1. Define Environmental Studies and write scope and importance.

Ans. Environmental sciences is the science which studies the interaction between man and the environment, emphasizing the
links between different subjects related to this issue, including ecology, economics, geography, geology, meteorology, politics and
sociology.
Scope of Environmental Studies can be explained by considering the following four segments:
1. Atmosphere: The atmosphere implies the protective blanket of gases, surrounding the earth:
(a) It sustains life on the earth.
(b) It saves it from the hostile environment of outer space.
(c) It absorbs most of the cosmic rays from outer space and a major portion of the electromagnetic radiation from the sun.
(d) It transmits only here ultraviolet, visible, near infrared radiation (300 to 2500 nm) and radio waves (0.14 to 40 m) while
filtering out tissue-damaging ultraviolet waves below about 300 nm.
2. Hydrosphere: The hydrosphere comprises all types of water resources oceans, seas, lakes,
rivers, streams, reservoir, polar icecaps, glaciers, and ground water.
(1) Nature's 97% of the earth's water supply is in the oceans.
(ii) About 2% of the water resources is locked in the polar icecaps and glaciers,
(iii) 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.
3. Lithosphere: Lithosphere is the outer mantle of the solid earth. It consists of minerals occurring in the earth's crusts and
the soil, eg, minerals, organic matter, air and water.
4. Biosphere: Biosphere indicates the realm of living organisms, and their interactions with environment, viz, atmosphere,
hydrosphere and lithosphere.
Importance of Environmental Studies:
(i) Environment influenced and shaped our life. It is from the environment that we get food to eat, water to drink, air to
breathe and all necessities of day-to-day life are available from our environment. Thus, it is the life support system. Hence, the
scope and importance of the environment can be understood.
(ii) The basic concepts of environmental studies are interesting and important too, not only to the scientists engaged in
various fields of science and technology, but also to the personnel involved in resource planning and materials management.
(iii) The tremendous increase in industrial activity during the last few decades and the release of obnoxious industrial
wastes into the environment, have been considerable concern in recent years from the point of view of the environmental
pollution.
(iv) Environmental pollution, on one hand, and deforestation, soil erosion, population explosion, global warming inference
in ecosystem and biosphere on the other are threatening the very existence of life on the earth.
(v) Concepts from environmental studies can be applied to the study of agriculture and the design of sustainable
production systems. Economically studies provide skills necessary to raise the questions and too often obtain answers to some of
the environment problems from which our planet is facing today.

2. Write in brief the structure and functions of an Ecosystem.

Ans. From the structural point of view an ecosystem has two components, namely living and non-living. Each ecosystem has two
main components:

