Manufacturing, oil refineries and other industries.

c) Global warming

Global warming is a phenomenon of climate change characterized by a general increase in average

temperatures of the Earth, which modifies the weather balances and ecosystems for a long time. It is
directly linked to the increase of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, worsening the greenhouse
effect.
In fact, the average temperature of the planet has increased by 0.8º Celsius (33.4° Fahrenheit)
compared to the end of the 19th century. Each of the last three decades has been warmer than all
previous decades since the beginning of the statistical surveys in 1850.

At the pace of current CO2 emissions, scientists expect an increase of between 1.5° and 5.3°C
(34.7° to 41.5°F) in average temperature by 2100. If no action is taken, it would have harmful
consequences to humanity and the biosphere.

d) Salination of soil

Soil salinity is the salt content in the soil; the process of increasing the salt content is known
as salinization.[1] Salts occur naturally within soils and water. Salination can be caused by natural
processes such as mineral weathering or by the gradual withdrawal of an ocean. It can also come
about through artificial processes such as irrigation and road salt. Human practices can increase the
salinity of soils by the addition of salts in irrigation water. Proper irrigation management can
prevent salt accumulation by providing adequate drainage water to leach added salts from the soil.
Disrupting drainage patterns that provide leaching can also result in salt accumulations. An
example of this occurred in Egypt in 1970 when the Aswan High Dam was built. The change in the
level of ground water before the construction had enabled soil erosion, which led to high
concentration of salts in the water table. After the construction, the continuous high level of the
water table led to the salination of the arable land.

e) Radioactive pollution

Radioactive contamination is an involuntary release of radioactive substances. The electrons

emitted by radioactive substances can cause irreversible damage to air, water, and nature. With
increasing technology, the need for energy and the inability of existing resources to meet this need
have increased the importance of nuclear energy. However, nuclear power plants are the main
sources of radioactive pollution.120 In addition to the power plants, nuclear weapons factories and
wastes of radioactive materials play an important role in radioactive pollution. In the last 60 years,
nuclear tests have been conducted for military purposes and energy production in the
world.121 These nuclear trials have caused a considerable amount of radioactive contamination to
the environment. Radioactive substances are not only active in the test area but also affect the air
and water. The world’s worst nuclear disasters occurred in 1986 in Chernobyl, Ukraine and in 2011
in Fukushima, Japan. Thousands of people died due to the radiation released from the nuclear
plants.

f) Composting

Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps,
into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants. Anything that grows decomposes
eventually; composting simply speeds up the process by providing an ideal environment for
bacteria, fungi, and other decomposing organisms (such as worms, sowbugs, and nematodes) to do
their work. The resulting decomposed matter, which often ends up looking like fertile garden soil, is
called compost. Fondly referred to by farmers as “black gold,” compost is rich in nutrients and can
be used for gardening, horticulture, and agriculture.

g) Maximum carrying capacity

Maximum Carrying capacity is the maximum number, density, or biomass of a population that a
specific area can support sustainably. This likely varies over time and depends on environmental
factors, resources, and the presence of predators, disease agents, and competitors over time. The
concept of carrying capacity has been explicitly recognized for more than 175 years, and its use has
waxed and waned during this time. Currently, the use of carrying capacity to describe any
particular population requires caution, although the concept remains intuitive and invokes
questions that challenge our fundamental understanding of factors that regulate populations over
time and space.

h) Control method of air pollution

 1. Using public transports
Using public transport is a sure short way of contributing to less air pollution as
it provides with less gas and energy, even carpools contribute to it. In addition to less
release of fuels and gas, using a public transport can also help in saving money.

2. Recycle and Reuse

The concept of recycle and reuse is not just conserve resources and use them
judicially but also is helpful for air pollution as it helps in reducing pollution emissions.
The recycled products also take less power to make other products

3. Reduction of forest fires and smoking

The collecting of garbage and getting it on fire in dry seasons or dry leaves
catching fires is a huge factor for causing air pollution, moreover smoking also causes
air pollution and causes the air quality to worsen along with obviously damaging one’s
health.

