ES ASSIGNMENT - 2

Submitted by:

k. Bhargav reddy

211FA01008

2BT-A

Department of biotechnology

Submitted to:

Dr. shubhalakshmi Sengupta

Assistant professor

Department of chemistry
1. a. Collect air quality data of your area for 10 consecutive days. Analyse this data and
suggest whether there is any need for pollution control in your area (For hostlers univ campus
is your area, mention city/village name, local address, ward number etc.). Discuss various
pollution control approaches which can be undertaken in your locality.

Answer:

Air quality in Vijayawada, like many cities in India, is a significant concern due to high levels of
pollution caused by industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and natural sources such as dust and
wildfires.

To determine whether there is a need for pollution control measures in Vijayawada, it is essential to
regularly monitor air quality index (AQI) data. AQI is a numerical index that measures the level of
air pollution and the associated health effects.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI in Vijayawada ranges from
"Moderate" to "Poor" throughout the year. During the winter months, air quality tends to be worse
due to increased burning of fossil fuels and crop residues.

DATE SO2 NO2 POLLUTION LOCATION

LEVEL
22/4/23 4.8 17.2 85- VIJAYAWADA
MODERATE
23/4/23 3.1 11 84- VIJAYAWADA
MODERATE
24/4/23 6.4 24.3 75- VIJAYAWADA
MODERATE
25/4/23 4.7 15.3 76- VIJAYAWADA
MODERATE
26/4/23 6.4 18.3 82- VIJAYAWADA
MODERATE
27/4/23 5.4 13.5 90- VIJAYAWADA
MODERATE
28/4/23 6.1 17.3 108-RISKEY VIJAYAWADA

Therefore, it is clear that there is a need for pollution control measures in Vijayawada to improve air
quality and protect public health. Several pollution control approaches that can be undertaken in
Vijayawada include:

1. Reducing vehicular emissions by promoting the use of public transportation and electric
vehicles, enforcing emissions standards for vehicles, and encouraging carpooling.

2. Promoting the use of cleaner fuels, such as compressed natural gas (CNG), and phasing out
the use of older, more polluting vehicles.

3. Enforcing regulations on industrial activities to reduce emissions and promote the use of
clean technologies.
 4. Promoting sustainable land use practices, such as preserving green spaces and promoting
green roofs and walls.

5. Implementing a ban on open burning of waste and enforcing regulations on the disposal of
hazardous materials.

6. Encouraging the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce
dependence on fossil fuels.

7. Promoting awareness and education on air pollution and its health effects to encourage
individuals to take action to reduce their contribution to air pollution.

b. Design a questionnaire; take survey of at least 20 people in the area regarding the ways
solid wastes are managed in the locality (mention city name, local address, ward number etc.).
The questionnaire should contain 10 questions relevant to SWM.

ANSWER:

Title: Solid Waste Management Survey

Introduction: We are conducting a survey to gather information on how solid waste is managed in
our locality. Your responses will help us understand the current situation and identify areas for
improvement. Thank you for taking the time to participate.

Instructions: Please read each question carefully and select the answer that best reflects the situation
in our locality. If none of the answer options are applicable to our locality, please select "N/A."

1. How is solid waste collected in our locality?

 Door-to-door collection by the municipality

 Collection by private waste management companies

 Community-based collection by volunteers or NGOs

 Other (please specify):

2. How frequently is solid waste collected in our locality?

 Daily

 Every other day

 Twice a week

 Once a week

 Less than once a week

 N/A

3. What happens to the solid waste after it is collected?

  Sent to a landfill

 Incinerated

 Recycled

 Composted

 Other (please specify):

 Don't know

4. Are there separate bins for different types of waste (e.g. recyclables, organic waste) in our
locality?

 Yes, and they are regularly collected and managed separately

 Yes, but they are not always managed separately

 No, there are no separate bins

 Don't know

5. How satisfied are you with the current solid waste management practices in our locality?

 Very satisfied

 Somewhat satisfied

 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

 Somewhat dissatisfied

 Very dissatisfied

6. What improvements would you suggest for better solid waste management in our locality?
(open-ended question)

7. How important do you think it is to properly manage solid waste in our locality?

 Very important

 Somewhat important

 Not very important

 Not important at all

Demographic Information: Please provide the following demographic information to help us

understand the diversity of opinions in our locality.

