HANDOUTS in NGEC 9  Decomposers – bacteria and fungi including

mushrooms.
I. Overview of environmental Science - Use their digestive secretions to chemically breakdown
Environment – the total of our surroundings dead organic matter, including animal wastes in the
- Includes living things, non- living things, built external environment.
environment, social relationships and institutions
Environmental Science is the study of: II. ABIOTIC COMPONENTS:
- How the natural world works 1. Sunlight – light energy is the primary source of
- How the environment affects humans and vice versa energy in nearly all ecosystems
 The fundamental insight of environmental science - energy used by the green plants in photosynthesis by
is that we are part of the natural world. which plants gather energy from sunlight and use this
Components of Environmental Science energy to make carbohydrates from atmospheric
1. Atmospheric Science - deals with the study of the carbon dioxide and water.
atmosphere, its processes, the effects other systems
have on the atmosphere, and the effects of the Photoperiodism – the response of plants to day and
atmosphere on these other systems. Covers also night.
meteorology, climatology and aeronomy.
2. Ecology – study of the relationship between organisms
and their environment.
2. Water – universal solvent and the basis of all life on
our planet.
Came from Greek words “oikos” means family of
- Covers more than ¾ of the earth’s surface
households and “logy” means study.
- 97% are salt water
3. Environmental Chemistry – study of the chemical
- 3% are freshwater and 2% of it are in solid form found
changes in the environment.
in ice caps and glaciers
4. Geosciences – study of the earth’s crust that includes
- 1% of the earth’s water in a form useable to humans
environmental soil science and volcanic phenomena
and land animals.
and in some classifications cover hydrology like
oceanography.
Group of plants according to their water needs:
ECOLOGY and ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 1. Hydrophytes – water loving plants
2. Mesophytes – moderate water loving plants
3. Epiphytes - get their water from the air such as
Difference between ecology and environmental science:
*Environmental science incorporates many elements of orchids
4. Xerophytes – plants loving dry condition
earth and life sciences to understand various natural
5. Halophytes – saltwater – loving plants such as
processes.
mangrooves
*Ecology focused on how organism interacts with each
other and with their immediate surroundings.
3. Temperature - measure of hotness or coldness of a
Ecosystems: body
Ecosystem – refers to an interacting group of and the - Environmental temperature is an important abiotic
organisms in a given environment. factor because of its effect on metabolism
- A unit of interrelationships between and among living - Temperature above 50°C destroy the enzymes of most
things and non-living things. organisms.
Homeostasis –steady state condition of the environment
where living things respond and adopt to non- living Types of individuals based on body temperature:
conditions. 1. Poikilotherm – vernacular cold- blooded
Ex. Reptiles, fishes and amphibians
2. Homeotherms – warm- blooded animals
Components of the ecosystems: Ex. Mammals and birds
I.Biotic – includes all the living things present in the Homeotherms – animals capable of temperature regulation
ecosystem. within a given range.
Ex. Bacteria, protists, algae, fungi, plants and animals.
Corrective Mechanisms in Temperature control:
Autotrophs- require only inorganic nutrients and an outside Increased sweating – corrective response aimed to reduce
energy source to produce organic nutrients for their own use the temperature of the organisms.
and indirectly for all the other members of the ecosystem.
- Producers because they produce energy Vasodilation – corrective response where the blood vessels
Ex. Algae – contain chlorophyll and carry on photosynthesis close to the skin surface become more dilated
in freshwater and marine habitat - There is a larger surface area for heat to be lost of the
- Photosynthesizing organisms suspended in water external environment from the blood vessels carrying
Trees – photosynthesizers on land overheated blood
Vasoconstriction – occurs when temperature in an
Heterotrophs – need a performed source of organic organism drop. The blood vessels become constricted so
nutrients that minimal heat loss occurs.
- Consumers
Herbivores – are animals that graze directly on plants Effect of temperature in plants:
or algae - To manipulate and influence the flowering plants.