4. Use filters for chimneys

The gas that is emitted from fireplaces in homes and factories are extremely
dangerous for air pollution and harms the air quality severely. The use of filters should
be used at least if the consumption couldn’t be lessened, this will help to reduce the
effect of harmful gases absorbing in the air.

5. Implement Afforestation
Last but not the least, plant and grow as many trees as possible. The practice of
planting trees provides a lot of benefits to the environment and helps with the release
of oxygen

i) Disposal of solid waste, Land filling and composting

Garbage arising from human or animal activities, that is abandoned as unwanted and useless is
referred as solid waste. Generally, it is generated from industrial, residential and commercial
activities in a given area, and may be handled in a variety of ways. However, waste can be
categorized based on materials such as paper, plastic, glass, metal and organic waste. Solid waste
disposal must be managed systematically to ensure environmental best practices. Solid waste
disposal and management is a critical aspect of environmental hygiene and it needs to be
incorporated into environmental planning.

Land filling refers to depositing or placement of construction and demolition (C&D) materials as
fill material on land, which results in an elevation of ground level. This also includes filling of
watercourse, such as streamcourse, pond, etc. Land filling activities are usually carried out for
purposes of filling up ponds; leveling off uneven ground surfaces; forming site for development e.g.
landscaping, roads, village houses, car parks or recreation facilities; stockpiling in the form of a fill
bank; or depositing of C&D materials onto land as dumping ground.

Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps,
into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants. Anything that grows decomposes
eventually; composting simply speeds up the process by providing an ideal environment for
bacteria, fungi, and other decomposing organisms (such as worms, sowbugs, and nematodes) to do
their work

j) Disaster management

Disaster management is a process of effectively preparing for and responding to disasters. It

involves strategically organizing resources to lessen the harm that disasters cause. It also involves a
systematic approach to managing the responsibilities of disaster prevention, preparedness,
response, and recovery.

k) Watershed management

Watershed management is a term used to describe the process of implementing land use
practices and water management practices to protect and improve the quality of the water and
other natural resources within a watershed by managing the use of those land and water resources
in a comprehensive manner.

l) Role of engineers in sustainable development

Engineers have played and continue to play a key role in the future of sustainable development.
Whether it is building new products or working on technologies that will innovate the future, they
are instrumental in designing, architecting, and building the way products, goods and services are
delivered and consumed. To boost the nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), engineers
remain key contributors in the vast chain of modern production and consumption of natural
resources to deliver goods, products, and solutions for the larger society. Today, it is crucial for
organizations to invest in co-innovation and collaboration, and work towards a world with reduced
carbon footprint. They must focus on incorporating sustainability by design across business and
operations, and significantly, research and development to enable sustainability in product.

m) Reasons of loss of biodiversity

:

1. Climate change

Climate change impacts biodiversity at various levels: species distribution, population

dynamics, community structure and the functioning of the ecosystem.
 2. Pollution

When we talk about pollution, we may think of car exhaust fumes billowing into the
atmosphere, but biodiversity is not only affected by this type, it is also affected by noise
pollution and light pollution.

3. Destruction of habitats

Soil pollution and changes in its uses due to activities such as deforestation have a negative
impact on ecosystems and the species that make them up.

4. Invasive alien species

Invasive alien species are the second biggest cause of loss of biodiversity in the world,
according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). They act as predators,
compete for food, hybridise with native species, introduce parasites and diseases, etc.

5. Overexploitation of the natural environment

The overexploitation of natural resources, that is, their consumption at a speed greater than
that of their natural regeneration, has an obvious impact on the planet's flora and fauna.

2) Classify pollutant and explain with examples.

Ans :

The classification of pollutants is done from different points of view:

(i) Depending upon their existence in nature pollutants are of two types, namely quantitative and

qualitative pollutants.