1. Age:

 Under 18 years old

  18-24 years old

 25-34 years old

 35-44 years old

 45-54 years old

 55-64 years old

 65 years or older

2. Gender:

 Male

 Female

 Non-binary

 Prefer not to say

3. Education level:

 Less than high school

 High school diploma/GED

 Some college/Associate's degree

 Bachelor's degree

 Graduate degree

4. Occupation:

 Employed full-time

 Employed part-time

 Self-employed

 Unemployed

 Student

 Retired

 Other (please specify):

Thank you for participating in our survey!

2. a. Read carefully the following list of materials given and answer the following questions:

• Zeolite

• Activated Carbons

• rice husk

• Graphene oxide

• Biochar

• Chitosan

i) Predict a common area of environmental protection where these materials can be used
effectively to curb a very an important environmental problem.

Answer:

The materials listed, including Zeolite, Activated Carbons, rice husk, Graphene oxide, Biochar, and
Chitosan, are all effective in environmental protection, particularly in the areas of water and air
pollution control.

Zeolite is a mineral that can absorb and remove pollutants from water, such as heavy metals and
ammonium. Activated Carbons, on the other hand, are highly porous materials that can effectively
adsorb organic pollutants and some heavy metals from water and air.

Rice husk is a waste product from rice production that can be converted into activated carbon,
which can be used for water and air treatment. Graphene oxide, a material derived from graphene,
has been found to be effective in removing contaminants from water and air due to its unique
properties.

Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced from organic waste that can be used to improve soil
quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It can also be used in water and air treatment to
remove contaminants.

Chitosan is a biopolymer derived from chitin, a natural polymer found in the shells of crustaceans. It
has been found to be effective in removing heavy metals and other pollutants from water.

Overall, the use of these materials in environmental protection can help address the problem of
water and air pollution, which has become a major environmental concern globally.

ii) Compare the use of these materials with at least four existing technologies present for
curbing this environmental problem.

Answer:
Here's a comparison of the materials listed with four existing technologies used to curb
environmental problems:

1. Activated Carbon vs Reverse Osmosis Technology Activated carbon is a highly effective

adsorbent for removing contaminants from water and air. However, it has limitations in terms
of its ability to remove dissolved salts and other small molecular contaminants from water. In
contrast, reverse osmosis technology uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove salts and
other contaminants from water. This technology is highly effective in producing pure water,
but it is relatively expensive and requires significant energy input.

2. Zeolite vs Chemical Coagulation Technology Zeolite is a natural mineral with a high surface
area that can effectively remove heavy metals and ammonium from water. It is also effective
in removing odors from water. Chemical coagulation technology, on the other hand, uses
chemicals such as aluminum sulfate or ferric chloride to remove suspended solids and
organic matter from water. While effective, this technology can produce sludge that requires
disposal, and the chemicals used can be costly and potentially harmful to the environment.

3. Graphene Oxide vs Ultraviolet Light Disinfection Technology Graphene oxide is a highly

effective adsorbent for removing contaminants from water and air. It can also be used to
remove bacteria and other pathogens from water. However, it requires large amounts of
graphene oxide to be effective, which can be expensive. Ultraviolet light disinfection
technology uses ultraviolet radiation to kill bacteria and viruses in water. While effective,
this technology requires a relatively high energy input and can be expensive to maintain.

4. Biochar vs Fertilizer Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced from organic waste that can
be used to improve soil quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It can also be used in
water and air treatment to remove contaminants. Fertilizer, on the other hand, is used to
provide nutrients to plants to promote growth. While effective, fertilizer can lead to soil and
water pollution if used improperly. Biochar, in contrast, can help retain nutrients in soil and
reduce the need for fertilizer.

