EnvironmentalEnvironmental StudiesStudies STUDY MATERIAL ON Environment Studies NAAC Accredited-2015 ‘B’ Grade (CGPA 2.62) By SOLAPUR UNIVERSITY SOLAPUR Editorial Board Environment Studies • Dr. V. P. Dhulap (Chief Editor) Department of Environmental Science, School of Earth Sciences, Solapur University, Solapur First Edition: • Dr. P. U. Meshram March, 2018 Department of Environmental Science, S.M. Mahavidyalaya and Research Academy, Sakkardara Square, Nagpur First Edition: • Dr. M. N. Jagtap Department of Botany, D.B.F Dayanad Arts, Science As per new Revised Syllabus & Commerce College, Solapur (UGC Model Curriculum • Dr. R. K. Narkhede with effect from June - 2017) Department of Envi. Science, M.U.Mahavidyalay, Udgir- Latur • Dr. S. D. Kulkarni Department of Environmental Science, (PG Dept), New Arts & Science College, Ahmednagar Published by: • Dr. I. B. Ghorade Registrar Department of Environmental Science, Kohinoor Arts, Science & Commerce College, Khultabad, SOLAPUR UNIVERSITY Auranagabad Solapur • Dr. N. G. Shinde Department of Geography, D.B.F Dayanad Arts, Science & Commerce College, Solapur Printed by: • Dr. V. K. Pukale Department of Geography, Sou. Suvarnlata Gandhi Palavi Printers, Solapur Mahavidyalaya, Vairag. Tal-Barshi, Dist- Solapur 129/498, Vasant Vihar, • Dr. D. S. Harwalkar Department of Geography, Mauli Mahavidyalaya Near Old Pune Naka, Wadala Tal - North Solapur, Dist- Solapur Solapur - 413001 • Mr. W.A. Bagwan (Mo.) 9637335551 / 7020828552 Department of Biotechnology, Lokmangal Biotechnology College Wadala, Tal - North Solapur, Dist- Solapur CONTENTS Unit 1 Introduction to Environment Studies 01 Unit 2 Ecosystem 06 Unit 3 Natural Resources- Renewable and non Renewable Resources 30 Unit 4 Biodiversity and Conservation 43 Unit 5 Pollution 67 Unit 6 Environmental Policies and Practices 119 Unit 7 Human Communities and the Environment 130 Unit 8 Field Work 138 References 142 Unit 1: Introduction to Environment Studies Unit 1 Introduction to Environment Studies Everything which surrounds us may be referred to as the environment and the study which covers different aspects of environment, its quality, the maintenance of its quality including conservation of its living and non-living constituents can be collectively referred to as “Environmental science” or “Environmental studies”. The air, soil, water, all living and non-living things around us constitute the environment, which influences our lives. It is from the environment surrounding us that we get food to eat, water to drink, air to breath and all necessities of our daily lives. The environment around us constitutes a “life support system”. The concern for environment is an expression of a fundamental change in human perception of nature, natural resources and wildlife on our planet. The traditional concept, that natural resources are abundant for man to use or abuse, has responsible for massive degeneration of nature, natural systems, environment and wildlife. Department from the traditional perception of human dominance over nature, a more realistic view that man is just species among millions of species and his well being is intimately linked to well being of all other species has now emerged. Man cannot survive alone and aloof from other living beings. The natural systems in which man exists along with all other species must be maintained in a healthy and functional state. Muliti-Disciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies Existence and behavior of living and non-living constituent of environment are covered by laws of physical, chemical, geological and biological sciences. Human behavior and management of human societies are covered by psychological, psychological, and political and social science. Rules framed for maintenance of environment in a healthy state come under jurisdiction of national legislation while agreements reached regarding common problems faced by two or more than two countries come under purview of international law. Different aspects linked with sciences listed above have to be taken into consideration for any study involving environment. The science of environment is, therefore, a multidisciplinary science, which may require attention of experts from different branches of science when decisions regarding environmental matters have to be taken. Environment Studies 1 Unit 1: Introduction to Environment Studies Importance of Environmental Studies and the Necessity of Public Awareness Man has long effected his local environment but it is in the 20 th century only, particularly in the last fifty years that the scope of his influence has expanded to a global state. Today we affect earth systems significantly extracting materials, using energy and emitting pollution in our quest to provide food, shelter and a host other