Environment and Ecology

Unit I

Environment and Ecosystem: Definition, types, components and segments of environment, Scope and importance, Need for public awareness. Ecosystem: definition, types, structure, Food chain, Food web, Ecological pyramid, Balanced ecosystem. Effects of human activities (food, shelter, housing, agriculture, industry, mining, transportation) on environment, Environmental Impact Assessment, Sustainable development.

Unit II

Natural Resources: Classification. Water resources — availability, sources and quality aspects, water-borne and water-induced diseases, fluoride and arsenic problems. Mineral resources, Material cycles — carbon, nitrogen and sulfur. Energy resources — conventional and non-conventional sources. Forest resources — availability, depletion, environmental impact.

Unit III

Pollution: Public health aspects of environment, Water pollution, Air pollution, Soil pollution, Noise pollution, Solid waste management.

Unit IV

Current Environmental Issues: Global warming, Green house effects, Climate change, Acid rain, Ozone layer formation and depletion, Population growth and automobile pollution, Burning of paddy straw.

Unit V

Environmental Protection: Environmental Protection Act 1986, Initiatives by NGOs, Human population and the environment — population growth, environmental education, women education.