1. Abiotic Components
The non-living factors or the physical environment prevailing in an ecosystem form the abiotic components. They have a strong
influence on the structure. distribution, behaviour and inter-relationship of organisms.
Abiotic components are mainly of two types:
(a) Climatic Factors
Which include rain, temperature, light, wind, humidity etc.
(b) Edaphic Factors
Soils are much more complex than simple sediments. They contain a mixture of weathered rock fragments, highly altered soil
mineral particles organic matter and living organisms. Soils provide nutrients, water, a home and a structural growing medium for
organisms. The vegetation found growing on top of a soil is closely linked to this component of an ecosystem through nutrient
cycling.
The atmosphere provides organisms found within ecosystems with carbon di-oxide for photosynthesis and oxygen for
respiration. The processes of evaporation, transpiration and precipitation cycle water between the atmosphere and the Earth's
surface.
Solar radiation is used in ecosystems to heat the atmosphere and to evaporate and transpire water into the atmosphere. Sunlight
is also necessary for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis provides the energy for plant growth and metabolism and the organic food
for other forms of life..
Most living tissue is composed of a very high percentage of water, up to and even exceeding 90%. The protoplasm of a very few
cells can survive if their water content drops below 10% and most are killed if it is less than 30-50%.
Water is the medium by which mineral nutrients enter and are trans-located in plants. It is also necessary for the maintenance of
leaf turgidity and is required for photosynthetic chemical reactions. Plants and animals receive their water from the Earth's
surface and soil. The original source of this water is precipitation from the atmosphere.
2. Blotic Components
The living organisms including plants, animals and micro-organisms (Bacteria and Fungi) that are present in an form the biotic
components.
On the basis of their role in the ecosystem the biotic components can be classified into three main groups:
(A) Producers:
The green plants have chlorophyll with the help of which they trap solar energy and change it into chemical energy of
carbohydrates using simple inorganic compounds namely water and carbon dioxide. This process is known as photo-synthesis. As
the green plants manufacture their own food they are known as Autotrophs (i.e. auto = self, trophos = feeder)
The chemical energy stored by the producers is utilised partly by the producers for their own growth and survival and the
remaining is stored in the plant parts for their future use.
(B) Consumers: The animals lack chlorophyll and are unable to synthesise their own food. There-fore, they depend on the
producers for their food. They are known as heterotrophs (i.e. heteros = other, trophos feeder)
The consumers are of four types, namely:
(a) Primary Consumers or First Order Consumers or Herbivores: These are the animals Which feed on plants or the
producers. They are called her-bivores. Examples are rabbit, deer, goat,cattle etc.
(b) Secondary Consumers/ Second Order Consumers or Primary Carnivores: The animals which feed on the herbivores are
called the pri-mary carnivores. Examples are cats, foxes, snakes etc.
(c) Tertiary Consumers or Third Order Consumers: These are the large carnivores which feed on the secondary consumers.
Example are Wolves.
(d) Quaternary Consumers or Fourth Order Consumers or Omnivores: These are the largest carnivores which feed on the
tertiary consumers and are not eaten up by any other animal.Examples are lions and tigers.
(C) Decomposers or Reducers: Bacteria and fungi belong to this category. They breakdown the dead organic materials of
producers (plants) and consumers (animals) for their food and re-lease to the environment the simple inorganic and organic
substances produced as by- products of their metabolisms.
FUNCTIONS OF ECOSYSTEM:
Ecosystem function' is the technical term used in the Framework to define the biological, geochemical and physical processes
and components that take place or occur within an ecosystem and how they interact with each other, within ecosystems and
across ecosystems. Sometimes, ecosystem functions are called ecological processes. Various functions of Ecosystem are:
1. Maintaining ecosystem function
Maintaining ecosystem function is important to maintaining the capacity of the region to supply ecosystem services. In the
Framework, ecosystem functions are recognized as important for maintaining ecosystems and biodiversity (the diversity of genes,
species and ecosystems) for their own sake. As well, they may provide contri butions to goods and services (ecosystem services)
that people value. People value ecosystem services in terms of the benefits they provide to their life. For example, the ecosystem
function 'pollination' is critical to the reproduction of most wild plants. As well, this ecosystem function provides direct
contributions to our agricultural sector by pollinating food crops. Our ability to grow food crops, are of value to people because
they physically sustain us (contribute to nutrition) and allow us to choose our own lifestyle (social and economic freedom).
2. Nineteen (19) ecosystem functions
Nineteen (19) ecosystem functions have been listed and described for the purposes of the Framework, providing a detailed
inventory of the structural components and processes occurring in and across the ecosystems of SEQ. The list of data sets applied
to develop the ecosystem function maps and a description of the mapping process is located in the Quick Index.
According to the Framework, those areas with high ecosystem function have the potential to contribute to a wide range of
ecosystem services. This is not to say however that those areas showing few ecosystem functions are not important, they may
provide important contributions to specific ecosystem services or they may be important areas for rehabilitation. In the
Framework, the 19 ecosystem functions have been grouped into 4 categories based on their functional role.
a) Energy Flow
Although matter circulates, energy cannot be reused indefinitely. Solar energy is converted by the photosynthetic producers
(plants) into chemical energy in the form of plant carbohydrates. Herbivores consume the plant carbohydrates and so this
chemical energy is transferred to them. Carnivores consume herbivores. So the energy is circulated further to the next trophic
level. In these animals, this chemical energy is converted mostly into mechanical energy (work done) and heat. The heat is lost to
the atmosphere at each trophic level. At the cell level, chemical energy in the food molecules is transferred into usable energy
and stored as ATP (adenosine triphosphate) molecules. The body cells use the energy stored in ATP for synthesis of new chemical
compounds and their transport and for mechanical work. It is estimated that 90% of the energy is used up at each trophic level
and only 10% of it is transferred to the next trophic level. Finally, at the last trophic level (decomposer) no energy is left for
recycling. Hence, energy flows from sun through producers to consumers in a single direction only. The decreasing energy level at
each step sets the limit of trophic levels to a maximum of 4 or 5. It is the continual trapping of light energy by green plants that
makes good this loss and maintains the uninterrupted flow energy in an ecosystem.
It is found that there is maximum energy at the producer (plant) level and as you go further and further the energy in food goes
on decreasing. Therefore, the herbivores get more energy rich food, than carnivores.
b) Biogeochemical Cycles
Organic materials synthesised by the producers are eaten and assimilated by the consumers. With the help of decomposers, all
the organic materials in the bodies of the consumers are eventually broken down into inorganic materials. These are then rebuilt
into organic compounds by the synthetic activities of the consumers. Thus, matter circulates in nature. Though it may constantly
change it's form, there is no overall loss or gain.
The cyclic flow of nutrients between non-living environment (soil, rocks, air, water) and living organisms is known as
biogeochemical cycle. The major nutrient element i.e. carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen, which form about 95% mass of
the living organism, are circulated again and again between living and non-living components of the ecosystem.
c) Carbon Cycle
The atmosphere contains a pool of CO2. CO2 is removed from the pool by the photosynthetic activities of plants. It is released
back into the environment by respiration which is carried out by all organisms including those micro-organisms (decomposing
bacteria) responsible for the decay of dead plants and animals. Not all dead material decays. Sometimes, dead plants and
animals from fossil fuels such peat, coal, petroleum and petroleum-based gases. Man uses these materials as sources of energy
and when they are burned CO2 is returned to the CO2 pool. as
The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is maintained by a balance between the processes that withdraw carbon
dioxide from it (photosynthesis) and those that add carbon dioxide to it (respiration and combustion). The red arrows represent
the flow of carbon dioxide.
d) Nitrogen Cycle
The nitrogen cycle is complex as it depends on the activities of various bacteria. Nitrate in the soil is built up by plants into
protein which is then passed on to animals, which eat the plants. The nitrogen from the protein is returned to the environment
as ammonia, either from excretory matter or through the action of decomposing bacteria on dead bodies. Various nitrifying
bacteria convert the ammonia back to nitrate (nitrification). The nitrifying bacteria play an important role in replenishing the
environment with nitrate upon which plants are dependent for their protein. Another class of bacteria called denitrifying
bacteria liberates free nitrogen from nitrate which leads to the pool of nitrogen gas being built up in the atmosphere. Some of
this nitrogen is constantly removed by nitrogen fixing micro- organisms, which build it up into nitrate and ultimately protein.

