Introduction to environment i

environment

1. Introduction to Environment and Environmental studies

2. Environmental Science

3. What is Environmental Science? The study of how humans interact with their environment Our environment is everything that surrounds us, both natural and man-made.

4. Environment: the total of our surroundings All the things around us with which we interact: Living things Animals, plants, forests, fungi, etc. Nonliving things Continents, oceans, clouds, soil, rocks Our built environment Buildings, human-created living centers Social relationships and institutions

5. Environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental studies Environmental Science: Environmental science can be defined as the scientific study of earth, air, water, living organism and the man with his impact on environment. Environmental engineering: Environmental engineering can be defined as the application of engineering principles, to the protection and enhancement of the quality of the environment, public heath and public welfare. So, The environmental engineer plans, designs, constructs and operate sewage treatment plant, water treatment plant, industrial effluent treatment plant, air pollution control equipments etc. Environmental Studies: It can be defined as the branch of study concerned with environmental issues.

6. Importance and scope of Environmental studies Environmental studies is a multidisciplinary subject. The information gained through the study of various disciplines gives us a holistic view of the environment for sustaining life on earth. Environmental studies is important because it deals with the most basic or routine issues like, Safe and clean drinking water, Hygienic living conditions, Clean and fresh air, Fertile land, Healthy food, Sustainable development etc. Scope of Environmental Studies: The scope of environmental studies is very broad and it includes a large number of areas and aspects Natural Resources Ecology, ecosystem and biodiversity Environmental pollution and control Human population and environment Social issues related to development and environment

7. What is Environment??? The word “Environment” is derived from the French word “Environner” that means to encircle or surround . All the biological and non-biological things surrounding an organism are thus included in environment. Environment can be defined as : External surroundings and conditions which directly or indirectly affects the living organism . It can also be defined as : Environment is sum total of water, air, land, interrelationship among themselves and also with human beings, other living organisms and property .

8. Parts of Environment The environment has two parts Biotic Part Abiotic Part Biotic Part: Biotic part is made up of all living organisms which includes Plants, Animals, Birds, micro-organisms Abiotic Part: It is the non-living components of environment which includes Light, Air, Water, Temperature, Humidity, Soil etc.

9. Categories of Environment The environment can be divided into two categories Natural environment Man-made environment

10. Natural Environment It is the environment gifted by God and is operated by self regulation mechanism. The natural environment comprises of 4 spheres: Biosphere: Space occupied by life Atmosphere: Space occupied by air Lithosphere: Space occupied by solid Hydrosphere: Space occupied by water

11. Man-made environment It is the environment created by man through modifications in natural environment for fulfilling their needs. It also includes physical structures like: Dams, canals Roads Vehicles Power plants, industries Buildings