(a) Quantitative Pollutants:

These are those substances normally occurring in the environment, who acquire the status of a

pollutant when their concentration gets increased due to the unmindful activities of man. For exam-

ple, carbon dioxide, if present in the atmosphere in concentration greater than normal due to
automobiles and industries, causes measurable effects on humans, animals, plants or property, then

it is classified as a quantitative pollutant.

(b) Qualitative Pollutant:

These are those substances which do not normally occur in nature but are added by man, for

example, insecticides.

(ii) Depending upon the form in which they persist after being released into the environment, the

pollutants are categorized into two types, namely primary and secondary pollutants.

(a) Primary Pollutants:

These are those which are emitted directly from the source and persist in the form in which they

were added to the environment. Typical examples of pollutants included under this category are

ash, smoke, fumes, dust, nitric oxide, sulphur dioxide, hydrocarbons etc.

(b) Secondary Pollutants:

These are those which are formed from the primary pollutants by chemical interaction with some

constituent present in the atmosphere. Examples are: Sulphur trioxide, nitrogen dioxide, aldehydes,

ketones, ozone etc.

(iii) From the ecosystem point of view, i.e., according to their natural disposal, pollutants are of two

types:

(a) Bio-degradable Pollutants:

These are the pollutants that are quickly degraded by natural means. Heat or thermal pollution, and

domestic sewage are considered in this category as these can be rapidly decomposed by natural

processes or by engineered systems such as municipal treatment, plants etc.

(b) Non-degradable Pollutants:

These are the substances that either do not degrade or degrade very slowly in the natural

environment. These include mercury salts, long chain phenolic chemicals, DDT and Aluminum cans

etc.

3) Explain various effects of water pollution.

Ans :

Water pollution can bring about disastrous consequences – for instance, a factory that pumped out
a very toxic waste product into the sea directly contributed to causing neurological illness to an
entire town for many decades (The Minimata Incident). The following are the effects of water
pollution:

 Water pollution drastically affects human health; in fact, it can kill. In 2015 alone, a study
revealed that waterborne illnesses caused 1.8 million deaths worldwide.
 It can cause contamination of drinking water – thereby contributing to waterborne illnesses.
 Water pollution also affects the ecosystem – it can cause a phenomenon called
eutrophication. This can cause fish and other aquatic organisms to die.
 Toxic elements dissolved in water can make their way to humans through fish or other
aquatic organisms.
 Water pollution also leaches chemicals into the soil that may impact the growth of plants or
other food crops.

4) What are the sources of soil pollution?

Ans:

Various Sources of Soil Pollution

1. Agricultural sources

Agricultural practices such as the use of non-organic products in crop and livestock production lead
to soil pollution. These substances include artificial chemical pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and
fertilizers, as discussed below:

2. Industrial sources

Industrial wastes or byproducts are among the leading causes of soil pollution. They can be in the
form of gas, liquid, or solid substances. Carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon
monoxide are some of the gases produced from industrial activities that cause considerable
pollution to soil indirectly.

3. Urban waste
Most developing countries have a problem controlling the disposal of municipal garbage. The
garbage is dumped anyhow and contains wastes such as food waste, plastics, industrial wastes, e-
waste, and general household wastes.

4. Nuclear sources

Every living organism is continuously exposed to background radiation. If the levels of these
radiations exceed a given limit, they lead to disastrous effects. Radiation pollution results from two
sources, that is, the natural and anthropogenic actions.

5. Deforestation

Though not a direct contributing factor to soil pollution, deforestation leads to the removal of the
shield that protects the soil against the agents of erosion. The exposed soil is easily eroded and
exposed to artificial chemical pollutants from the air, wind, and rain.

6. Acid rain

When pollutants in the air such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide mix with rain acid rain occurs,
which has been found to impact soil negatively by dissolving important nutrients and even
changing the soil’s structure.

5) Explain the effects of various air pollutants on human being.