3. Explain renewable and non-renewable energy sources.

Ans. Renewable Resource:
Renewable resources are the source of raw materials that can be reproduced or renewed or replaced within a few human
generations. Examples include timber, food and many alternative fuels such as solar power, wind, biomass, hydropower,
geothermal etc. The renewable resources can be further classified into two types:
(i) Exhaustible resources: are the resources that can get exhausted on its utilization and overexploitation. Examples,
biomass (include plants and animals).
(ii) Inexhaustible resources: are the resources that cannot be exhausted on its utilization. It can be utilized indefinitely
without being depleted. Example, include solar power, wind energy, hydropower, biomass etc.
Renewability is a very popular topic and many natural resources can be categorized as either renewable or non-renewable:
Renewable resources are ones that can be replenished naturally. Some of these resources, like sunlight, air, wind etc., are
continuously available and their quantity is not noticeably affected by human consumption. Though many renewable resources
do not have such a rapid recovery rate, these resources are susceptible to depletion by over-use. Resources from a human use
perspective are classified as renewable only so long as the rate of replenishment/recovery exceeds that of the rate of
consumption.
A renewable resource is a natural resource which can replenish with the passage of time, either through biological reproduction
or other naturally recurri ng processes, Renewable resources are a part of Earth's natural environment and the largest
components of its ecosphere. A positive life cycle assessment is a key indicator of a resource's sustainability. In 1962, Paul Alfred
Weiss defined Renewable Resources as: "The total range of living organisms providing man with food, fibers, drugs, etc."
Renewable resources may be the source of power for renewable energy. However, if the rate at which the renewable resource is
consumed exceeds its renewal rate, renewal and sustainability will not be ensured. The term renewable resource also describes
systems like sustainable agriculture and water resources. Sustainable harvesting of renewable resources (i.e., maintaining a
positive renewal rate) can reduce air pollution, soil contamination, habitat destruction and land degradation. Gasoline, coal,
natural gas, diesel and other commodities derived from fossil fuels, as well as minerals like copper and others are non-renewable
resources without a sustainable yield.
Non-renewable Resources
Non-renewable resources are the source of raw materials that cannot be naturally reproduced or renewed or replace within a
few human generations. These resources are available in finite quantity, which cannot be increased. Examples include fossil fuels,
such as oils, coal natural gas and minerals.
Non-renewable resources are resources that form extremely slowly and those that do not naturally form in the environment.
Minerals are the most common resource included in this category. By the human perspective, resources are non- renewable
when their rate of consumption exceeds the rate of replenishment/ recovery; a good example of this are fossil fuels, which are in
this category because their rate of formation is extremely slow (potentially millions of years), meaning they are considered non-
renewable. Some resources actually naturally deplete in amount without human interference, the most notable of these being
radio-active elements such as uranium, which naturally decay into heavy metals. Of these, the metallic minerals can be re-used
by recycling them, but coal and petroleum cannot be recycled.