Overall, the materials listed have unique properties that make them effective in environmental
protection, and they can complement or replace existing technologies depending on the specific
environmental problem being addressed. The choice of technology or material used will depend on
various factors, including the type and level of contamination, the location and scale of the problem,
and the availability of resources.

[Link] a research plan for developing these types of materials for curbing the environmental
problem. Each student should give a separate plan.
answer:

Here's a plan for developing these types of materials for curbing environmental problems:

1. Identify the Environmental Problem: The first step is to identify the specific environmental
problem that needs to be addressed, such as water pollution or air pollution. This will help
determine the type of material that is most suitable for the problem.
 2. Research Existing Technologies: Conduct research on existing technologies that are being
used to address the environmental problem. This will help identify gaps in the market and
areas where new materials can be developed to provide a better solution.

3. Material Development: Based on the research, identify the materials that have the potential to
solve the identified environmental problem. This may involve experimenting with different
materials, testing them in lab conditions, and analyzing their performance to determine their
effectiveness.

4. Pilot Testing: Once the materials have been developed, pilot tests can be conducted to
evaluate their effectiveness in real-world conditions. This may involve working with local
communities or industries to test the materials and collect feedback.

5. Scale-Up: If the pilot tests are successful, the next step is to scale-up production of the
materials. This may involve identifying partners, securing funding, and building the
necessary infrastructure to produce the materials at a larger scale.

6. Deployment and Monitoring: Once the materials are being produced at scale, they can be
deployed to address the identified environmental problem. It is important to continuously
monitor the performance of the materials and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that
they are effective.

7. Continuous Improvement: As new technologies emerge and environmental problems evolve,

it is important to continuously improve the materials and adapt them to changing conditions.
This may involve research and development to identify new materials or improvements to
existing materials.

Overall, developing materials to address environmental problems requires a combination of research,

experimentation, and collaboration with local communities and industries. With the right approach,
these materials have the potential to provide effective solutions to some of the most pressing
environmental challenges facing our planet
3a.

This is a graph depicts CO2 emissions of our planet over ages. Look at this graph carefully
and answer the following questions.

i) Deduce the reasons for the drastic change in the CO2 emissions in 20th century (post 1950).

Answer:

the drastic change in CO2 emissions in the 20th century can be attributed to several factors,
including:

1. Industrialization: The period after 1950 saw a significant increase in industrialization,

particularly in developed countries. This led to an increase in the burning of fossil fuels such
as coal, oil, and natural gas for energy production, transportation, and manufacturing.
Burning fossil fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere,
contributing to the rise in atmospheric CO2 levels.

2. Population growth: The world population grew rapidly in the 20th century, particularly after
1950. This led to increased demand for resources such as food, water, and energy, which in
turn led to increased consumption of fossil fuels and other resources. As a result, the CO2
emissions associated with energy production, transportation, and manufacturing also
increased.

3. Changes in land use: Changes in land use, such as deforestation and urbanization, also
contributed to the increase in CO2 emissions. Deforestation, for example, can reduce the
number of trees that absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, while urbanization can
lead to increased use of transportation and energy.

4. Technological advancements: Technological advancements in the 20th century led to

increased energy efficiency and the development of new sources of energy, such as nuclear
 power and renewable energy. While these advancements helped to reduce the emissions from
some sources, such as electricity generation, they were not enough to offset the overall
increase in emissions from other sources.

5. Government policies: Government policies, such as subsidies for fossil fuels and weak
regulations on emissions, also contributed to the increase in CO2 emissions. However, in
recent years, many countries have started to implement policies aimed at reducing emissions,
such as carbon pricing and incentives for renewable energy.

Overall, the drastic change in CO2 emissions in the 20th century can be attributed to a combination
of factors, including industrialization, population growth, changes in land use, technological
advancements, and government policies. Addressing these factors will be crucial to reducing CO2
emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

ii) Justify the at least four concerns you will have as an environmentalist by just looking at this
graph.

