Environment and Sustainability (4300003) - Summer 2022 Solution

Question 1(a) [3 marks]

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Write short note: Ecological pyramid.

Answer:

Table: Types of Ecological Pyramids

• Energy Transfer: Only 10% energy transfers to next level
• Trophic Levels: Producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers
• Always Upright: Energy pyramid never inverts

Mnemonic: “Number-Biomass-Energy flows UP”

Question 1(b) [4 marks]

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Describe global ecological overshoot.

Answer:

Global ecological overshoot occurs when humanity’s demand exceeds Earth’s regenerative capacity.

Key Components:

• Current Status: Using 1.7 Earth’s worth of resources annually
• Consequences: Climate change, biodiversity loss, resource depletion
• Solutions: Sustainable consumption, renewable energy adoption

Mnemonic: “Demand Exceeds Supply = Overshoot”

Question 1(c) [7 marks]

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What are the Bio-geochemical cycle? Describe any two cycle of them.

Answer:

Bio-geochemical cycles are natural processes that recycle essential elements through biotic and abiotic components.

Carbon Cycle:

graph LR
    A[Atmosphere CO2] --> B[Plants Photosynthesis]
    B --> C[Animals Respiration]
    C --> A
    B --> D[Decomposition]
    D --> A
    A --> E[Ocean Absorption]
    E --> A

Nitrogen Cycle:

• Importance: Essential for protein synthesis and DNA formation
• Human Impact: Fertilizers disrupt natural balance
• Conservation: Reduce chemical fertilizer use

Mnemonic: “Bacteria Fix Nitrogen, Plants Use It”

Question 1(c) OR [7 marks]

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Describe the forest ecosystem state and explain the effects of deforestation and suggest the methods to conserve forest ecosystem.

Answer:

Forest Ecosystem Components:

Effects of Deforestation:

graph TD
    A[Deforestation] --> B[Climate Change]
    A --> C[Biodiversity Loss]
    A --> D[Soil Erosion]
    A --> E[Water Cycle Disruption]

Conservation Methods:

• Afforestation: Planting trees in new areas
• Reforestation: Replanting in deforested areas
• Protected Areas: National parks and sanctuaries
• Sustainable Harvesting: Controlled logging practices

Mnemonic: “Plant, Protect, Practice Sustainability”

Question 2(a) [3 marks]

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Write definition on pollution and pollutant.

Answer:

Definitions:

• Sources: Industrial, domestic, agricultural activities
• Types: Air, water, soil, noise pollution
• Effects: Health problems, ecosystem damage

Mnemonic: “Pollutants cause Pollution”

Question 2(b) [4 marks]

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Explain short note on gravity settling chamber equipment to control air pollution.

Answer:

Gravity Settling Chamber:

Working Principle:

• Applications: Cement, mining, metallurgy industries
• Advantages: Simple design, low maintenance cost
• Limitations: Ineffective for fine particles

Mnemonic: “Gravity Settles Heavy Particles”

Question 2(c) [7 marks]

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Describe solid waste management.

Answer:

Solid Waste Management Hierarchy:

graph TD
    A[Reduce] --> B[Reuse]
    B --> C[Recycle]
    C --> D[Recovery]
    D --> E[Disposal]

Management Methods:

Components:

• Collection: Door-to-door pickup systems
• Transportation: Efficient vehicle routing
• Treatment: Sorting, processing, disposal
• Monitoring: Regular quality checks

Mnemonic: “Collect, Transport, Treat, Monitor”

Question 2(a) OR [3 marks]

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Write effect on noise pollution.

Answer:

Effects of Noise Pollution:

• Sources: Traffic, industries, construction, aircraft
• Measurement: Decibel (dB) scale
• Control: Sound barriers, noise regulations

Mnemonic: “Noise Harms Health and Habitat”

Question 2(b) OR [4 marks]

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What is water pollution? Write list of main water pollutant?

Answer:

Water Pollution Definition: Contamination of water bodies by harmful substances making it unsuitable for use.

Major Water Pollutants:

• Sources: Industrial discharge, domestic sewage, agricultural runoff
• Effects: Disease transmission, ecosystem disruption
• Control: Treatment plants, pollution prevention

Mnemonic: “Chemical, Biological, Physical, Radioactive”

Question 2(c) OR [7 marks]

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What is E-waste? Write impact of E-waste on environment and human health. How to recycle E-waste?