Carnivores- feed on other animals Thermoperiod – daily temperature change
Omnivores- feed on both plants and animals
Scavengers – feed on dead remains of animals and also 4. Wind – refers to the horizontal movement of the air
on plants that have recently begun to decompose. that tend to equalize lateral difference in temperature
 Detritus – is a term that refers to organic remains in and pressure.
the water and soil that are in the final stage of - Parallel to the eatrh’s surface
decomposition. - Blows from areas of high pressure to low pressure
 Bumpy air – effect of vertically moving air  Condensation of water vapor precipitation that
Monsoons – are large-sclale seasonal wind falls to the Earth’s surface providing needed fresh
water for plants and animals
June-October - southwest monsoon (habagat) –abundant  Helps warm the earth’s atmosphere through the
rainfall and extensive cloud at the western section of the greenhouse effect
country
Carbon dioxide – increased by over 35% in the last 300
November to February - northeast monsoon in the years
Philippines (amihan) at the eastern section of the country - Human caused increased in its concentration has
strengthened the greenhouse effect and has
 Philippines have a year –round tropical climate contributed to global warming over the last 100 years

*Effects of wind on the organisms: Methane – is a very strong greenhouse gas

 Bacteria, protists and many insects that live on snow - Since1750, methane concentration in the atmosphere
covered mountain peaks – depend on nutrients blown have increased by more than 150%
on them by winds Primary sources for the additional methane added to
 Many plants depend on the wind to disperse their the atmosphere:
pollen and seeds. 1. Rice cultivation
 Local wind damage often create opening in the forest, 2. Domestic grazing animals, termites, landfills, coal
contributing the patchness in ecosystems mining
 Increases an organisms’ rate of water loss by 3. Oil and gas extraction
evaporation Nitrous oxide – increasing at a rate of 0.2-0.3 per year
 Affect patterns of plant growth 4. Ozone – supply nutrition for plant growth.- triatomic
molecule with a formula of O3
- provides important service to life on earth as it absorbs
5. Atmospheric gases –
harmful ultraviolet radiation
- in recent years, levels of stratospheric ozone has been
11 Most Abundant Gases Found in the Earth’s Lower decreasing due to the build up of human created
Atmosphere by Volume chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere.
- since the late 1970’s scientists have noticed the
Gases Name Chemical Percent Volume development of severe holes in the ozone layer over
Formula Antarctica
Nitrogen N2 78.08 % - 65° North to 65°South latitude has had a 3% decrease in
Oxygen O2 20.95 stratospheric ozone since 1978
Water H2O (gas) 0 to 4 -- measurement of this gas is currently unavailable because
Argon Ar 0.93 97% are found concentrated in the stratosphere at an
Carbon Dioxide CO2 0.0360 altitude of 15-55 kilometers above the earth’s surface.
Neon Ne 0.0018 - at the earth’s surface in and around the cities, ozone is also
Helium He 0.0005 highly concentrated as a result of a by-product of human
Methane CH4 0.00017 created photochemical smog of which its build up is toxic to
Hydrogen H2 0.00005 almost all organisms living on earth.
Nitrous Oxide N 2O 0.00003
Ozone O3 0.000004 6. Rocks and Soil
Soil – is the material that serves as an interface between the
Nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, atmosphere, and the lithosphere and with the hydrosphere
nitrous oxide and ozone – extremely important to the health - Sustains the growth of all plants and animals and forms
of the earth’s biosphere. part of the biosphere
Nitrogen and oxygen – are the main components of the - Natural body of mineral and organic material
atmosphere by volume - Important for cultivation and agricultural production
- Make up 99% of dry atmosphere - Soill fertility and productivity are important issue to
address
Nitrogen – removed from the atmosphere and deposited
on the earth’s surface mainly by specialized nitrogen-fixing Hydrosphere – bottom of the of the vast bodies of water, the
bacteria, and by way of lightning through precipitation fresh and marine
- Addition of nitrogen to the earth’s surface soils and
various water bodies supply nutrition for plant growth. Classification of soil as to particle size:
- Nitrogen returns to the atmosphere primarily through 1. Clay soil - ˂0.002 mm is made up of approximately 0-
biomass combustion and denitrification. 45%sand, 0-45% silt and 50-100% clay
Oxygen – exchanged between the atmosphere and life - Sticky and feels almost plastic like when its wet
through the processes photosynthesis and respiration - Holds water and nutrients well
2. Silt Soil – 0.002 – 0.05 mm – approximately 25 to 50 %
Photosynthesis – produces oxygen when carbondioxide sand, 30-50% silt and 10-30% clay
and water are chemically converted into glucose with the - Feels smooth and slippery when wet.
help of sunlight 3. Sandy soil (0.05-2.0 mm)- 80-100% sand, 0-10% silt,
and 0-10% clay
Respiration – opposite process of photosynthesis - Drain quickly after it rains, easy to work with and
- Oxygen is combined with glucose to chemically release warms up quickly in warm weather
energy for metabolism - Lower nutrient and moisture holding capacity than clay
- Products are water and carbondioxide or silt soil and must be watered and fertilized more
often.