Ans :

Cardiovascular and Heart Problems

If pollutants inhaled by a person penetrate deep into the human body and reach the

bloodstream, many health-related issues can be experienced that require an assessment by

one of the best heart specialists in India. Since the amount of oxygen that reaches the organs

is reduced, it can lead to less blood production. Lead or carbon monoxide poisoning can lead

to muscular problems, mobility issues, high BP and heart diseases that can compel you to

search for the best heart hospital in Vizag.

Neurological and Birth Problems

Women exposed to air pollution during pregnancy have increased levels of toxic chemicals

in the blood that can stress the immune system. Polluted air, when reaches the fetus can

result in issues such as low birth weight or premature birth. Further consequences that can

be experienced include permanent neurological problems such as learning deficits and

lowered IQ. Inhaling airborne particles also increases the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Skin Issues

There are many ways your skin can be damaged via air pollution. Ultraviolet rays can

deplete the ozone layer that can increase one’s chances of acquiring skin cancer. It can also

lead to premature skin aging, skin irritation, and inflammation. This can be either a result of

air pollution or its posterior indirect effect on humans and the environment.

Asthma and COPD

Inhaling particulate matter can irritate your nasal cavity tissues that can cause cough and

runny nose. If fine particles travel deep down to your lungs, it can lead to infection. This can

also cause inflammation that can lead to shortness of breath. People suffering from a chronic

obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are at a higher risk.

6) Explain the various control methods of air pollutants

Ans :

(a) Source Correction Methods:

Industries make a major contribution towards causing air pollution. Formation of pollutants can be
prevented and their emission can be minimised at the source itself.

(b) Pollution Control Equipment:

Sometimes pollution control at source is not possible by preventing the emission of pollutants.
Then it becomes necessary to install pollution control equipment to remove the gaseous pollutants
from the main gas stream.

(c) Diffusion of Pollutants in Air:

Dilution of the contaminants in the atmosphere is another approach to the control of air pollution.
If the pollution source releases only a small quantity of the contaminants then pollution is not
noticeable as these pollutants easily diffuse into the atmosphere but if the quantity of air
contaminants is beyond the limited capacity of the environment to absorb the contaminants then
pollution is caused.
(d) Vegetation:
Plants contribute towards controlling air-pollution by utilizing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen
in the process of photosynthesis. This purifies the air (removal of gaseous pollutant—CO2) for the
respiration of men and animals.

(e) Zoning:
This method of controlling air pollution can be adopted at the planning stages of the city. Zoning
advocates setting aside of separate areas for industries so that they are far removed from the
residential areas. The heavy industries should not be located too close to each other.

7. Explain the various sources of ground water pollution

Ans :

Agricultural Chemicals

Agricultural production has been scaled up in most developed nations. This large-scale production
of farm goods means increased use of farm chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
These chemicals used on farms settle on the ground, and when it rains, they mix with the rainwater
and seep through the porous ground to reach the underground water. That way, the chemicals
pollute the groundwater.

Septic Waste

It is essential that septic waste is treated before it is disposed into the ground. Treatment prevents
harmful substances from getting into the ground and spreading to the water. .

Landfills

As the human population grows, so does the garbage produced daily. This garbage is collected and
taken to particular locations known as landfills where it is buried. Landfills are required to have a
protective layer at the bottom to stop the waste from seeping into the ground.

Hazardous Waste Sites

There are numerous sites around the world where hazardous products such as radioactive
components, war chemicals, electronic waste, and similar products are disposed. The number of
these waste sites keep growing by the day.

Atmospheric Pollutants

Groundwater is maintained through the hydrological cycle which is the movement of water above,
below, and on the surface of the earth. As the water moves, it comes into contact with pollutants in
the atmosphere such as harmful gases. When it rains, the water carries these contaminants into the
ground and pollutes the groundwater.

