Chapter 3

Preservation and Conservation

of the Environment
Science Form 5

Balance in Nature
Definition: condition in which all interactions among living organisms and non-living things are able to provide the living organisms with their daily basic needs. Can be maintained through natural cycles. Eg. nitrogen cycle, carbon cycle and water cycle. These cycles are able to recycle all basic need such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, water and minerals needed

Nitrogen cycle

Carbon cycle

Water cycle

Environmental pollution
Pollution = existence of pollutants in the environment in quantities so large that living organisms and the environment are harmed and thrown into disorder

Environmental pollution
Source of pollution Pollutant Effect

Uncontrolled use Acidic gases (sulphur of fossil fuels dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide) Hydrocarbons & smoke

Produce acid rain that damage trees, aquatic ecosystems & buildings Acidic gases corrode the respiratory tract of organisms Smoke particles cause asthma & lung disease

Environmental pollution
Source of pollution By-products from factories Pollutant Toxic waste (heavy metals) Radioactive materials Smoke Heat Effect Damage the nervous system & cause deformed babies (Minamata disease) Cause mutation & cancers Cause respiratory & lung diseases Destroy aquatic ecosystems

Environmental pollution
Source of pollution Agricultural industry Pollutant Excessive chemical fertilisers Excessive pesticides & fungicides Effect Excessive fertilizers that flow into rivers cause water pollution and algae to grow rapidly Cause damage in the liver, foetal deformation & infertility

Environmental pollution
Source of pollution Vehicles and machinery Pollutant Poisonous gases (carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides) Smoke Lead Noise Effect Cause carbon monoxide poisoning Acidic gases such as sulphur dioxide & nitrogen oxide cause acid rain Smoke particles cause air pollution Cause nerve and brain damage Cause noise pollution

Environmental pollution
Source of pollution
Improper disposal of rubbish

Pollutant
Plastic materials Leftover food and sewage

Effect on environment & human health

Non-biodegradable items take up space in dump sites and cause air pollution if burnt Attract vectors & encourage the spread of diseases

Environmental pollution
Source of pollution
The use & improper disposal of items that contain CFCs

Pollutant

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Effect on environment & human health Destroy ozone molecules and causes the thinning of the ozone layer

Environmental pollution
Environmental pollution has the following negative effects on environment: a. Decline in human health b. Loss of economic resources c. Damage to natural habitats d. Extinction of species e. Damage to the beauty of nature

Global warming
Definition: an increase in the global temperature Caused by greenhouse effect Greenhouse effect = natural phenomenon that keeps the Earth warm A rapid increase in carbon dioxide (main greenhouse gas) produced by human activities causes more heat than usual to be trapped in atmosphere

Global warming
Effects: a. Increase in average global temperature b. Ice at the poles melts faster & increase sea levels c. Flooding in low-lying areas d. Increase in extreme weather phenomena

Global warming

Thinning of the ozone layer

An ozone molecule is made up of 3 oxygen atoms

Ozone molecules form the ozone layer surrounding the Earth & prevent harmful ultraviolet rays from reaching the Earths surface CFC is used in air-conditioners, refrigerators, aerosol cans & in the making of polystyrene products
The use & release of CFC destroys ozone molecules, leading to the thinning of the ozone layer

Thinning of the ozone layer

The thinning of ozone layer enables more dangerous ultraviolet rays to reach the Earth. The effects of this include: a. Skin cancer b. Cataract (eye lens becoming opaque) c. Lowering of body immunity d. Decrease in crops yield e. More phytoplanktons die (the main products in the sea)

Pollution control
1. Factories that produce radioactive substances

Build far away from populated areas

Dispose of waste & by-products properly

2. Factory Build higher chimneys

Install electrostatic precipitators in chimneys to reduce the release of toxic gases

Pollution control
3. Sewage Channel to proper sewage treatment system 4. Vehicles Fix catalytic converter in the exhaust system 5. Solid rubbish Dispose of in properly-run landfills Bury in soil Turn in compost

Pollution control
6. Agriculture Use biological controls Reduce the use of chemicals fertilisers and pesticides

Proper management of natural resources

Natural resources Forest

Activity Effect of improper management

Proper management

Lumbering affect the weather Soil erosion & floods destroys natural habitats extinction of species Establish more forest reserves Replanting forests Selective lumbering

Proper management of natural resources

Natural resources Activity Land Opening of land

Effect of Soil erosion improper Flash floods & drought management Destroys natural habitats Extinction of species

Proper An environment impact assessment management must be carried out before a land is cleared

Proper management of natural resources

Natural resources Sea

Activity
Effect of improper management Proper management

Fishing
Imbalance in aquatic ecosystems Death of aquatic mammals (e.g. dolphin) Catch only mature fish Encourage the rearing of freshwater & marine life