Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas
BES-133ME – Environmental Science ang Engineering
Name: Josh Cymon Flor
Section: ME-1D
Date: 3/28/2025
WEEK 1-2 PROGRESS CHECKS
WEEK 1
1.
Define Environmental Science
•
Environmental science is a cross-disciplinary area of study
focusing on the processes of interaction between the physical, chemical,
and biological elements of the environment, and the role of human
endeavors in these processes. It uses knowledge from numerous scientific
disciplines such as ecology, geology, chemistry, and physics, together with
social sciences, to provide insights and solution to intricate environmental
issues. Environmental science, according to the National Research Council
(2001), is the study of the natural environment and the interrelation of its
components, especially the effects of human actions. Miller and Spoolman
(2020) also define it as the examination of human interactions with the
environment, integrating natural and social sciences to create solutions for
environmental issues. Likewise, Elsevier's Environmental Science & Policy
defines it as an interdisciplinary field that integrates physical, biological, and
information sciences to study environmental problems and offer sustainable
solutions.
Utilizing
scientific
concepts
and
research
techniques,
environmental science aims to reduce issues like climate change, pollution,
loss of biodiversity, and depletion of resources, thereby achieving a
sustainable interface between human beings and nature.
2.
Define Environmental Engineering
•
Environmental engineering is an interdisciplinary field that
applies scientific and engineering principles to improve and maintain the
environment for the protection of human health and nature's ecosystems.
•
According to the Journal of Environmental Engineering, the
discipline encompasses broad interdisciplinary information on the practice
and status of research in environmental engineering science, systems
engineering, and sanitation. This includes engineering methods for
wastewater collection and treatment, watershed contamination, air pollution
control, and solid waste management.
•
The Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment
highlights that environmental engineering involves the study and solution of
engineering and environmental problems arising from the interaction
between geology and human activities. This includes assessing the
mechanical and hydrological behavior of soil and rock masses, and
predicting changes to these properties over time.
3.
Differentiate
Environmental
Science
with
Environmental
Engineering
4.
Define Ecosystem
•
An ecosystem is a complex network comprising living
organisms (biotic components) and their physical environment (abiotic
components), interacting as a functional unit. This concept emphasizes the
dynamic interplay between organisms such as plants, animals, and
microorganisms, and environmental factors like climate, soil, and water.
These interactions facilitate energy flow and nutrient cycling, which are
essential for sustaining life within the system.
•
The term "ecosystem" was first introduced by British ecologist
Arthur Tansley in 1935, highlighting the integrated nature of biological
communities and their environments. Since then, the definition has evolved,
encompassing various perspectives and applications across ecological
research. Ecosystems can vary greatly in scale and complexity, ranging from
small ponds to vast forests and oceans. Despite their differences, all
ecosystems share common processes such as energy flow, nutrient cycling,
and ecological succession, which contribute to their structure and function.
Understanding ecosystems is fundamental to ecology, as it provides insights
into how organisms interact with each other and their surroundings, and how
these interactions affect the distribution and abundance of life on Earth. This
knowledge is crucial for addressing environmental challenges, conserving
biodiversity, and promoting sustainable resource management.
5.
Define Biodiversity
•
Biodiversity, or biological diversity, refers to the variety of life on
Earth at all levels, including genetic diversity within species, species diversity
within ecosystems, and ecosystem diversity across regions. According to the
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), biodiversity encompasses the
variability among all living organisms, including terrestrial, marine, and other
aquatic ecosystems, as well as the ecological complexes they form. This
diversity is essential for ecosystem stability, resilience, and the provision of
ecosystem services such as pollination, climate regulation, and nutrient
cycling. Research published in Nature and Science highlights that biodiversity
loss due to human activities, such as deforestation, pollution, and climate
change, poses significant threats to ecological balance and human wellbeing. Conservation efforts, including habitat protection and sustainable
resource management, are critical to maintaining biodiversity and mitigating
its decline. Understanding biodiversity is fundamental to preserving
ecological integrity and ensuring a sustainable future for both natural
ecosystems and human societies.