Answer:

E-waste Definition: Electronic waste includes discarded electrical and electronic devices.

Environmental Impact:

graph LR
    A[E-waste] --> B[Soil Contamination]
    A --> C[Water Pollution]
    A --> D[Air Pollution]
    A --> E[Resource Depletion]

Health Impact:

E-waste Recycling Process:

• Collection: Designated collection centers
• Dismantling: Manual separation of components
• Recovery: Extraction of valuable materials
• Disposal: Safe handling of toxic substances

Mnemonic: “Collect, Dismantle, Recover, Dispose Safely”

Question 3(a) [3 marks]

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What is BOD? Give a importance of BOD.

Answer:

BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand):

Importance:

• Water Quality: Indicates organic pollution level
• Treatment Efficiency: Monitors treatment plant performance
• Environmental Health: Assesses aquatic ecosystem condition

Mnemonic: “Bacteria Oxygen Demand measures pollution”

Question 3(b) [4 marks]

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Give a comparison of conventional and Non conventional energy sources.

Answer:

Energy Sources Comparison:

• Conventional: Depleting rapidly, cause greenhouse gases
• Non-conventional: Clean, abundant, future energy solution
• Transition: Global shift towards renewable energy

Mnemonic: “Conventional Pollutes, Renewable Sustains”

Question 3(c) [7 marks]

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Give classification of wind turbines and explain horizontal axis wind turbine.

Answer:

Wind Turbine Classification:

graph TD
    A[Wind Turbines] --> B[Horizontal Axis - HAWT]
    A --> C[Vertical Axis - VAWT]
    B --> D[Upwind]
    B --> E[Downwind]
    C --> F[Darrieus]
    C --> G[Savonius]

Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT):

Components:

Working Principle:

• Wind Direction: Parallel to rotor axis
• Blade Design: Aerodynamic lift principle
• Power Generation: Variable speed operation
• Efficiency: 35-45% energy conversion

Advantages:

• High Efficiency: Better power coefficient
• Mature Technology: Well-established design
• Cost Effective: Lower maintenance costs

Mnemonic: “Horizontal High Efficiency”

Question 3(a) OR [3 marks]

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Explain need for renewable energy.

Answer:

Need for Renewable Energy:

• Fossil Fuel Depletion: Limited reserves, increasing prices
• Climate Change: Urgent need to reduce greenhouse gases
• Sustainable Development: Meet present needs without compromising future

Mnemonic: “Security, Environment, Economy need Renewables”

Question 3(b) OR [4 marks]

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Write a short note on Geo thermal energy.

Answer:

Geothermal Energy:

Heat energy stored beneath Earth’s surface used for power generation.

Types:

• Sources: Hot springs, geysers, underground reservoirs
• Advantages: Continuous availability, low emissions
• Applications: Electricity generation, space heating, industrial processes

Mnemonic: “Earth’s Heat Powers Homes”

Question 3(c) OR [7 marks]

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Explain the principal and working of solar photovoltaic cell. Give its uses.

Answer:

Solar Photovoltaic Cell Principle:

Converts sunlight directly into electricity using photovoltaic effect.

Working Process:

graph LR
    A[Sunlight] --> B[Silicon Cell]
    B --> C[Electron Movement]
    C --> D[Electric Current]
    D --> E[DC Power]
    E --> F[Inverter]
    F --> G[AC Power]

Cell Structure:

Working Steps:

• Photon Absorption: Light energy absorbed by silicon
• Electron Excitation: Electrons gain energy and move
• Current Generation: Electron flow creates electricity
• External Circuit: Current flows through load

Applications:

• Residential: Rooftop solar systems
• Commercial: Solar farms, street lighting
• Industrial: Remote power supply, satellites
• Transportation: Solar vehicles, charging stations

Advantages:

• Clean Energy: No emissions during operation
• Low Maintenance: Minimal moving parts
• Modular: Scalable installation

Mnemonic: “Sun Strikes Silicon, Sparks Current”

Question 4(a) [3 marks]

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Explain Green house effect.

Answer:

Greenhouse Effect:

Natural process where certain gases trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere.

Mechanism:

• Natural Effect: Maintains Earth’s temperature for life
• Enhanced Effect: Human activities increase greenhouse gases
• Result: Global warming and climate change

Mnemonic: “Gases Trap Heat, Earth Heats”

Question 4(b) [4 marks]

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Write international protocol to prevent climate change management.