4. Describe briefly the causes, effects and control measures of air pollution.
Ans. Air pollution: The term air pollution refers to the contamination of the air around us with pollutants that cause harm to
humans, other living organisms, the natural environment and the atmosphere. The pollutants include smoke and soot formed by
burning of fuel to power the motor vehicles, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used in air conditioners and refrigerators, smoke and
heavy metals (like lead and mercury) discharged by burning of rubbish, the greenhouse gases emitted as vehicular exhaust,
power plants, industries, homes, etc.
Classification of Air Pollution:
The sources of air pollution can be classified in the following ways, 1. Based upon the source of emission of pollutants, they may
be classified as,
(1) Natural Sources: The natural sources of pollutants include the volcanoes, forest fires, sulphur springs, natural geysers, natural
organic and inorganic decays, marsh gases, extra terrestrial bodies, cosmic dust, pollen grains of flowers, soil debris, fungal
spores and photochemical reactions.
(ii) Anthropogenic (or man-made) Sources: The pollutants produced by humans or controlled processes include the domestic
burning of wood, burning of fossil fuels, industrialization and agricultural activities. vehicular emissions, aircraft, wars, nuclear
tests, deforestation, incineration, power generation, mining. metallurgy, waste treatment plants and refrigeration industries.
Air pollution sources can also be classified as,
(1) Primary Sources: The harmful substances are directly released into the atmosphere from an identifiable source.
Examples include ash from a volcanic eruption, carbonmonoxide gas from a motor vehicle exhaust, sulfurdioxide released from
factories.
(i) Secondary Sources: The harmful substances are formed in the air by chemical reaction mechanisms between the
pollutants of the environment. Example, the ground level ozone that forms the photochemical smog, sulphuric acid that forms as
acid rain.
The air pollution sources can also be classified as,
(a) Point Source of Air Pollution: This category includes stationary sources from an equipment or processes that release
pollutants directly into the atmosphere. Examples of point sources of air pollution include the following.
Power plants - Burning of coal and oil produce sulfurdioxide.
Smelters - Metals are separated from ores by smelting (heating to a high temperature to cause the metal to melt). The
process produces contaminant laden air emissions, for example: Sulfurdioxide gases.
Industrial boilers- Toxic air pollutants released are lead, arsenic and acid gases.
Commercial boilers - Produce pollutants such as mercury, dioxin, particulate matter, hydrogen chloride, carbonmonoxide.
Wood and pulp processors - Produce chlorine, persistent organic pollutants, chelating
agents.
Paper mills - Carbondioxide, nitrous oxides, sulfurdioxides.
Refinery - Volatile organic compounds, sulfurdioxide and nitrogen oxides.
Petroleum storage tanks -Leakages in petroleum storage tanks can create fire and
explosion hazards
Incinerators - Toxic gases and ash and other harmful chemicals.
Chemical production - Organic compounds, metal compounds.
(b) Non-point or Diffuse Source of Air Pollution: This category includes the non-point sources such as mobile sources and
area sources that release pollutants into the atmosphere. The mobile sources include road traffic, aircraft emissions, whereas the
area sources include petrol refueling stations, fire extinguishers, aerosol spray cans etc.
The internal combustion engines of automobiles release a variety of air pollutants that include carbon monoxide, nitrogen
dioxide, sulfurdioxide, suspended particles, benzene, formaldehyde, lead and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that have a
profound impact on human health and environment.
Effects of Air Pollution:
The effects of air pollution on the environmental are as tabulated below
Measures to Control Air Pollution
The varied contaminants of the air, like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, lead, particulate matter, methane,
ozone and other toxic air pollutants cause serious damage to human health and property. According to a WHO report, each year,
thousands of people die due to inhalation of poor quality air in the world's major cities. Several investigations have revealed that
more than a billion people are exposed to pollution levels upto a hundred times more than the guidelines recommended by
WHO. Hence, adequate measures need to be taken to mitigate or reduce air pollution to the maximum possible extent. Some of
them are indicated below,
(a) One of the most effective methods to control air pollution in atmosphere is to provide a greater height to the
smoke stacks of the industries. This facilitates the release of pollutants far away from the ground.
(b) Use of proper filters or collectors or electrostatic precipitators to control particulate matter.
(c) The motor vehicle ownership is increasing by the day. Air pollution can be controlled by increasing the energy efficiency
of the vehicles. This leads to minimal consumption of fuel and therefore reduced emissions to air. The vehicles should be well
maintained and serviced at proper intervals to limit the release of pollutants to air.
(d) Air pollution can be minimized by reducing the dependence on private motor vehicles and encouraging people to use
public transport and car pooling.
(e) People should be encouraged to ride bicycles as they are zero emission vehicles, economical, low maintenance
and non-polluting. Bicycling can be a great form of exercise and fun.
(f) The industries should be located far from the residential areas.
(g) Usage of raw materials in industries which cause less pollution should be made mandatory.
Examples:
1. Use non-reactive aqueous solvents, as the organic solvents pollute the atmosphere to a greater extent.
2. Washing of coal, grading of coal and its partial desulfurization helps to remove the pyrites from it, thus causing less
emission of SO, during combustion.
(h) Substitution of fossil fuels by renewable sources of energy like solar energy, thermal energy, nuclear energy etc.,
minimizes the pollution in atmosphere.
(i) Modifying the industrial equipments also helps to minimize air pollution.
Example: Usage of electric or oxygen furnaces in steel industry rather than open hearth furnaces.
(j) While handling the equipments during processing, proper loading should be done. This helps to minimize air pollution.
Example: SO, is released in higher quantities in the atmosphere, if the sulphur plant is loaded with excess of liquid sulphur.
(k) Removal of sulphur dioxide from the power plant by lime scrubbing method helps to minimize air pollution. This is to be
done only when other particulate matters are separated by cyclones or electrostatic precipitators in the power plant itself.
(l) Control of emission of carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide from petroleum refineries by converting them into CO, and
H,O helps to minimize air pollution.
(m) The state government and the central government should have greater cooperation to plan the transport requirement
for public.
5. Describe briefly about causes and control measures of water pollution.
Ans. Water and Water Pollution
We already know that water is the most important resource on the planet. It is the essence of all life on earth. And yet if you ever
see a river or lake around your city, it would be evident to you that we are facing a very serious problem of water pollution. Let
us educate ourselves about water and water pollution.
Water and Water Cycle

