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Concept of Ecosystem and Degradable & Non-Degradable Resources
Ecosystem:
An ecosystem is a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. It is a self-
sustaining unit where energy flows and materials cycle between living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic)
components.
Components:
• Biotic: Plants, animals, microorganisms.
• Abiotic: Sunlight, air, water, soil, temperature.
Functions:
• Energy transfer via food chains and webs.
• Nutrient cycling (carbon, nitrogen, water cycles).
• Maintenance of ecological balance and homeostasis.
Types of Ecosystems:
• Natural: Forests, oceans, deserts, grasslands.
• Artificial: Aquariums, crop fields, urban parks.
Degradable Resources:
• Can decompose naturally through microorganisms or environmental processes.
• Examples: Food waste, paper, sewage.
• Problems if unmanaged: Temporary pollution, unpleasant odors, disease spread.
Non-Degradable Resources:
• Cannot decompose easily; persist for centuries.
• Examples: Plastics, metals, glass, pesticides.
• Problems: Long-term environmental damage, soil and water pollution, health risks.
2. Food Chain, Food Web, Ecological Pyramid, and Energy Flow in Ecosystem
Food Chain:
A sequence where energy is transferred from one organism to another.
Example:
Grass → Grasshopper → Frog → Snake → Eagle
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Levels:
• Producers (plants)
• Primary consumers (herbivores)
• Secondary consumers (carnivores)
• Tertiary consumers (top predators)
• Decomposers (bacteria, fungi)
Food Web:
• Multiple interconnected food chains.
• Provides stability; if one species declines, others may compensate.
Ecological Pyramid:
• Pyramid of Numbers: Count of organisms at each level.
• Pyramid of Biomass: Total mass of organisms.
• Pyramid of Energy: Shows energy flow; always upright as energy reduces at each level (10% rule).
Energy Flow:
• Unidirectional from sun to producers to consumers to decomposers.
• Energy decreases at each trophic level.
3. Water Conservation and Drain Water Harvesting
Water Conservation:
• Judicious use and management of water resources.
Methods:
• Rainwater harvesting.
• Drip and sprinkler irrigation.
• Reuse of treated wastewater.
• Awareness campaigns.
• Watershed management.
Drain Water Harvesting:
• Collection and treatment of greywater (used water from sinks, showers).
Process:
• Collection → Screening → Filtration → Disinfection → Storage → Reuse.
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Advantages:
• Reduces freshwater demand.
• Reduces water wastage.
• Useful for gardening, cleaning, flushing.
4. Renewable and Non-Renewable Water Resources and Their Problems
Renewable Water Resources:
• Naturally replenished: rainfall, rivers, lakes, shallow groundwater.
Problems:
• Seasonal variability.
• Pollution from urban and industrial waste.
• Overuse leads to scarcity.
Non-Renewable Water Resources:
• Cannot replenish in human lifespan: fossil aquifers, deep groundwater.
Problems:
• Permanent depletion.
• Water mining.
• Land subsidence.
Solutions:
• Efficient irrigation.
• Groundwater recharge.
• Strict regulations.
• Public awareness.
5. Biodiversity and Its Levels
Biodiversity:
• Variety of life forms on Earth.
Levels:
• Genetic Diversity: Variations within species (e.g., different rice varieties).
• Species Diversity: Variety of species (e.g., tigers, elephants).
• Ecosystem Diversity: Different habitats (forests, wetlands, deserts).
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Importance:
• Ecological balance.
• Source of food, medicine, and raw materials.
• Supports life cycles and nutrient cycles.
• Promotes tourism and cultural value.
6. In-situ and Ex-situ Biodiversity Conservation
In-situ Conservation:
• Protection in natural habitat.
Methods:
• National parks.
• Wildlife sanctuaries.
• Biosphere reserves.
• Sacred groves.
Advantages:
• Maintains ecosystem integrity.
• Allows natural evolutionary processes.
Ex-situ Conservation:
• Protection outside natural habitat.
Methods:
• Zoos.
• Botanical gardens.
• Seed banks.
• Cryopreservation.
Advantages:
• Protection of critically endangered species.
• Facilitates breeding programs.
7. Environmental Pollution
Definition:
Introduction of harmful substances into the environment.
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Types:
• Air Pollution: CO2, SO2 emissions.
• Water Pollution: Sewage, industrial waste.
• Soil Pollution: Pesticides, plastics.
• Noise Pollution: Traffic, industries.
• Thermal Pollution: Hot water discharge from industries.
Effects:
• Climate change.
• Health problems: asthma, cancer.
• Loss of biodiversity.
• Soil infertility.
Control Measures:
• Use of renewable energy.
• Pollution control technologies.
• Public awareness.
• Strict enforcement of laws.
8. Solid Waste Causes, Characteristics, and Biomedical Waste Management
Causes:
• Urbanization.
• Population growth.
• Industrialization.
• Packaging and disposable culture.
Characteristics:
• Biodegradable (food waste).
• Recyclable (plastics, metals).
• Hazardous (e-waste, chemicals).
Biomedical Waste:
• Waste from hospitals and laboratories.
Types:
• Infectious waste.
• Pathological waste.
• Sharps (needles).
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Management:
• Segregation in color-coded bins.
• Collection and safe transportation.
• Treatment: Incineration, autoclaving, chemical disinfection.
• Disposal in secured landfills.
9. Environmental Protection Act (1986)
Objective:
• Provide framework for environmental protection.
Key Provisions:
• Control of pollution.
• Restriction on hazardous activities.
• Protection of natural resources.
• Mandatory environmental clearances.
Significance:
• Empowered central government.
• Provided legal backing for action against violators.
• Basis for subsequent environmental laws.
10. Importance of Environmental Education
Importance:
• Creates awareness about environmental issues.
• Promotes sustainable living practices.
• Encourages participation in conservation.
• Supports informed decision-making.
Benefits:
• Prevents environmental degradation.
• Builds a responsible society.
• Prepares future generations for global challenges.
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11. Global Warming
Definition:
Rise in Earth's average temperature due to greenhouse gas emissions.
Causes:
• Fossil fuel combustion.
• Deforestation.
• Industrial emissions.
• Agricultural practices releasing methane.
Effects:
• Melting glaciers and rising sea levels.
• Increased natural disasters (hurricanes, droughts).
• Threat to biodiversity and food security.
Mitigation:
• Switching to renewable energy.
• Reforestation.
• Energy efficiency measures.
• International agreements like the Paris Accord.