6.
Differentiate Intrinsic ecosystem value vs. value to humans
•
Intrinsic ecosystem value refers to the inherent worth of
ecosystems, species, and natural processes, independent of any benefits
they provide to humans. This perspective, rooted in environmental ethics and
deep ecology, asserts that all living organisms and ecosystems have a right to
exist, regardless of their utility to humans. In contrast, the value of ecosystems
to humans—often referred to as instrumental or anthropocentric value—
focuses on the tangible and intangible benefits ecosystems provide, such as
food, clean air, water filtration, climate regulation, and recreational
opportunities. Research in Ecological Economics and Conservation Biology
highlights that while intrinsic value supports conservation efforts based on
ethical principles, human-centered value drives policies and economic
incentives for environmental protection. Balancing both perspectives is
crucial for sustainable development, as recognizing intrinsic value fosters
moral responsibility, while acknowledging human benefits strengthens
conservation actions and policy-making.
7.
Discuss biotic and abiotic
•
Biotic and abiotic components are the two fundamental
categories of environmental factors that shape ecosystems. Biotic
components refer to all living organisms within an ecosystem, including
plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
•
relationships,
These
such
organisms
as
interact
predation,
through
competition,
various
ecological
mutualism,
and
decomposition, contributing to energy flow and nutrient cycling. Research in
Ecology Letters and Biological Conservation highlights the role of biotic
interactions in maintaining ecosystem stability and biodiversity. In contrast,
abiotic components are the non-living physical and chemical elements that
influence an ecosystem. These include sunlight, temperature, water, soil, air,
and minerals, which determine habitat conditions and influence the survival
and distribution of organisms. Studies published in Global Change Biology
emphasize how abiotic factors, such as climate and soil composition, shape
ecosystems by affecting plant growth, water availability, and species
adaptation. While biotic and abiotic factors are distinct, they are deeply
interconnected—biotic organisms depend on abiotic conditions for survival,
while living organisms also modify their physical environment over time.
Understanding the dynamic relationship between these components is
crucial for ecological research, conservation, and predicting the impacts of
environmental changes.
8.
Discuss the difference between ecological concepts and
ecological principles
•
The difference between ecological concepts and ecological
principles lies in their function and application in ecology. Ecological
concepts are broad ideas that describe relationships, processes, and
structures within ecosystems. These concepts provide a theoretical
foundation for understanding how organisms interact with each other and
their environment. Examples include biodiversity, ecological succession,
carrying capacity, and trophic levels. Research published in Annual Review of
Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics emphasizes that ecological concepts
help scientists develop models to explain ecosystem dynamics and species
interactions.
•
In contrast, ecological principles are fundamental rules or laws
derived from ecological concepts that guide how ecosystems function. They
are practical guidelines that help explain ecological processes and inform
environmental management. Examples of ecological principles include
energy flow (the transfer of energy through food chains), nutrient cycling (the
movement of elements like carbon and nitrogen through ecosystems), and
ecosystem stability (the resilience of ecosystems to disturbances). Studies in
Ecological Applications and Conservation Biology highlight how ecological
principles are used to develop conservation strategies, predict ecological
responses to environmental changes, and guide sustainable resource use.
9.
-14. Discuss the 6 ecological principles and give situational
examples each.
•
Principle 1: Protection of species and species’ subdivisions
will conserve genetic diversity.
Explanation: Genetic diversity within a species increases its resilience
to environmental changes, diseases, and other threats. Conserving species
and their populations helps maintain this diversity, ensuring long-term
survival.
Situational Example: Conservation programs for endangered species,
such as captive breeding of pandas or seed banks for rare plant species, help
preserve genetic variation and prevent extinction.
•
Principle 2: Maintaining habitat is fundamental to
conserving species.