Two-thirds of the Earth's surface is covered by water, seventy-six perfect of your body is made up of water. As you already know,
water is everywhere and all around. However, we have a fixed amount of water on earth. It just changes its states and goes
through a cyclic order, known as the Water Cycle.
As shown in the image above, the water cycle is a natural process that is continuous in nature. It is the pattern in which the water
from oceans, seas, lakes, etc. gets evaporated and turns to vapour. After which it goes through the process of condensation, and
finally precipitation when it falls back to earth as rain or snow.
What is Water Pollution?
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (like oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, aquifers and groundwater) usually caused
due to human activities. Water pollution is any change in the physical, chemical or biological properties of water that will have a
detrimental consequence on any living organism.
Drinking water, also called Potable Water, is the water that is considered safe enough for human and animal consumption. This is
water that is generally used for drinking, cooking. washing, crop irrigation, etc. These days, chemicals, bacteria and other
pollutants are even affecting our drinking water. Sources of Water Pollution
Some of the most commonly occurring water pollutants are:
• Domestic waste
• Industrial effluents
• Insecticides and pesticides
• Detergents and fertilizers
Some of the water pollution is caused due to Direct Sources, such as factories, waste management facilities. Refineries, etc. that
directly release waste and harmful by-products into the nearest water source without treating them. Indirect sources include
pollutants that enter the water bodies via groundwater or soil or via the atmosphere as acid rain.
Effects of Pollution of Water
1. Diseases: In humans, drinking or consuming polluted water in any way has many disastrous effects on our health. It
causes typhoid, cholera, hepatitis and various other diseases.
2. Destruction of Ecosystems: Ecosystems are extremely dynamic and respond to even small changes in the environment.
Water pollution can cause an entire ecosystem to collapse if left unchecked.
3. Eutrophication: Chemicals in a water body encourage the growth of algae. These algae form a layer on top of the pond
or lake. Bacteria feed on this algae and this decreases the amount of oxygen in the water body, severely affecting the aquatic life
there.
4. Effects the food chain: Disruption in food chains happens when toxins and pollutants in the water are consumed by
aquatic animals (fish, shellfish, etc.) which are then consumed by humans.
Prevention
The best way to prevent large-scale water pollution is to try and reduce its harmful effects. There are various small changes we
can make to protect ourselves from a scary future where water is scarce.
1. Save water: Conserving water is our first aim. Water wastage is a major problem globally we are only now waking up to
the issue. Simply, small changes you can make domestically will make a huge difference.
2. Better treatment of sewage: Treating waste products before disposing of it in a water body helps reduce water pollution
on a large scale. Agriculture or other industries can reuse this wastewater by reducing its toxic contents.
3. Use environmentally friendly products: By using soluble products that do not go on to become pollutants, we can
reduce the amount of water pollution caused by a household.

6. Write briefly about the disaster management.

Ans. Types of Disasters

There is no country that is immune from disaster, though vulnerability to disaster varies. There are four main types of disasters.
• Natural disasters: including floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and volcano eruptions that have immediate impacts on
human health and secondary impacts causing further death and suffering from (for example) floods, landslides, fires,
tsunamis.
• Environmental emergencies: including technological or industrial accidents, usually involving the production, use or
transportation of hazardous material, and occur where these materials are produced, used or transported, and forest fires
caused by humans.
• Complex emergencies: involving a break-down of authority, looting and attacks on strategic installations, including
conflict situations and war.
• Pandemic emergencies: involving a sudden onset of contagious disease that affects health, disrupts services and
businesses, brings economic and social costs.
Any disaster can interrupt essential services, such as health care, electricity, water, sewage/garbage removal, transportation and
communications. The interruption can seriously affect the health, social and economic networks of local communities and
countries. Disasters have a major and long-lasting impact on people long after the immediate effect has been mitigated. Poorly
planned relief activities can have a significant negative impact not only on the disaster victims, but also on donors and relief
agencies. So, it is important that physical therapists join established programmes rather than attempting individual efforts.
Local, regional, national and international organisations are all involved in mounting a humanitarian response to disasters. Each
will have a prepared disaster management plan. These plans cover prevention, preparedness, relief and recovery.
Disaster prevention
These are activities designed to provide permanent protection from disasters. Not all disasters, particularly natural disasters, can
be prevented, but the risk of loss of li fe and injury can be mitigated with good evacuation plans, environmental planning and
design standards In January 2005, 168 Governments adopted a 10-year global plan for natural disaster risk reduction called the
Hyogo Framework. It offers guiding principles, priorities for action, and practical means for achieving disaster resilience for
vulnerable communities.
Disaster preparedness
These activities are designed to minimise loss of life and damage - for example by removing people and property from a
threatened location and by facilitating timely and effective rescue, relief and rehabilitation. Preparedness is the main way of
reducing the impact of disasters. Community-based preparedness and management should be a high priority in physical therapy
practice management,
Disaster relief
This is a coordinated multi-agency response to reduce the impact of a disaster and its long- term results. Relief activities include
rescue, relocation, providing food and water, preventing disease and disability, repairing vital services such as
telecommunications and transport. providing temporary shelter and emergency health care.
Disaster recovery
Once emergency needs have been met and the initial crisis is over, the people affected and the communities that support them
are still vulnerable. Recovery activities include rebuilding infrastructure, health care and rehabilitation. These should blend with
development activities, such as building human resources for health and developing policies and practices to avoid similar
situations in future.
Disaster management is linked with sustainable development, particularly in relation to vulnerable people such as those with
disabilities, elderly people, children and other marginalised groups.

