Environmental Management

Science and Engineering for Industry

I.V Murali Krishna,Valli Manickam

• Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann
• Year: 2017
• ISBN:
  9780128119907
• Topic: Biological Sciences
• Subtopic: Environmental Science
• Index: Biological Sciences

Environmental Management: Science and Engineering for Industry consists of 18 chapters, starting with a discussion of International Environmental Laws and crucial environmental management tools, including lifecycle, environmental impact, and environmental risk assessments. This is followed by a frank discussion of environmental control and abatement technologies for water, wastewater, soil, and air pollution.

In addition, this book also tackles Hazardous Waste Management and the landfill technologies available for the disposal of hazardous wastes. As managing environmental projects is a complex task with vast amounts of data, an array of regulations, and alternative engineering control strategies designed to minimize pollution and maximize the effect of an environmental program, this book helps readers further understand and plan for this process.

• Contains the latest methods for Identifying, abating, or eliminating pollutants from air, water, and land
• Presents up-to-date coverage on environmental management tools, such as risk assessment, energy management and auditing, environmental accounting, and impact assessments
• Includes methods for collecting and synthesizing data derived from environmental assessments

Chapter One

Introduction

Abstract

In this chapter the common issues faced in the world today are discussed to set the tone for the book on major topics such as water and air pollution and hazardous waste management. This chapter brings out the need for environmental management across the world to make it a healthier place in which to live.

Keywords

Air pollution; Solid and hazardous waste management; Water; Wastewater

 

Environmental pollution is one of the most serious problems facing humanity and other life forms on our planet today. Environmental pollution is defined as “the contamination of the physical and biological components of the earth/atmosphere system to such an extent that normal environmental processes are adversely affected.” Pollutants can be naturally occurring substances or energies, but they are considered contaminants when in excess of natural levels. Any use of natural resources at a rate higher than nature’s capacity to restore itself can result in pollution of air, water, and land.

Generally, environmental pollution takes place when the environment cannot process and neutralize harmful by-products of human activities in due course without any structural or functional damage to its system. Although pollution has been known to exist since life began, it has seen a growth of truly global proportions since the onset of the industrial revolution during the 19th century. Environmental pollution is a problem not only in the developed countries but also in developing countries. Factors such as population growth, technological advancement, and urbanization invariably place greater demands on the planet and stretch the use of natural resources to the maximum.

Pollution is something that we face on an everyday basis; probably, this is something we may even be immune to in our fast-paced lives. There are three major types of environmental pollution: air, water, and land pollution. Air and noise pollution are increasing at an alarming rate today. Air pollution occurs with the addition of harmful chemicals into the Earth’s atmosphere. The main pollutants that cause air pollution are carbon monoxide, Chloroflurocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. Water pollution is caused when wastes are released into the water, which contaminates it. Soil can even be contaminated due to various domestic and industrial activities. Noise pollution is also a current environmental issue that causes harm in various ways.

1.1. Water Pollution

Water pollutants include contamination due to domestic wastes, insecticides and herbicides, food processing waste, pollutants from livestock operations, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, chemical waste, and others. Waterborne diseases caused by polluted drinking water include typhoid, amebiasis, giardiasis, ascariasis, hookworm, etc. Waterborne diseases caused by polluted beach water are rashes, ear ache, pink eye, respiratory infections, hepatitis, encephalitis, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach aches, etc.

When water is contaminated with chemicals such as pesticides, hydrocarbons, persistent organic pollutants, or heavy, it could lead to cancer, including prostate cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, hormonal problems that can disrupt reproductive and developmental processes, damage to the nervous system, liver and kidney damage, and damage to the DNA. Specifically, mercury in water can cause abnormal behavior, slower growth and development, reduced reproduction, and death.

Nutrient pollution (nitrogen, phosphates, etc.) causes overgrowth of toxic algae eaten by other aquatic animals, and it may cause death; it can also cause outbreaks of fish diseases. Chemical contamination is known to cause decline in frog biodiversity and tadpole mass. Oil pollution can negatively affect development of marine organisms, increase susceptibility to disease, and affect reproductive processes; it can also cause gastrointestinal irritation, liver and kidney damage, and damage to the nervous system.

Water pollution may disrupt photosynthesis in aquatic plants and thus affects ecosystems that depend on these plants. Terrestrial and aquatic plants may absorb pollutants from water (as their main nutrient source) and pass them up the food chain to consumer animals and humans. Plants may be affected due to large concentrations of sodium chloride in water. They may also be affected by herbicides in water.