Underground Pipes
As nations develop, they invent new methods of transporting different products using the
underground pipes. Products such as oil, farm chemicals, cooking gas, and drinking water are
mainly transported through underground pipes.

8. Explain the measures adopted

opted for control of noise pollution. State the zone
zone-wise
permissible ambient noise level recommended by Central Pollution Control Board.

Ans

In industrial areas, the permissible limit is 75 dB for daytime and 70 dB at night.

In commercial areas, it is 65 dB and 55 dB, while in residential areas it is 55 dB and 45 dB during

daytime and night respectively.

Additionally, state governments have declared ‘silent zones’ which includes areas that lie within
100 meters of the premises of schools, colleges, h
hospitals
ospitals and courts. The permissible noise limit in
this zone is 50 dB during the day and 40 dB during the night.
9. Explain the factors affecting population growth rate.

Ans :

Urbanisation.
Rural to urban migration happened in the past centuries in richer nations and is happening
today in poorer nations. It has a significant impact upon population growth because it can
impact upon the birth and death rates of a country. As a country becomes increasingly
urbanised the birth rate tends to rise and death rates tend to fall.
The birth rates rise because people have more access to medical care in cities than in rural
areas thus infant mortality falls and birth rate rises. . Death rates fall in urban areas because
it is cheaper and more economic to provide medical and education services, and to ensure
more reliable food supplies. This means that people get more educated, better fed and can
be treated when sick.

Agricultural change
Agricultural changes have been massive over the past 400 years and we can produce more
food than ever before now. Many of these agricultural changes even at a low level free up
workers from the farms. This allows industrialisation which needs lots of workers and
tends to promote high birth rates. The more regular supply of food from advanced farming
also promotes birth rates (as people are sure they can feed their children) and reduces
famine deaths.

Education
Education plays a vital role in determining the levels of both birth and death rates in a
country and hence the level of population growth. Simple programs in hygiene can impact
upon death rates, while family planning education can reduce birth rates In the longer term,
as education levels increase people tend to have fewer children so that they can focus their
resources in improving the life chances of those few children.

Emancipation of women
In many rich countries women have become over time free to work when they want within
their life. This is not the case in all countries in the world where many women are stuck in
gender specific unpaid (and often very hard) work such as maintaining a household and
subsistence farming plots. Women are much more likely now to go to university and work
for a few years before having their first child. This can result in fewer children being born
per woman as fertility declines with age for women. In 2002 the average age for first births
was 29 years, three years older than in 1971.

10. What are the role of information technology in environment and human health.

Ans :

Information technology, has a significant hand in improving the status in the fields of
environmental education and human health as compared to that of the other respective areas such
as business, economics, and culture or politics. The emerging growth of the internet services and
facilities, geographic information system or GIS, and the data that gets transmitted through
satellites, etc. have generated a higher affluence of the updated information on several aspects of
the environment as well as health. When you look for the variety of software in the market, you will
come across a number of them that created for the health and environment studies in a better way.
They are quite user-friendly and certainly help a learner to understand the respective subject with
ease.

Database on the Environment System Understanding the meaning of database is super easy and
straightforward; it is a collection of connected data on some subjects. It comes in a computerized
form, and you can retrieve the data at any hour of the day whenever needed. The information of
database can easily extract in a computer. When it comes to comprehensive databases, things that
include in it are wildlife database, forest cover database, and conservation database, etc. the
databases are also available for some diseases which include malaria, fluorosis, HIV/AIDS, etc.

 National management information system (NMIS).

 Environmental information system (ENVIS).

 Remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS).

 Geographical information system (GIS)

 The World Wide Web (WWW)

11. What are the roles of CFCs in global environmental change.

Ans :

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and halons destroy the earth's

protective ozone layer, which shields the earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV-B) rays generated
from the sun. CFCs and HCFCs also warm the lower atmosphere of the earth, changing global
climate
Ozone depletion

Man-made compounds such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and

halons destroy ozone in the upper atmosphere (stratosphere). The stratospheric ozone layer makes
life possible by shielding the earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV-B) rays generated from the sun.
Decreased concentration of stratospheric ozone allows increased amounts of UV-B to reach the
earth's surface.