7. Discuss the role of information technology in environment and human health.

Ans. Technology has played an important role in the development of human society. Modern technologies, for instance,
information technology has immense potential in the field of environment education in addition to other fields like human
health, business, economics, politics or culture. The internet, worldwide web and Geographical Information System (GIS) provide
a wealth of the latest information on several aspects on environmental issues. The development of user-friendly software helps
to enrich our knowledge and understand the subject better.
Database
Database refers to the collection of computerized form of information on various subjects that can be retrieved whenever
desired.
Examples include wildlife database, conservation database, forest cover database etc.
Role of IT in Environment: Remote sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) provide information about the
environment across the globe. GIS is a computer-based tool used for developing digital spatial database with the help of data
obtained from navigation and imaging satellites, aircrafts and digitization of maps. It serves as a tool to query, analyze and map
data to aid the decision-making process.
A number of softwares (MapInfo, ARC/Info, AutoCAD Map etc.,) have been developed for mapping and monitoring a number of
aspects like water resources, industrial growth, urban planning, housing, road network, geographical features such as soil type,
forest cover, cropland, grassland, information about polluted zones, degraded lands, diseased cropland, planning for setting up of
industrial sector, information about natural phenomena such as impending monsoons, ozone layer depletion, oil and mineral
reserves and environmental impact assessment. The other areas of application of GIS technology are transportation planning,
architectural conservation, vehicle routing and scheduling, disaster management, hazardous/toxic factories siting, ground. water
modelling, locating underground water pipes and Y cables for maintenance.
The Ministry of Environment and Forests, b) Government of India has set up an Environmental Information System (ENVIS) in
December 1982 to provide information pertaining to environment and sustainable development to decision makers, policy
planners, scientists, engineers, research workers etc.
ENVIS has a comprehensive network consisting of a chain of 81 network partners (including 30 government departments, 36
institutions, 15 NGOs). Another 4 ENVIS nodes are going to be established soon by involving organizations, institutions,
universities and government departments working in diverse areas of environment which include control of pollution,
desertification, biodegradation of wastes, the Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats, Himalayan ecology and many more.
Role of IT in Human Health: Innovations in the field of information technology has an important impact on human health. It
provides an interactive network where medical facilities, physicians and health care providers (Example: Hospitals, laboratories,
clinics, X-ray facilities) can interact and exchange views and thus increase the quality of the healthcare system across the world.
The applications of information technology are involved in electronic billing, electronic claim submission digital imaging
equipment, basic ledger system to maintain the day-to-day purchases of hospital needs. Computers are used in medical tests like
complex CT scan, ultrasound, MRI etc., to make the medical procedures faster and precise. The medical practitioners use
sophisticated computer aided equipment for bone scan, prenatal ultrasound imaging, blood glucose monitors, advanced
endoscopy during surgery to monitor the patients health.
The latest terms in healthcare include,
(i) Electronic Health Record (EHR) (also known as electronic patient record/computerized patient record). It is an electronic
file cabinet with information of the patients data, patient tracking system in digital format which can be accessible from any
locale. It also consists of health problems, medications, vital signs, previous medical history, immunizations etc. The database is
operated by a set of computers and servers, and all hospitals can have access to the patients record.
This enables the medical practitioner to treat the patient in case of medical alerts and emergencies.
(ii) Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) - In this system, the physician enters the medication orders of a particular
patient, which is then transmitted directly to the pharmacy. This system ensures safety, work flow efficiency and reduced
medication errors.
(iii) Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) - This software assists the physician in medical diagnosis and decision making.
(iv) Picture Archiveing and Communication System (PACS) It stores information of diagnostic images such as X-ray films,
magnetic resonance images, computed tomography from any location.
(v) Bar coding It consists of parallel bars and spaces that can be read by bar code scanners (or optical scanner). It is used for
medication in medical devices. laboratories, etc.
(vi) Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing/eRx) – This is done by the medical practitioner by sending the patient's prescription
to the pharmacy electronically.
Advances in medical technology and information technology will further improve the medical care provided to a wide range of
illnesses in future. A few of the technological advancements that are likely to occur in future are,
(i) Advances in robotics would improve the medical and surgical processes, such as precise performance, less invasive and
surgical procedures (with smaller and few incisions).
(ii) Advances in medical imagery will identify precancerous cells and will be able to treat the diseased tissues (Example:
cryotherapy for cancer treatment).
(iii) Implantable sensors to monitor patients health.
(iv) Development of micro-scale and nano-scale robots to carry out surgical procedures within the body cavities.
(v) Devise nanoparticles that can travel through the body for targeted drug delivery.