Explanation: Species rely on specific habitats for food, shelter, and
reproduction. Protecting and restoring these habitats is crucial for biodiversity
conservation.
Situational Example: The establishment of protected areas, such as
national parks and marine reserves, helps prevent habitat destruction and
preserves ecosystems for wildlife, such as the Amazon Rainforest
conservation efforts to protect jaguars and other species.
•
Principle 3: Large areas usually contain more species than
smaller areas with similar habitat.
Explanation: Larger areas support greater biodiversity because they
provide more resources, varied microhabitats, and connectivity for species
movement.
Situational
Example:
The
Yellowstone-to-Yukon
Conservation
Initiative (Y2Y) aims to connect protected areas across North America to
create a larger habitat for wide-ranging species like grizzly bears, ensuring
genetic flow and species survival.
•
Principle 4: All things are connected, but the nature and
strength of those connections vary.
Explanation: Ecosystems are interconnected networks of species,
resources, and environmental factors. Changes in one component can have
cascading effects on others.
Situational Example: The decline of bee populations due to habitat
loss and pesticide use affects pollination services, leading to reduced crop
yields and biodiversity loss in plant communities.
•
Principle 5: Disturbances shape the characteristics of
populations, communities, and ecosystems.
Explanation: Natural and human-caused disturbances (e.g., wildfires,
storms, deforestation) play a key role in ecosystem dynamics by altering
species composition and resource availability.
Situational Example: After a wildfire in a forest, certain plant species
adapted to fire (such as pine trees with serotinous cones) regenerate quickly,
while others take longer to recover, reshaping the ecosystem over time.
•
Principle 6: Climate influences terrestrial, freshwater, and
marine ecosystems.
Explanation: Climate affects temperature, precipitation, and ocean
currents, which in turn influence species distribution, ecosystem productivity,
and biodiversity.
Situational Example: Coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef occurs
due to rising ocean temperatures, disrupting marine ecosystems and
threatening species dependent on coral reefs for survival.
15.-20.
Discuss at least 6 applications of ecological concepts and
principles and give situational examples.
1. Ensure Representation in a System of Protected Areas
•
Explanation: Protecting diverse ecosystems within a network of
reserves ensures that various habitats and species are safeguarded. This approach
helps conserve biodiversity by maintaining ecological balance and preventing
species extinction.
•
Situational Example: The Great Himalayan National Park in India
protects a range of ecosystems, from alpine meadows to dense forests, ensuring the
conservation of species like the snow leopard and Himalayan musk deer.
2. Retain Large Contiguous or Connected Areas
•
Explanation: Large, well-connected habitats provide critical living
space for species, support ecological processes, and facilitate genetic exchange
between populations. Habitat fragmentation can lead to isolated populations,
increasing the risk of species extinction.
•
Situational
Example:
The
Yellowstone-to-Yukon
Conservation
Initiative (Y2Y) connects protected areas across North America to allow wildlife, such
as grizzly bears and wolves, to move freely, ensuring their long-term survival.
3. Maintain or Emulate Natural Ecological Processes
•
Explanation: Natural processes like wildfires, floods, and nutrient
cycling are essential for ecosystem health. Management strategies should mimic
these processes to maintain ecological integrity.
•
Situational Example: Controlled burns in Everglades National Park
(USA) are used to reduce excessive vegetation, prevent catastrophic wildfires, and
maintain the habitat for fire-adapted species like the longleaf pine and red-cockaded
woodpecker.
4. Manage Towards Viable Populations of Native Species
•
Explanation: Ensuring that native species maintain sustainable
population sizes helps prevent extinction and maintains ecosystem functions.
Conservation strategies should focus on habitat restoration, anti-poaching
measures, and sustainable land use.
•
Situational Example: The giant panda conservation program in China
involves habitat restoration, captive breeding, and reintroduction efforts,
successfully increasing panda populations and upgrading their conservation status
from "Endangered" to "Vulnerable."