Functions of water vapor: 4. Gravel – has a particle size greater than 2.0 mm
 Redistribute heat energy on the Earth through
latent heat energy exchange
 Soil Horizon: distinct layer of soil that lie one above the  Higher specific heat
another parallel to the soil surface.  Latent heat of fusion
 Latent heat of vaporization
 Highest surface tension
 Maximum density at -4°C
 All organisms on earth need water for survival
e. carbon dioxide – chemical formula: CO2
 Compound composed of two oxygen atoms
covalently bonded to a single carbon atom
 As part of the carbon dioxide cycle known as
photosynthesis, plants, algae and cyanobacteria
absorb carbon dioxide, light, and water to produce
1. O- organic matter – litter layer of plant residues in carbohydrate energy for themselves and oxygen as a
relatively undecomposed form waste product.
- O stands for organic  By product of combustion; emitted from volcanoes,
- Rich in organic material of plants and animal origin hot springs and geysers; and freed from carbonate
- humus rocks by dissolution.
2. A – Surface soil – layer of mineral soil with most Organic substances - are materials that do contain
organic matter accumulation and soil life. large amounts of carbon in combination with hydrogen
- Topsoil and oxygen
- Layer called biomantle where biological activities  For biological systems, the four major organic
takes place substances considered are the carbohydrates,
- Soil organisms like earthworm, fungi and bacteria are proteins, lipids and nucleic acids – the 4 major
mainly concentrated organic compounds essential in the make up of life.
3. B- subsoil –accumulates iron, clay, aluminum and  Carbohydrates – Poysaccharides serve as storage of
organic compounds, a process referred to as illuviation energy ( starch and glycogen), and as ( cellulose in
- Subsoil rich in clay and minerals like iron or aluminum plants and chitin in arthropods)
- Reddish or brownish due to the oxides of iron and clay -the 5-carbon monosaccharide rebose
4. C- Parent rock – layer of large unbroken rocks -backbone of the genetic molecule known as
- Accumulate the more soluble compound RNA. The related deoxyribose in a component of
- Also called regolith DNA
- Made of large rocks or lumps of partially broken -saccharides and their derivatives play key roles
bedrock in the immune system, fertilization, preventing
- Devoid of organic matter pathogenesis, blood clotting
 Proteins – amino acids arranged in a linear chain
7. Chemical substances and joined together by peptide bonds
- Existence of the biotic components is also dependent -enzymes that catalyze the chemical reactions in
on the chemical substances which constitutes the metabolism
earth’s surface -also important in cell signaling, immune
responses, cell adhesion, active transport among
1. Inorganic substance – chemical substances found membranes, and the cell cycle
in the ecosystems in the form of acids, bases, salts,  Lipids – molecular organic compounds composed
water and carbon dioxide largely of carbon and hydrogen, non-soluble in
a. Acids – pH less than 7.Abscisic acid for plant growth water and combine with carbohydrates and proteins
development that plays an important role in integrating to form the majority of all plant and animal cells
various stress signals and controlling downstream  Nucleic acids – biological molecules essential for life,
stress responses. include DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA
Ex. Of plants that live in acid soils (ribonucleic acid). Together with proteins, nucleic
Acidophiles – microorganisms that require acidic condition acids make up the most important macromolecules
to survive each found on living things where they functions in
b. Bases – alkaline substances known to buffer acidic encoding, transmitting and expressing genetic
conditions – pH more than 7 information.
-ammonification or sulfate reduction can lead to -when a cell divides, its DNA is copied and passed
transient alkalinity in microhabitats that is from one cell generation t the next generation. DNA
manifested in widespread feature of heterogeneous contains the programmatic instructions or cellular
environments such as soils and the highly alkaline activities. When organisms produce offspring, these
Ca++ dominated ground waters that are present in instructions, in the form of DNA, are passed down.
various geological locations around the world. RNA is involved in the synthesis of protein.