8. Describe in brief about various environmental legislations.

Ans. Environmental legislation is a collection of many laws and regulations aimed at protecting the environment from harmful
actions. Learn about the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental laws. The Air (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1981, aimed at checking air pollution via pollution control boards. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is a
landmark legislation which provides for focus in the country for protection of environment and aims at plugging the loopholes in
existing legislation.
Following is a list of the environmental legislations that have come into effect:
General
1986- The Environment (Protection) Act authorizes the central government to protect and improve environmental quality,
control and reduce pollution from all sources and prohibit or restrict the setting and /or operation of any industrial facility on
environmental grounds.
1986 - The Environment (Protection) Rules lay down procedures for setting standards of emission or discharge of environmental
pollutants.
1989 - The objective of Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Rules is to control the generation, collection, treatment,
import, storage and handling of hazardous waste.
1989 - The Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Rules define the terms used in this context and sets up an authority to
inspect, once a year, the industrial activity connected with hazardous chemicals and isolated storage facilities.
1989 - The Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of hazardous Micro- organisms/ Genetically Engineered Organisms or
Cells Rules were introduced with a view to protect the environment, nature and health, in connection with the application of
gene technology and microorganisms.
1991 - The Public Liability Insurance Act and Rules and Amendment, 1992 was drawn up to provide for public liability insurance
for the purpose of providing immediate relief to the persons affected by accident while handling any hazardous substance.
1995- The National Environmental Tribunal Act has been created to award compensation for damages to persons, property and
the environment arising from any activity involving hazardous substances.
1997 - The National Environment Appellate Authority Act has been created to hear appeals with respect to restrictions of areas
in which classes of industries etc. are carried out or prescribed subject to certain safeguards under the EPA.
1998 -The Biomedical waste (Management and Handling) Rules is a legal binding on the health care institutions to streamline the
process of proper handling of hospital waste such as segregation, disposal, collection and treatment.
1999- The Environment (Siting for Industrial Projects) Rules, 1999 lay down detailed provisions relating to areas to be avoided for
siting of industries, precautionary measures to be taken for site selecting as also the aspects of environmental protection which
should have been incorporated during the implementation of the industrial development projects.
2000- The Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000 apply to every municipal authority responsible for
the collection, segregation, storage, transportation, processing and disposal of municipal solid wastes.
2000 - The Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules have been laid down for the regulation of production and
consumption of ozone depleting substances.
2001 - The Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001 rules shall apply consumer and bulk consumer involved in the
manufacture, processing, sale, purchase to every manufacturer, importer, re-conditioner, assembler, dealer, auctioneer, and use
of batteries or components so as to regulate and ensure the environmentally safe disposal of used batteries. 2002 - The Noise
Pollution (Regulation and Control) (Amendment) Rules lay down such terms and conditions as are necessary to reduce noise
pollution, permit use of loud speakers or public address systems during night hours (between 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight) on
or during any cultural or religious festive occasion
2002 - The Biological Diversity Act is an act to provide for the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its
components and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of biological resources and knowledge
associated with it
Forest and wildlife
1927- The Indian Forest Act and Amendment, 1984, is one of the many surviving colonial statutes. It was enacted to 'consolidate
the law related to forest, the transit of forest produce and the duty leviable on timber and other forest produce.
1972- The Wildlife Protection Act, Rules 1973 and Amendment 1991 provides for the protection of birds and animals and for all
matters that are connected to it whether it be their habitat or the waterhole or the forests that sustain them.
1980- The Forest (Conservation) Act and Rules, 1981, provides for the protection of and the conservation of the forests.
Water
1882- The Easement Act allows private rights to use a resource that is, groundwater, by viewing it as an attachment to the land. It
also states that all surface water belongs to the state and is a state property.
1897 - The Indian Fisheries Act establishes two sets of penal offences whereby the government can sue any person who uses
dynamite or other explosive substance in any way (whether coastal or inland) with intent to catch or destroy any fish or
poisonous fish in order to kill.
1956 - The River Boards Act enables the states to enroll the central government in setting up an Advisory River Board to resolve
issues in inter-state cooperation.
1970 - The Merchant Shipping Act aims to deal with waste arising from ships along the coastal areas within a specified radius.
1974 - The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act establishes an institutional structure for preventing and abating water
pollution. It establishes standards for water quality and effluent. Polluting industries must seek permission to discharge waste
into effluent bodies.
The CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) was constituted under this act. 1977 - The Water (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Cess Act provides for the levy and collection of cess or fees on water consuming industries and local authorities.
1978 - The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Rules contains the standard definitions and indicate the kind of and
location of meters that every consumer of water is required to affix.
1991- The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification puts regulations on various activities, including construction, are regulated. It
gives some protection to the backwaters and estuaries.
Air
1948- The Factories Act and Amendment in 1987 was the first to express concern for the working environment of the workers.
The amendment of 1987 has sharpened its environmental focus and expanded its application to hazardous processes.
1981- The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act provides for the control and abatement of air pollution. It entrusts the
power of enforcing this act to the CPCB.
1982- The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules defines the procedures of the meetings of the Boards and the powers
entrusted to them.
1982 - The Atomic Energy Act deals with the radioactive waste.
1987 - The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act empowers the central and state pollution control boards to
meet with grave emergencies of air pollution. 1988 - The Motor Vehicles Act states that all hazardous waste is to be properly
packaged, labelled and transported.