Answer:

as an environmentalist, there are several concerns that would arise after seeing the carbon dioxide
levels graph from the start to present. Here are four possible concerns:

1. Climate Change: The increase in carbon dioxide levels is a major contributor to climate
change, which has significant negative impacts on the environment, ecosystems, and human
societies. Rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, sea-level rise, and ocean
acidification are just a few of the consequences of climate change, and these impacts are
likely to become more severe as carbon dioxide levels continue to rise.

2. Biodiversity Loss: Climate change and increasing carbon dioxide levels can also have a
significant impact on biodiversity. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can
alter the habitats of many species, while ocean acidification can have a negative impact on
marine ecosystems. The loss of biodiversity can have cascading effects on ecosystems and
human societies, impacting food security, water resources, and the economy.

3. Human Health: High levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can also have negative
impacts on human health, including increased air pollution, respiratory problems, and
increased risk of heat-related illnesses. Climate change can also lead to the spread of
infectious diseases and the displacement of populations due to extreme weather events.

4. Social Justice: The impacts of climate change and rising carbon dioxide levels are not evenly
distributed, and often have the greatest impact on the most vulnerable communities. Low-
income communities, indigenous peoples, and other marginalized groups are often
disproportionately impacted by environmental degradation, and may have limited access to
resources to adapt to these changes.
In summary, as an environmentalist, concerns regarding climate change, biodiversity loss, human
health, and social justice would arise after seeing the carbon dioxide levels graph from the start to
present. Addressing these concerns will require concerted efforts from individuals, governments,
and the private sector to reduce emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

iii) Prepare a local case study where initiatives are taken for reducing CO2 emissions. Each
case study shall be different for each student.

Answer:

Case Study: Solar Power Initiative for a Small Village in India

The village of Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh, India, has recently implemented a solar power
initiative to reduce its carbon footprint and provide clean energy to its residents. The initiative was
led by a local non-profit organization in collaboration with the village council and received funding
from a government scheme aimed at promoting renewable energy.

Prior to the initiative, the village relied on traditional sources of energy such as kerosene lamps and
firewood, which resulted in high levels of indoor air pollution and deforestation. Additionally, the
village was not connected to the national power grid and had limited access to electricity.

To address these challenges, the solar power initiative involved the installation of solar panels on
the rooftops of homes and public buildings throughout the village. The panels were connected to
battery storage units, which allowed for the storage of excess energy generated during the day for
use at night. The initiative also included the provision of energy-efficient LED bulbs to replace
traditional light bulbs and the installation of street lights powered by solar panels.

The initiative has had a significant impact on the village. Residents now have access to clean and
reliable energy, which has improved their quality of life and reduced indoor air pollution. The use of
solar power has also reduced the village's carbon footprint, as it no longer relies on fossil fuels for
energy. Additionally, the solar power initiative has created local jobs and boosted the local economy,
as the installation and maintenance of solar panels requires skilled labor.

In conclusion, the solar power initiative in the village of Khandwa serves as an excellent example of
a local initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development. The
success of this initiative demonstrates the potential of renewable energy to provide clean, reliable,
and affordable energy to communities around the world while reducing their impact on the
environment.
b.

i) Identify these devices and their area of application.

Answer:

Image 1 is identified as – cyclone separator

Cyclone separators or simply cyclones are separation devices (dry scrubbers) that use the principle
of inertia to remove particulate matter from flue gases.[2] Cyclone separators is one of many air
pollution control devices known as precleaners since they generally remove larger pieces of
particulate matter. This prevents finer filtration methods from having to deal with large, more
abrasive particles later on. In addition, several cyclone separators can operate in parallel, and this
system is known as a multicyclone.