Answer:

International Climate Protocols:

Key Features:

• Emission Targets: Binding commitments for developed countries
• Clean Development: Technology transfer to developing nations
• Carbon Trading: Market-based emission reduction mechanisms
• Monitoring: Regular reporting and verification systems

Mnemonic: “Kyoto, Paris, Montreal Protect Climate”

Question 4(c) [7 marks]

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Explain biogas plant with neat sketch.

Answer:

Biogas Plant:

Components:

Working Process:

• Loading: Organic waste mixed with water
• Digestion: Bacteria decompose waste anaerobically
• Gas Production: Methane and CO2 generated
• Collection: Gas stored in holder for use

Raw Materials:

• Animal Waste: Cow dung, poultry droppings
• Plant Waste: Agricultural residues, kitchen waste
• Water: Maintains proper consistency

Products:

• Biogas: 50-70% methane for cooking/heating
• Slurry: Excellent organic fertilizer

Advantages:

• Renewable: Continuous gas production
• Waste Management: Converts waste to energy
• Rural Development: Suitable for villages

Mnemonic: “Waste In, Gas Out, Fertilizer Bonus”

Question 4(a) OR [3 marks]

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Write short note on green house gases.

Answer:

Greenhouse Gases:

• Properties: Absorb and emit infrared radiation
• Impact: Trap heat causing global warming
• Control: Reduce emissions, use alternatives

Mnemonic: “CO2, CH4, N2O, F-gases Heat Earth”

Question 4(b) OR [4 marks]

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Explain ozone layer depletion.

Answer:

Ozone Layer Depletion:

Reduction of ozone concentration in stratosphere due to human activities.

Causes:

Process:

• UV Breakdown: UV radiation breaks CFC molecules
• Chlorine Release: Free chlorine atoms released
• Ozone Destruction: Chlorine destroys ozone molecules
• Chain Reaction: One CFC molecule destroys many ozone molecules

Effects: Increased UV radiation, skin cancer, crop damage

Mnemonic: “CFCs Climb, Chlorine Chops Ozone”

Question 4(c) OR [7 marks]

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Explain the term “climate changes and state its causes and effects”

Answer:

Climate Change Definition: Long-term shifts in global weather patterns and temperatures.

Causes:

graph TD
    A[Climate Change Causes] --> B[Natural]
    A --> C[Human Activities]
    B --> D[Solar Variations]
    B --> E[Volcanic Eruptions]
    C --> F[Greenhouse Gas Emissions]
    C --> G[Deforestation]
    C --> H[Industrial Activities]

Human Causes:

Effects:

Environmental Effects:

• Temperature Rise: Global average temperature increase
• Sea Level Rise: Thermal expansion and ice melting
• Weather Extremes: More frequent droughts, floods

Biological Effects:

• Species Migration: Animals moving to cooler regions
• Ecosystem Disruption: Food chain alterations
• Biodiversity Loss: Species extinction rates increase

Human Effects:

• Agriculture: Crop yield changes, food security issues
• Health: Heat stress, disease vector changes
• Economy: Infrastructure damage, adaptation costs

Mitigation Strategies:

• Renewable Energy: Transition from fossil fuels
• Energy Efficiency: Reduce consumption
• Carbon Sequestration: Forest conservation, tree planting
• International Cooperation: Global agreements and policies

Mnemonic: “Human Actions Heat Earth, Everyone Affected”

Question 5(a) [3 marks]

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Explain “Khet Talavadi”.

Answer:

Khet Talavadi (Farm Pond):

Small water harvesting structure in agricultural fields for irrigation.

Features:

• Purpose: Rainwater collection, irrigation during dry periods
• Benefits: Increased crop yield, groundwater recharge
• Construction: Lined with plastic sheets or cement

Mnemonic: “Farm Pond Stores Rain for Crops”

Question 5(b) [4 marks]

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Give goal and advantage of green building.

Answer:

Green Building Goals:

Advantages:

• Environmental: Reduced carbon footprint, waste minimization
• Economic: Lower operating costs, increased property value
• Health: Better indoor air quality, natural lighting
• Social: Enhanced occupant comfort, productivity

Green Building Features:

• Solar Panels: Renewable energy generation
• Rainwater Harvesting: Water conservation
• Green Roofs: Insulation and air purification

Mnemonic: “Green Goals: Energy, Water, Materials, Environment”

Question 5(c) [7 marks]

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Explain various methods of rain water harvesting.