9. Define pollution. Write an essay on pollution.

Ans. The term environmental pollution refers to all the ways and means by which the environment or surroundings are polluted
by human activities. The major types of environmental pollution are air pollution, water pollution, land (soil, pollution, marine
pollution, noise pollution, thermal pollution and radioactive pollution. The pollutants in the environment can affect health, harm
environment and damage the property.
Note: You can include Water and Air pollution information here.

10. Explain the role of an individual in prevention of pollution.

Ans. The role of an individual in pollution prevention is extremely important as it has a major impact on the environment.
Individuals are catalysts for change and when every individual does their part, the impact appears at the community, city, state,
national as well as at the global level.
1. Reduce dependency on fossil fuel. Use community mass transmit system, and prefer to go by walk to short distances.
2. Turning off and unplugging electronic devices when not in use.
3. Adoption of renewable energy sources. Solar energy and wind energy may be harnessed as they do not pollute the
environment.
Use of solar cookers for cooking and solar cells to meet the energy requirements in households.
5. Use of organic products for personal care and cleaning homes.
6. Choosing organic clothes made from cotton, jute, hemp and bamboo products.
7. Use of photovoltaic operated insect killers rather than toxic pesticides on agricultural crops.
8. Regular maintenance of automobiles and machines to reduce noise pollution.
9. Use of ear muffs, ear plugs and white noise machines as a protective equipment for noise attenuation.
10. Reduce the release of high temperature steam/ moisture into the atmosphere.
11. Encourage the growth of oxygen producing plants and discourage deforestation.
12. Limiting the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as they destroy the ozone layer. Replace CFCs with HCFCs
(hydrochlorofluorocarbons).
13. Regulation of population growth to control the demand for materials.
14. Involvement with organizations that coordinate prevention efforts.
15. Volunteering, letter writing and fund-raising activities for improving the environment.
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Environmental Studies Notes
Global Warming
Global warming refers to the increase in Earth's average temperature, mainly due to human
activities. The primary causes include:
- Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.
- Deforestation, which reduces the number of trees that can absorb carbon dioxide.
- Industrial processes that release greenhouse gases.
The effects of global warming are serious, including:
- Rising sea levels that can flood coastal areas.
- More extreme weather events like hurricanes and droughts.
- Melting glaciers and ice caps.
- Disruption of habitats and ecosystems.
To combat global warming, we can:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using less energy and driving less.
- Switch to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
- Improve energy efficiency in homes and industries.
- Plant trees to absorb carbon dioxide.
Ozone Layer Depletion
Ozone layer depletion refers to the thinning of the ozone layer in the atmosphere. This layer protects
us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. The main causes include:
- Release of chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used in refrigerators and sprays.
- Other ozone-depleting substances that escape into the atmosphere.
The consequences of ozone depletion are serious, such as:
- Increased UV radiation leading to higher rates of skin cancer and cataracts.
- Damage to crops and marine life.
To protect the ozone layer, we can:
- Support global agreements like the Montreal Protocol to reduce CFC use.
- Use products that do not contain harmful chemicals.
- Educate others about the importance of the ozone layer.
Solid Waste Management
Solid waste management is the process of collecting and disposing of waste materials. It includes:
- Municipal waste (from homes and businesses).
- Industrial waste (from factories).
- Hazardous waste (toxic or dangerous materials).
Common methods of solid waste management are:
- **Recycling:** Turning used materials into new products to save resources.
- **Composting:** Turning organic waste like food scraps into fertilizer.
- **Incineration:** Burning waste to reduce its volume.
- **Landfilling:** Burying waste in designated areas.
Effective waste management is important because it:
- Reduces pollution in our air, water, and soil.
- Conserves natural resources for the future.
- Protects public health by managing waste properly.
Disaster Management
Disaster management is how we prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters like
earthquakes, floods, and fires. It includes:
- **Preparation:** Assessing risks, training responders, and making plans.
- **Response:** Activating emergency services and providing immediate help to those affected.
- **Recovery:** Rebuilding communities and restoring services after a disaster.
- **Mitigation:** Taking steps to reduce the impact of future disasters.
Effective disaster management is crucial because it:
- Saves lives and protects property.
- Helps communities recover faster after a disaster.
- Reduces economic losses and improves resilience.