Climate change

While acting to destroy ozone, CFCs and HCFCs also act to trap heat in the lower atmosphere,
causing the earth to warm and climate and weather to change. HFCs, which originally were
developed to replace CFCs and HCFCs, also absorb and trap infrared radiation or heat in the lower
atmosphere of the earth. HFCs, CFCs and HFCs are a subset of a larger group of climate changing
gases called greenhouse gases (GHGs). Taken together greenhouse gases are expected to warm the
planet by 2.5 to 8 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of century.

12. What are the methods to control soil pollution.

Ans :

1. Soil erosion can be controlled by a variety of forestry and farm practices. Ex: Planting trees on
barren slopes Contour cultivation and strip cropping may be practiced instead of shifting
cultivation Terracing and building diversion channels may be undertaken. Reducing deforestation
and substituting chemical manures by animal wastes also helps arrest soil erosion in the long term.

2. Proper dumping of unwanted materials: Excess wastes by man and animals pose a disposal
problem. Open dumping is the most commonly practiced technique. Nowadays, controlled tipping
is followed for solid waste disposal. The surface so obtained is used for housing or sports field.

3. Production of natural fertilizers: Bio-pesticides should be used in place of toxic chemical

pesticides. Organic fertilizers should be used in place of synthesized chemical fertilizers. Ex:
Organic wastes in animal dung may be used to prepare compost manure instead of throwing them
wastefully and polluting the soil.

4. Proper hygienic condition: People should be trained regarding sanitary habits. Ex: Lavatories
should be equipped with quick and effective disposal methods.

6. Recycling and Reuse of wastes: To minimize soil pollution, the wastes such as paper, plastics,
metals, glasses, organics, petroleum products and industrial effluents etc should be recycled and
reused. Ex: Industrial wastes should be properly treated at source. Integrated waste treatment
methods should be adopted.

13. What are the methods to control noise.

 Ans :

Shut the Door when using noisy Machines

We can shut the door after we turn on dishwashers or washing machines for rooms where it is kept
or we can turn them on before leaving the house so that overlapping of exposure to loud noises can
be reduced

Lower the volume

We can listen to songs, radios, TVs in lower volume when listening from headphones or speakers.

Follow the Limits of Noise level

Community law should check the use of loudspeakers, outdoor parties as well as political public
announcements.

Control Noise level near sensitive areas

There should be control on noise level (Silent zones) near schools, hospitals. Place noise limits
boards near sensitive areas.

Go Green by planning trees

We can plant more trees as they are good noise absorbents. According to studies, it can reduce
noise by 5 to 10 decibels Db around them.

Create Healthy noise to eliminate unwanted noise

If we can’t eliminate unwanted noise coming from outside then we can create healthier noise such
as music, singing birds or waterfalls in homes or offices.

Use Noise absorbents in noisy machineries

We can check for pieces of machinery which are creating noise due to vibrations and put some
noise absorbents to reduce noise.

Use Proper Lubrication and Better maintenance

We can use proper lubrication as well as better maintenance of machines to reduce noise pollution
and improve efficiency. It reduces friction between movable parts and helps to reduce noise.

14. Enumerate the types of primary and secondary air pollutants.

Ans :

 The primary pollutants are “directly” emitted from the processes such as fossil fuel consumption,
Volcanic eruption and factories. The major primary pollutants are Oxides of Sulphur, Oxides of
Nitrogen, Oxides of Carbon, Particulate Matter, Methane, Ammonia, Chlorofluorocarbons, Toxic
metals etc.
 The secondary pollutants are not emitted directly. The secondary pollutants form when the primary
pollutants react with themselves or other components of the atmosphere. Most
important secondary level Air Pollutants are Ground Level Ozone, Smog and POPs (Persistent Organic
Pollutants).