Wastewater from the domestic sector is another major contributor to water contamination and subsequent related water-borne diseases. The methodologies for treating potable water are discussed in Chapter 11, and those for treatment of domestic and industrial waste waters are discussed in Chapters 12 and 13.

1.2. Air Pollution

Some of the most important air pollutants are sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, VOCs, and airborne particles with radioactive pollutants. Combustion of fossil fuels produces extremely high levels of air pollution and is a main area now in focus for control.

The general impacts or effects of air pollution on humans include reduced lung functioning, irritation of eyes, nose, mouth, and throat, asthma attacks, respiratory symptoms such as coughing and wheezing, increased respiratory disease such as bronchitis, reduced energy levels, headaches, and dizziness, disruption of endocrine, reproductive, and immune systems neurobehavioral disorders, and cardiovascular problems, and it can sometimes even lead to cancer and premature death.

The impact of acid rain destroys fish life in lakes and streams. Acid rain can kill trees, destroy the leaves of plants, and can infiltrate soil by making it unsuitable for purposes of nutrition and habitation.

Excessive ultraviolet radiation coming from the sun through the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere, which is eroded by some air pollutants, may cause skin cancer in wildlife. Ozone in the lower atmosphere may damage lung tissues of animals. Ozone holes in the upper atmosphere can allow excessive ultraviolet radiation from the sun to enter the Earth causing damage to trees and plants. Ozone in the lower atmosphere can prevent plant respiration by blocking stomata (openings in leaves) and negatively affecting plants’ photosynthesis rates, which will stunt plant growth; ozone can also decay plant cells directly by entering stomata. The details of the technologies that are used to control air pollution are discussed in Chapter 14 of this book.

1.3. Land Pollution

Soil pollution is due to contamination from industrial and domestic pollutants. Some common soil pollutants are hydrocarbons, solvents, and heavy metals. Fossil fuels also contribute to soil contamination and water pollution. Common sources of fossil fuel pollution include power-generating plants, petroleum refineries, petrochemical plants, production and distribution of fossil fuels, road transport (motor vehicles), and shipping and aircraft industries.

Heavy metal contamination in soil is being frequently observed in both developed and developing countries. Lead in soil is especially hazardous for young children, causing developmental damage to the brain, and high levels of mercury can increase the risk of kidney damage; cyclodienes can lead to liver toxicity and cause problems related to depression of the central nervous system as well as causing headaches, nausea, fatigue, eye irritation, and skin rash.

The domestic sector is another significant source of pollution generating municipal solid waste that may end up in landfills or incinerators leading to soil contamination and air pollution. Soil contamination may alter plant metabolism and reduce crop yields. Trees and plants may absorb soil contaminants and pass them up the food chain.

1.4. Environmental Management

In view of the preceding points, it is necessary to adopt methods to conserve the environment and reduce pollution to the natural systems. Environmental planning and management are strategic challenges confronting businesses in the 21st century. The focus of this book is on environmental management to address the issues related to pollution, discuss the legal position across the globe and in the country, and to help the reader plan and manage the environmental pollution-related problems in a more efficient manner. The book also discusses the technological solutions available for air, water, and hazardous waste management.

Chapter Two

Sustainable Development

Abstract

Sustainable development is one of the most important aspects and methods used to conserve natural resources. As a principle, it recognizes that growth must be both inclusive and environmentally sound to reduce poverty and also build prosperity for the present population in addition to meeting the needs of future generations. This chapter brings out the need to balance the utilization of natural resources with the developmental goals of any country.

Keywords

DPSIR; Ecological footprint; Goals; Indicator; Pressure–state–response; SDG; Sustainability

2.1. Introduction

State of environment reports facilitate environmentally related decision-making and contribute significantly to education about the environment and natural resources. This reporting enhances the quality, accessibility, and relevance of data relating to Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) and enables progress toward achieving the broader goals of ESD to be monitored.

State of the environment reporting:

• is scientifically credible: The information it delivers is objectively based on the best available scientific data and advice,

• identifies trends: important issues and emerging issues in the environment. This makes it a valuable tool for decision-makers such as managers, industry, or policy developers,

• assesses efforts to deal with important environmental issues: This information enables performance evaluation on environmental management and assists strategic planning,

• is regular: The frequency of reporting may var...