Answer:

Rainwater Harvesting Methods:

Surface Methods:

graph TD
    A[Rainwater Harvesting] --> B[Surface Methods]
    A --> C[Groundwater Methods]
    B --> D[Ponds and Tanks]
    B --> E[Check Dams]
    C --> F[Percolation Pits]
    C --> G[Recharge Wells]

Detailed Methods:

System Components:

• Catchment Area: Surface collecting rainwater
• Conveyance System: Gutters, pipes for transport
• Storage System: Tanks, ponds for holding water
• Filter System: Remove debris and contaminants

Rooftop Harvesting Process:

• Collection: Rain falls on roof surface
• Conveyance: Water flows through gutters and downspouts
• First Flush: Initial dirty water diverted
• Storage: Clean water stored in tanks
• Distribution: Water used for various purposes

Benefits:

• Water Security: Reduce dependence on external supply
• Flood Control: Reduce surface runoff and flooding
• Groundwater Recharge: Replenish underground aquifers
• Cost Savings: Reduce water bills

Design Considerations:

• Rainfall Data: Annual precipitation patterns
• Catchment Area: Available roof/ground area
• Storage Capacity: Based on demand and supply
• Water Quality: Treatment requirements

Mnemonic: “Catch, Convey, Store, Filter, Use”

Question 5(a) OR [3 marks]

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What is Life cycle analysis (LCA)?

Answer:

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA):

Systematic evaluation of environmental impacts of a product throughout its entire life cycle.

LCA Stages:

• Purpose: Identify environmental hotspots, compare alternatives
• Applications: Product design, policy decisions, consumer choices

Mnemonic: “Life Cycle: Raw, Make, Use, Dispose”

Question 5(b) OR [4 marks]

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Give main features of the biological diversity Act, 2002

Answer:

Biological Diversity Act, 2002:

Main Features:

Key Provisions:

• Access Regulation: Control over biological resources
• Sustainable Use: Conservation through utilization
• Community Rights: Recognize local community contributions
• Penalties: Strict punishment for violations

Objectives: Conservation, sustainable use, equitable benefit sharing

Mnemonic: “Biodiversity Act: Access, Benefit, Conserve, Protect”

Question 5(c) OR [7 marks]

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Explain 5R.

Answer:

5R Concept:

Waste management hierarchy for environmental sustainability.

The 5Rs:

graph TD
    A[5R Hierarchy] --> B[1. Refuse]
    A --> C[2. Reduce]
    A --> D[3. Reuse]
    A --> E[4. Repurpose]
    A --> F[5. Recycle]

Detailed Explanation:

Implementation Strategies:

Personal Level:

• Refuse: Say no to single-use plastics
• Reduce: Buy only necessary items
• Reuse: Repurpose containers and materials
• Repurpose: Creative DIY projects
• Recycle: Proper sorting and disposal

Community Level:

• Awareness Programs: Education about 5R principles
• Infrastructure: Recycling facilities and collection systems
• Policies: Regulations promoting waste reduction
• Incentives: Rewards for sustainable practices

Industrial Level:

• Design for Durability: Long-lasting products
• Material Selection: Recyclable and biodegradable materials
• Circular Economy: Closed-loop production systems
• Extended Producer Responsibility: Manufacturer accountability

Environmental Benefits:

• Resource Conservation: Reduced raw material extraction
• Energy Savings: Lower production energy requirements
• Pollution Reduction: Decreased waste generation
• Climate Protection: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

Economic Benefits:

• Cost Savings: Lower disposal and material costs
• Job Creation: Green jobs in recycling and reuse sectors
• Innovation: Development of sustainable technologies
• Market Opportunities: New business models

Social Benefits:

• Community Engagement: Collective environmental action
• Health Improvement: Cleaner environment
• Education: Environmental awareness and responsibility
• Cultural Change: Sustainable lifestyle adoption

Challenges:

• Behavior Change: Overcoming consumption habits
• Infrastructure: Adequate recycling facilities
• Economic Barriers: Initial investment requirements
• Policy Support: Government regulations and incentives

Success Stories:

• Zero Waste Cities: San Francisco, Kamikatsu
• Corporate Initiatives: Company 5R programs
• School Programs: Student environmental education
• Community Projects: Local waste reduction efforts

Mnemonic: “Really Reduce Reuse Repurpose Recycle”