5. Minimize the Introduction and Spread of Invasive Alien Species
•
Explanation: Invasive species outcompete native species, disrupt
food webs, and alter ecosystems. Managing their spread is critical for preserving
biodiversity.
•
Situational Example: In Australia, efforts to control the spread of the
cane toad, an invasive species, include community-led trapping programs and
genetic research to mitigate its impact on native predators like snakes and quolls.
6. Avoid, Mitigate, or Compensate for the Effects of Human
Activities on Biodiversity
•
Explanation: Human activities, such as deforestation, urbanization,
and industrial pollution, negatively impact biodiversity. Strategies like ecological
restoration, compensation programs, and sustainable development can help reduce
these effects.
•
Situational Example: The Amazon reforestation projects involve tree
planting and agroforestry initiatives to restore degraded land, enhance biodiversity,
and support local communities by promoting sustainable land-use practices.
WEEK 2
ANSWERS:
1.
True – Viruses are smaller than bacteria.
2.
Soil stratification– A system that categorizes layers, classes, or
categories of soils.
3.
Dinoflagellates – A toxic species that cause red tides in
marine environments.
4.
Fungi – Non-photosynthetic, chemo-organotrophic, aerobic,
multicellular organisms in water.
5.
Parasitic worms (Helminths) – Worms in the microbial world.
6.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) – Measures the concentration of
dissolved substances in water.
7.
Alkalinity – Often described as the buffering capacity of water.
8.
Aflatoxin – One of the worst toxins produced by a fungus.
9.
True – Air is composed of about 78% nitrogen (N₂) and 21%
oxygen (O₂)
10.
To 14. 5 ELEMENTAL PROPERTIES
The elemental properties of soil in relation to infiltration are:
• Bulk Density
• Particle Density
• Porosity
• Volumetric water content
• Degree of saturation
15. Plant Growth – They drift freely in the water and are generally regarded
as undesirable in the river environment.
16. 7 – neutral pH
17.-21. 5 primary pollutants are;
• SO2
• CO
• NOx
• Metals
• Particulates
22.-27. Six Varied Occurences and Use of Water
o
Hydropower generation
o
Industrial processes
o
Agriculture (irrigation)
o
Domestic use (drinking, cooking)
o
Transportation (shipping)
o
Recreation (swimming, boating)
28-32. 5 Atmospheric Layers
•
Troposphere
•
Stratosphere
•
Mesosphere
•
Thermosphere
•
Exosphere
33. Evaporation pan – A pot used to estimate evaporation of water and
determine rainfall.
34-35. Factors that convert rainfall to surface runoff or infiltration:
•
Soil permeability
•
Land slope
DRAW AND DISCUSS THE HYDOLOGIC CYCLE
The hydrologic cycle, also known as the water cycle, is the continuous movement of water
within the Earth and its atmosphere. This cycle is powered by solar energy and involves several key
processes that transfer water through different reservoirs, including the atmosphere, land, and
oceans.
Key Processes of the Hydrologic Cycle:
1.
Evaporation: Solar radiation heats bodies of water, causing water to
vaporize and rise into the atmosphere. This process accounts for approximately 90%
of atmospheric moisture.
2.
Transpiration: Plants absorb water from the soil and release water
vapor into the atmosphere through their leaves. Combined with evaporation, this
process is termed evapotranspiration.
3.
Condensation: Water vapor in the atmosphere cools and transforms
back into liquid droplets, forming clouds.
4.
Precipitation: When water droplets in clouds become heavy, they fall
to Earth's surface as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
5.
Infiltration: Some of the precipitation seeps into the ground,
replenishing aquifers and contributing to groundwater storage.
6.
Runoff: Water that does not infiltrate the ground flows over land
surfaces, collecting in rivers, lakes, and eventually returning to the oceans, where the
cycle begins anew.