Cyclone separators are devices used to separate solid or liquid particles from gas streams based on
their size, shape, and density. Some applications of cyclone separators include:

1. Dust collection: Cyclone separators are commonly used for dust collection in industrial
settings. They can efficiently remove large particles and dust from exhaust gases before they
are released into the atmosphere, reducing air pollution.
2. Gas cleaning: Cyclone separators are used in gas cleaning applications to remove solid or
liquid particles from gas streams. This is important in industries such as chemical processing,
pharmaceuticals, and food processing where clean gases are required for processing or to
meet environmental regulations.
3. Coal and mineral processing: Cyclone separators are used in coal and mineral processing
plants to separate valuable minerals from waste material. They can efficiently remove large
particles and help to improve the quality of the final product.

Image 2 is identified as - Ammonia Gas Scrubber

Wet scrubbers remove pollutants by injecting liquid into the gas stream. In scrubbers that are
designed to remove particulates (such as dust scrubbers), the particulate is captured by the water
droplets before it is discharged through the exhaust stack. Chemical scrubbers are different; the
liquid in question causes a chemical reaction that strips the chemical pollutant out of the waste
stream. Manufacturers in the chemical industry are required by law to reduce or eliminate their
ammonia gas emissions. Turn to Pollution Systems for reliable, top-quality ammonia scrubbers like
Apzem Ammonia removal scrubber will provide outstanding performance with minimal
maintenance.

Working:
In the case of ammonia scrubbers, dilute sulfuric acid is typically used to neutralize the
ammonia. The resulting byproduct, a form of salt, is collected and removed through the wastewater
blow down, as the treated air stream is exhausted through the stack.

Efficiency is critical for ammonia scrubbers. Due to its toxicity, ammonia gas is a regulated
compound that needs to be treated below established limits before it is released into the atmosphere.

An ammonium gas scrubber is a device used to remove ammonia gas from industrial exhaust
streams. Some applications of ammonium gas scrubbers include:

1. Agriculture: Ammonia gas scrubbers are used in livestock and poultry farms to reduce
ammonia emissions, which can cause health problems for animals and workers.

2. Chemical industry: Ammonia gas scrubbers are used in chemical manufacturing plants to
capture ammonia vapors released during the production process. This prevents the release of
ammonia into the atmosphere and reduces air pollution.

3. Waste treatment plants: Ammonia gas scrubbers are used in wastewater treatment plants to
remove ammonia from the exhaust gases produced during the treatment process. This helps
to reduce the environmental impact of wastewater treatment and improve air quality.

Image 3 is identified as - Electrostatic Precipitator

An electrostatic precipitator (ESP) is defined as a filtration device that is used to remove fine
particles like smoke and fine dust from the flowing gas. It is the most commonly used device for air
pollution control. They are used in industries like steel plants, and thermal energy plants.
In 1907, chemistry professor Frederick Gardner Cottrell patented the first electrostatic precipitator
used to collect sulphuric acid mist and lead oxide fumes emitted from various acid-making and
smelting activities.
Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) are devices used to remove fine particles such as dust, smoke, and
other pollutants from industrial exhaust gases. Some applications of electrostatic precipitators
include:

1. Power generation: Electrostatic precipitators are commonly used in coal-fired power plants to
control particulate emissions. They can remove up to 99% of the fly ash and other fine
particles generated during the combustion process, reducing air pollution.
 2. Chemical industry: Electrostatic precipitators are used in the chemical industry to remove
fine particles from exhaust gases generated during the production process. This helps to
reduce air pollution and meet environmental regulations.

3. Cement industry: Electrostatic precipitators are used in cement plants to control particulate
emissions generated during the production process. They can remove up to 99% of the dust
and other fine particles, reducing air pollution and improving workplace safety.

ii) Design a new device combining these devices. Give a schematic representation and predict
the functioning of these devices. Each student design should be unique.

Answer:

Combining an electrostatic precipitator (ESP), ammonium gas scrubber, and cyclone separator into
a single device could be a promising solution for industries that generate particulate matter,
ammonia gas, and other pollutants. This device could be called an Electrostatic Cyclone
Ammonium Scrubber (ECAS).
The ECAS would operate in multiple stages. First, the gas stream would enter the cyclone separator,
where larger particles and droplets would be separated by centrifugal force. The separated particles
would then be removed from the gas stream and collected in a hopper or container. Next, the gas
stream would enter the ammonium gas scrubber stage, where ammonia gas would be removed by
contact with a scrubbing solution, such as an acidic solution. Finally, the gas stream would enter the
electrostatic precipitator stage, where remaining fine particles would be charged and attracted to
collector plates of opposite charge, removing them from the gas stream.

