Course Catalogue

ES 241 Air and Water Pollution

Programme: B.A. Environmental Studies

Credit points: 12

Level: Year 2, Semester 4

General objectives

This course introduces students to the major causes, effects, and control measures in the area of air and water pollution relative to its impact on the environment and on the health and well being of humans. Each unit on air and water pollution is followed by practical sessions which will provide hands-on experience in understanding behaviour of various pollutants. Students will also have opportunity to familiarize themselves with local and regional pollution standards and regulations

This module will also provide students with an in-depth insight and understanding of issues related to the anthropogenic greenhouse effect, climate change and global warming.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion, students will be able to:

  • list important air and water pollutants;

·         identify and describe major sources of air and water pollution;

·         devise control measures for important air and water pollutants;

  • describe environmental and health issues of various air and water pollutants and the role humans play in generation of these pollutants;
  • describe the causes and consequences of climate change and global warming;
  • find factual support, formulate, express and defend their own opinion on issues related to climate change and global warming;
  • identify possible solutions for prevention, mitigation and adaptation to climate change;
  • familiarize with local, regional and international air and water quality standards;
  • gain practical experience in assessment and monitoring of air and water quality;
  • develop independent learning skills and critical thinking of issues in relation to atmospheric and water pollution.

Approach to teaching and learning

This module will use variety of teaching and learning approaches like lectures, syndicate work, practical sessions and web based learning. The course will consist of 15 teaching weeks, one self-study week and two examination weeks. Each week will consist of:

  • three lecture hours per week. Each lecture will allow ample time for questions and discussion
  • two hours practical class/tutorials
  • three hours of self study

Assessment

This module has the following five different modes of assessment:

  • Review questions                                10%

· Individual presentation                          10%

· Poster session                                         10%

· Practical reports                                       20%

· End of semester examination                  50%

Course content

Air Pollution

  • atmosphere and its functions;
  • gas laws governing the behaviour of pollutants in atmosphere;
  • natural and anthropogenic sources of atmospheric pollutants;
  • significance, transport and dispersion of pollutants;
  • local, regional & global air pollutants;
  • historical development of temperature and climate on earth;
  • sources  and sinks of greenhouse gases;
  • factors contributing to increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere;
  • recent scientific data favouring the theory that anthropogenic activities are key responsible for the enhanced greenhouse effect;
  • impact of global warming/the enhanced greenhouse effect;
  • strategies for prevention and mitigation of and adaptation to global climate change (including carbon budgeting and the Kyoto Protocol;
  • stratospheric ozone depletion;
  • acid deposition, photochemical smog & ozone depletion;
  • atmospheric pollutants control measures;
  • air quality standards & regulations (local, regional & international)

Water Pollution

  •  major sources of water;
  •  types, sources and consequences of water pollution;
  •  types and characteristics of domestic, industrial and agricultural wastes  and their  effects on water bodies;
  •  water pollution control measures;
  •  water quality standards and regulations (local, regional & international);
  •  water quality control case studies.

Reading List

Texts

  1. Abel, P. D., 1996, Water Pollution Biology. Prentice Hall
  2. Boubel, R.W., Fox, D. L & Turner, B., 1994, Fundamentals of Air Pollution. Elsevier Science & Technology. USA.
  3. Harrision, R. M (Edn)., 2001: Pollution: Causes, Effects and Control. Royal Society of Chemistry
  4. National Environment Commission, n.d, Bhutan Natioanl Adaptation Porgramme of Action. Royal Government of Bhutan.
  5. Pepper. L. I, Gerba, C.P & Brusseau, M. L., 2006, Environmental and Pollution Science. Elsevier
  6. Purohit, S. S &  Agrawal, A. K., 2005, Environmental Pollution Causes, Effects and Control
  7. Viessman, W. Jr.  & Hammer M.J., 2005, Water Supply and Pollution Control. Pearson Education

References

  1. Cunningham, W. P and Cunningham, M. A, 2004, Principles of environmental science: inquiry and application. Tata McGrawHill
  2. Hill, Marquitak, 2004, Understanding Environmental Pollution. Cambridge University Press
  3. Masters, G. M., 1998, Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science. Pearson Eduction. Delhi
  4. Nathanson, J. A., 2006, Basic Environmental Technology. Prentice-Hall of India. New Delhi
  5. Shyam, Shilpa et al., 2006, Air Pollution and its Impacts on Plant Growth. Eastern Book Corporation