15. Compare Genetic and Species diversity

diversity.

16. What are the major strategies of biodiversity conservation adopted in India

Ans :

1. The Central Government has enacted the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. 1972 The Act, inter
alia, provides for the creation of Protected Areas for the protection of wildlife and also
provides for punishment for hunting of specified fauna specified in the sched
schedules I to IV
thereof.

2. Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2010 have been framed for
the protection of wetlands,, in the States.

3. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-
Eco
System also provides assistance to the States for the management of wetlands including
Ramsar sites in the country.
 4. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been established for control of illegal trade in wildlife,
including endangered species..

5. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats‘ has been
modified by including a new component namely ‘Recovery of Endangered Species‘ and 16
species have been identified for recovery viz. Snow Leopard, Bustard (including Floricans

6. Under the ‘Recovery of Endangered Species’ component of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme
‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’ for the recovery of endangered species
viz. Hangul in Jammu and Kashmir, Snow Leopard in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal
Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh, Vulture in Punjab, Haryana and
Gujarat, Swiftlet in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Nilgiri Tahr in Tamil Nadu, Sangai
Deer in Manipur, the government has to spend lakhs of rupees.

7. Protected Areas, viz, National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community
Reserves all over the country covering the important habitats have been created as per the
provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to provide better protection to wildlife,
including threatened species and their habitat.

17. Conservation of biodiversity.

Ans :
Biodiversity conservation is the protection and management of biodiversity to obtain resources for
sustainable development.
Biodiversity conservation has three main objectives:

 To preserve the diversity of species.

 Sustainable utilization of species and ecosystem.
 To maintain life-supporting systems and essential ecological processes.

Biodiversity refers to the variability of life on earth. It can be conserved in the following ways:

 In-situ Conservation
 Ex-situ Conservation

18. Gradient of biodiversity.

Ans:
biodiversity gradient The gradual reduction in biomass and species numbers that occurs with
increasing latitude. There are several theories to explain why life is more abundant in the tropics
than in cooler regions. The simplest explanation is that the greater surface area of the planet at the
equator, compared to the poles, provides more space in which species can evolve. Another theory
suggests that the relative environmental stability of the tropics enables species to specialize to a
greater extent, so that more can be packed into any given ecosystem. Further, the greater input
of solar energy in the tropics increases available resources, resulting in greater biomass and
population sizes compared to colder regions.

19. Explain the effects of various nuclear radiation hazards.

Ans :
Radiation can be categorized into non-ionizing or ionizing depending on the radiated particle’s
energy. Radioactive materials that emit α, β, or γ radiation are the common sources of ionizing
radiation. Visible light, microwaves, infrared light, are the common sources of non-ionizing
radiation. Both types of radiation are harmful to health even though they have few advantages.
Radiation exposure can have different effects depending on the dose received. A key factor in
determining the health effects is whether it is chronic or acute. When a dose of radiation is received
at once, then it can be called an acute exposure, and when a small dose of radiation is exposed for a
long period then it is chronic exposure.
Health effects of radiation can be classified into two categories: threshold effects and non-
threshold effects. Threshold effects appear after a certain level of radiation exposure is reached
and enough cells have been damaged to make the effect apparent. Non-threshold effects can occur
at lower levels of radiation exposure.

20.Explain the Disposal of solid waste, Land filling and composting.

Ans :
Garbage arising from human or animal activities, that is abandoned as unwanted and useless is
referred as solid waste. Generally, it is generated from industrial, residential and commercial
activities in a given area, and may be handled in a variety of ways. However, waste can be
categorized based on materials such as paper, plastic, glass, metal and organic waste. Solid waste
disposal must be managed systematically to ensure environmental best practices. Solid waste
disposal and management is a critical aspect of environmental hygiene and it needs to be
incorporated into environmental planning.