products for the world’s growing population. Over-exploitation of natural resources and pollution of environment are corroding the vital life support systems on which all life depends for its subsistence. Ass natural systems degenerate, it will be difficult to maintain productivity of our agriculture and obtain necessities of our day-to-day life. Chemically altered environment shall make our lives more and more difficult. This is not a healthy sign. We have to reverse the damaging trends. The future of entire humanity is at stake. The earth has already been committed to major environmental change in the years ahead. The raised concentration of green house gases already introduced in the environment shall persist for many centuries no matter what we do. The chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere today will continue to deplete ozone layer for centuries to come. Extinct species shall never come back. Tropical forest ecosystem we have cleared shall take decades to regenerate. The magnitude and rate of change shall depend on whether we decide to act now or do nothing. The steps required to slow down the pace of global change shall touch the lives of all and for adapting to it if needed, enormous efforts shall be required but so may be the consequences of our inaction. Environmental Studies-definition I) John Turk - ‘Environmental science provides an approach towards understanding the environment of our planet and the impact of human life on the environment. It is also a search for solution to the environmental problems that confront us. II) Purdon & Anderson -“Environmental science is an application of knowledge from many disciplines to the study and management of the environment. It deals with the analysis of the conditions, circumstances that influence life, and in turn how life responds to these circumstances.” III) Benard Nebel - “Environmental study is the scientific study of maintenance of eco balance among the various eco system.” Nature of Environmental studies: i) Comprehensive – As it is concerned with all biotic and abiotic factors and the relationship among them, it covers almost the entire plant. ii) Interdisciplinary nature - Environmental science includes natural as well as social sciences. It deals with various problems and seeks solutions to them. Political and economic aspects of the problem are also to be considered. To study different components of environment, knowledge of different disciplines such as geography, geology, zoology, botany, chemistry, microbiology, anthropology, medicine, psychology, history, politics, economics, sociology, physics, mathematics etc. is required. iii) Ever changing - The findings, concepts and conclusions may change in the course of time for some environmental components. It is seen that the intensity of natural as well as man made problems of ecology has increased. The nature of ecological problems such as different kinds of pollution, soil erosion, flood, drought, cyclones, tsunami, global warming, depletion of ozone change from tie to time so is the nature of environmental studies. Environment Studies 2 Unit 1: Introduction to Environment Studies iv) Complex - Various natural components are studies under this science. The study of correlationship between man and environment is also a part of it. Various components of nature are interdependent on one another. This relationship is very complex. v) Beneficial - environment is everything for human. Therefore, a systematic study of natural resources, their utilization, problems arising from their overexploitation, probable solutions to these problems, management of natural resource is needed for the well being of the human beings. Scope of Environmental Studies: i) Understanding nature – Nature of environment, its types, components, its relationship with other sciences, man and nature, ecology and ecosystems, ecological concepts and principles and also many allied things are included and studied under this category. ii) Use of natural resources-Environment is a treasure of resources. Because of population explosion and uncontrolled exploitation, these resources are nearing exhaustion. Proper use, distribution and management of the resources are studied under this category. iii) Study of environmental problems- Increase in industrialization, population, urbanization and overexploitation of resources and their mismanagement result in creation of several eco problems. All the aspects of various kinds of pollution as well as natural calamities like earthquake, volcano, flood, drought, tsunami, cyclones, land sliding, loss of bio diversity, global warming, acid rain and so many problems are studied under this science. iv) Environmental management and planning- Natural balance is disturbed due to unplanned, uncontrolled