The ECAS would have several advantages over using separate devices. It would remove particulate
matter, ammonia gas, and other pollutants in a single device, reducing the number of devices needed
in a process and saving space. Additionally, combining the technologies would result in lower
energy consumption and operating costs.

However, designing and optimizing such a device would be challenging, as it would need to balance
the needs of all three technologies while maintaining high efficiency and effectiveness in removing
pollutants. Nonetheless, the ECAS has the potential to be a promising solution for air pollution
control in industries such as agriculture, chemical manufacturing, waste treatment, and
semiconductor manufacturing.

4. Students should participate in any environmental awareness initiative and submit proofs of it.

Or

Students should undertake biodiversity mapping in their house area or at campus and submit a
report.

Answer:
The study area: Vignan university

Collected data: Collected relevant data such as satellite images, aerial photographs, topographic
maps, and land-use data to understand the physical and environmental characteristics of the
university and various type of flora and fauna.
Identified biodiversity elements: Identified different types of biodiversity elements such as
vegetation cover - trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, water bodies, and other habitats within the study
area.

Flora covered –

1 Bacopa monnieri L. is best nervine tonic and memory enhancer.

2 Magnolia × alba treats Antidepressant and anxiolytic, aches, pains, soreness, or cramps,

cardiac disorders, menstrual cramps, improve respiratory health, detoxify the body, boost

cognition, prevent cancer, soothe the digestive system, stimulate the appetite.

3 Flowering herb like Catharanthus roseus used to treat diabetes, malaria, and Hodgkin's

lymphoma and treatment of leukemia.

4 Thymus vulgaris is the best used for treatment of bedwetting, diarrhoea, stomach ache,

arthritis, colic, sore throat, cough, bronchitis, flatulence and as a diuretic.

5 Aloe barbadensis L. fights against breast cancer, laxative, skin treatment, controls BP.

adaptogen, boosts immunity, rich of vitamins, minerals, & amino acids.

6 Plectranthus scutellarioides treats Dyspepsia, Ophthalmia, Headaches, Bruises,

Emmenagogue, Contraceptive, Diyspphasia.

7 Beautiful variety of Passiflora Incarnata is a climbing herb for anxiety, insomnia,

seizures, and hysteria. It is still used today to treat anxiety and insomnia.

8 Cymbopogan flexosus commonly known as lemon grass, wonderful herb act as essential

oil, used in confectionery and culinary Purposes, drugs, flavoring, insect repellents,

liquors and perfumery.

9 Lavandula angustifolia used as herbal tea, lotion, against clothing moths and massage

oil.

10 Glycorrhiza glabra Linn exhibits laxative, demulcent, tonics, aphrodisiac, sore throat,

cough, genitourinary diseases, anorexia, asthma, persistent low fever.

Fauna covered –

1 - The Bonnet Macaque:

The Bonnet Macaque, also called Zati, is a species of macaque native to southern India. Bonnet
macaques get their common name from a unique feature: a hood-like tuft of hair that extends from
the top of their head, much like a tuft of dry grass

2 – various type of mixed breed dogs

3 - Garden Lizard

Oriental garden lizard (Calotes versicolor) is known to those speaking Hindi as “girgit”, the lizard
that can change colours. Owing to this notable ability (similar to chameleons), the versatile Garden
lizards can camouflage well in its surroundings.

4 – and various type of birds.

5 - Laboratory rats

lab rats are strains of the subspecies Rattus norvegicus domestica which are bred and kept
for scientific research

WATER BODIES LOCATED: no water bodies located.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Animal house and herbal garden.

It's important to note that biodiversity mapping is a complex and detailed process that requires
specialized skills and knowledge. But we tried our level best to make a map.