Land filling refers to depositing or placement of construction and demolition (C&D) materials as
fill material on land, which results in an elevation of ground level. This also includes filling of
watercourse, such as streamcourse, pond, etc. Land filling activities are usually carried out for
purposes of filling up ponds; leveling off uneven ground surfaces; forming site for development e.g.
landscaping, roads, village houses, car parks or recreation facilities; stockpiling in the form of a fill
bank; or depositing of C&D materials onto land as dumping ground.

Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps,
into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants. Anything that grows decomposes
eventually; composting simply speeds up the process by providing an ideal environment for
bacteria, fungi, and other decomposing organisms (such as worms, sowbugs, and nematodes) to do
their work
21. What are the methods to control marine pollution.

Ans :
Here are some practical ways that you can help reduce ocean pollution:

1. Use fewer plastics. Plastic pollution makes up a significant portion of the ocean’s debris
because many ocean plastics can take thousands of years to break down properly. One
way to help prevent plastic waste from making its way to the ocean is to reduce the
number of plastic products you use in your own home, from plastic bags to food storage.
Opt for glass, metal, or eco-friendly bamboo materials that take less time to decompose.

2. Opt for multi-use products. Single-use plastics or paper goods like utensils, straws,
paper towels, and plastic bottles are major contributors to ocean pollution. Swapping
these products for multi-use items like metal cutlery or cloth napkins can reduce the
amount of waste you generate with every meal. Keep your own reusable water bottle on
hand rather than buying new bottles from the grocery store.

3. Avoid chemical fertilizers. The chemical fertilizer that you use on your lawn or in your
garden can eventually make its way to the ocean through rivers, rainwater, and other
waterways—even if you live far from the coast. To reduce the chance of leaching
chemical fertilizer and polluting the ocean, opt for natural fertilizer options like compost,
bone meal, and aged manure

4. Recycle. Recycling is a process that converts used materials into new ones, keeping
waste out of trash cans, gutters, and landfills, where they could be taken by wind or
water to the ocean. Reach out to your local recycling plant or waste management
operation for an approved list of recyclables.

5. Lower your energy use. Companies worldwide burn fossil fuels to provide homes with
electricity, heat, gas, and other comforts. Some of these fossil fuels (like oil) are
harvested in the ocean, and burning them releases more carbon dioxide, which
contributes to the acidification of our oceans. Reducing the amount of energy that you
use daily helps reduce the number of fossil fuels we burn.

22. Explain the Disposal of solid waste, Land filling and composting.

Same as qsn no 20

23. What are the methods to control population growth?

Ans:
1. Empower women
Studies show that women with access to reproductive health services find it easier to break out of
poverty, while those who work are more likely to use birth control. The United Nations Population
Fund aims to tackle both issues at once, running microcredit projects to turn young women into
advocates for reproductive health.

2. Promote family planning

Simply educating men and women about contraception can have a big impact. When Iran
introduced a national family planning programme in 1989, its fertility rate fell from 5.6 births per
woman to 2.6 in a decade. A similar effort in Rwanda saw a threefold increase in contraception
usage in just five years.

3. Make education entertaining

The US-based Population Media Center gets creative to reach women. Its radio soap operas, which
feature culturally specific stories about reproductive issues, have been heard by as many as 500
million people in 50 countries. In Ethiopia, 63 per cent of women seeking reproductive health
services reported tuning in.

4. Government incentives
Those at UK charity Population Matters believe there should be a senior government official
responsible for addressing population-related issues. They urge governments to promote
“responsible parenthood” and say subsidies should be limited to the first two children unless the
family is living in poverty.

5) One-child legislation
During China’s high controversial one-child policy, fertility fell from six births per woman in the
1960s to 1.5 in 2014. However, Amnesty International reports that the policy led to coerced or
forced abortions and sterilisations. It also disrupted traditional support structures for the elderly
and led to a gender imbalance.

24. SOLVE 2018 PAPER.

(If anyone got the paper, send me @Lahon)