-some plants grow best in alkaline soil such as Information is typically passed from DNA to RNA to
lucerne and many xerophytes. the resulting proteins
c. Salts – are ionic compounds that result from the
neutralization reaction of an acid and a base. 8. Periodic disturbances
- halophytes are plants that have adopted to live in salty  Catastrophic disturbances, such as fires, hurricanes,
environment and grow in salt marshes, shallow coastal tornadoes, and volcanic eruptions can devastate
waters, dry salt pans and on sand dunes such as mangrove biological communities
trees. -after the disturbance, the area is re-colonized by
organisms or repopulated by survivors, but the
d.Water – most essential component of life structure of the community undergoes a succession
hydrosphere – 71% water of changes during the rebound
protoplasm – 70-90% of water
 Universal solvent
III. LIMITING FACTORS AND TOLERANCE
The existing natural ecosystem is often confronted with
 Ionizing power
negative impacts of modern technology
 2. Niche is more on how organisms react to their
Limiting factors - environmental influences that constrain environment, while habitat is more on how organisms
the productivity of organisms, populations or communities affect them.
and thereby prevent them from achieving their full biological 3. The short definition of niche is hoe an organism makes
importance, which could be realized through optimal a living, while habitat ie where the organisms live.
conditions.
V. HOMEOSTASIS IN THE ECOSYSTEM
Environmental factors – must satisfy minimum and Homeostasis – refers to the optimum balance in any
maximum criteria for life
Minimum criteria - represent the least availability that will
system, be it biological or environmental in nature
sustain organisms or ecological processes
Maxima – represent toxicity or other biological damages - Taking into account balance in the environment
simply considers the different aspect of the
2 laws for organism response to environmental changes: ecosystem which comprise of the biotic and the
1. The law of minimum – the growth and well- being of
abiotic components in it.
an organism is ultimately limited by that essential
resource that is in its lowest supply relative to what - The abiotic factors in an ecosystem maintain the
is required. requirements of the biotic components in it for
Limiting factor – most deficient resource sustenance and healthy interactions, likewise
2. The law of tolerance – each physical factor in the
biotic components as they do their activities must
environment a minimum and maximum limit exists
called the tolerance limit; beyond which the not disrupt the natural patterns of abiotic parts
organism does not thrive or survive for balance of environment.
-either too little or too much of any required factor - Humans and other living entities in the ecosystem
like food, energy, heat, vitamins, minerals, water or
oxygen threatens the survival of organisms and even must not engage in activities that incurred
the entire species. accumulated wastes that will disrupt the
The principle of limiting factors: is an ecological prevailing biochemical cycles and other abiotic
generalization that suggests, at any given time at a particular factors that will lead to an imbalance state of
ecosystem, productivity constrained by a single,
metabolically essential factor that is present in the least
ecosystem.
supply relative to the potential biological demand.
VI. Types of Philippine Ecosystem:
(https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/what-are-
IV. ECOLOGIC NICHE flora-and-fauna.php)
-each biotic component has an ecological niche
Aspects of ecological niche for plants and animals:
Aspects of niche for Aspects of niche for Flora and fauna are words originating from Latin.
plants animals Flora in Latin means goddess of the flower. Flora is
Season of year for Time and day for feeding also derived from the word floral, which means relating
growth and and season of year for to flowers. Therefore flora is a group of
reproduction. repeoduction indigenous plants in an ecosystem of a
Sunlight, water and soil Habitat and food geographical region. The origin of the word fauna is
requirement requirement
a bit shrouded in mystery. According to Roman
Relationships with other Relationships with other
organisms organisms mythology, Fauna refers to the goddess of fertility.
Effect on abiotic Effect on abiotic Fauna is sometimes referred to as Fauns, meaning
environment environment forest spirits. By definition, fauna is a group of
indigenous animals of any geographical region.
 Every organism has a significant role to play in the
ecosystem of the earth. So, the term flora and fauna was coined by biologists to
 Ecological niche- role on how organism relates or refer to a collection of plant and animal specifies in a
fits in the ecosystem that it belongs to given geographic location. This is why you hear
 Morphology – physical attributes of the organism phrases like flora and fauna of India, flora, and fauna of
are important
Indonesia and so on.
 Physiological and behavioral ways are also
important
 Niche – more focused on the response of the
VII. FOOD CHAIN AND FOOD WEB
organism to the limited resources of the
environment and their competitors Food chain – the path of food from a given final
- It is how an organism makes a living in the ecological consumer back to a producer
community it belongs Ex. The plant is the producer, the grasshopper is the
Habitat- location or place in the environment where the first-order consumer, the field mouse is the second –
organisms live. order consumer that feeds on plant-eating animals.
Niche and habitat are correlated in the study of  Pathway of energy in an ecosystem always
biodiversity. People may be able to keep the homes of begins with a producer
different organisms healthy and ultimately maintaining the
Food web – food chains connected at different points
number of organisms in the ecosystem.

Difference between niche and habitat:

1. Niche is more on how the organisms behave in -----end of prelim topic------
theplaces ehere they belong, while habitat is focused on
the places where each organisms belong
MIDTERM: Ex. Of anthropogenic sources of air pollution – mobile
HUMAN IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT: sources – vehicles, vessels and aircrafts; stationary
sources like factories, power plants and incinerators
EARTH – is the only planet known where life exists.
Area source – refers to relatively large areas of specific
Pollution – evidence of the human abuse of the earth activities that generate significant amounts of air
pollutants
Earth – become the receptacle of man’s waste and Ex. Heating and cooling units of commercial buildings,
suffering because of man’s irresponsibility and lack of fire places, surface coatings and even the family
awareness. landowners and barbecue grills
- Waste disposal in the form of open burning landfills
POLLUTION – is the undesirable change in the and wastewater treatment.
physical, chemical or biological characteristics of an
ecosystem. Environmental management Bureau (EMB) – under
- abuse and misuse of the environment. the DENR – in charge of monitoring and assessment of
air quality in the country
POLLUTANTS – anything that makes the environment
undesirable and unclean Based on 2008 Philippine National Emission Inventory
– 65% of the pollutants came from mobile sources,
Ex. Dust, oil, runoff from mines, industrial emissions, 21% from stationary and 14% from area sources
industrial wastes, oil spills and even beer cans that
thoughtless boater tosses into the water 2 Major types of Air Pollutants:
1.Primary pollutants – released directly from the
TYPES OF POLLUTION source into the air in hazardous form
Air Pollution – presence in the air of substances that Ex. Carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and particulate
adversely affect its chemical composition matter
- particulates floating in the air like smoke, soot, dust * Cigarette smoke-draws particulate materials directly
and fly ash into the lungs.
Rubber , iron and cement – principal particles included 2. Secondary pollutants - substances modified to a
in the measurement of suspended solid particulate hazardous form; after they enter the air or are formed
by chemical reactions as components of air mix and
Water pollution – contamination in any body of water interacts
Pollutants coming from households, industries and Ex. Products of hydrocarbon and nitrogen forming
municipalities nitric oxide and nitrogen oxides
- includes organisms that cause negative effects to the
natural inhabitants of the said ecosystem. Atmosphere - thin layer of gas that envelope the earth
- Serves to moderate the extreme cold and heat in the
LAND POLLUTION – the accumulation of solid waste in earth
the land Air clings tightly to the earth by the attraction of
- Degradation of earth’s land due to human activities gravity
- includes solid waste that comes from the household, - in constant motion due to the earth’s rotation
industries and hospitals. During the day, the sun penetrates the earth,
atmosphere traps heat so that it escapes more slowly
AIR POLLUTION: into the space.
-physical or chemical changes brought about by natural - effect is that night become warmer
processes or human activities that result in air quality - common function of the atmosphere is protection
degradation. from ultaviolet radiation from the sun and screen out
- we inhale 20,000 li. Of air per day harmful materials so the they do not reach the earth’s
- 150,000 premature deaths per year are caused by surface.
pollutants
- can cause chronic health effects and life threatening to * Very important phenomenon in the earth occurs in
those with asthma the atmosphere
- are known carcinogens and can kill plants and - Formation of clouds brings weather and climate
animals Troposphere – 1st layer of the atmosphere clouds are
formed
TWO MAJOR SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION: When clouds become heavy rain is formed causing
1. Natural Sources – includes volcanic eruptions changes in weather and climate
and wild fires * There is vital change of matter and energy that occurs
2. Anthropogenic sources – brought about by human between the atmosphere and ocean
activities * Ocean acts as a reservoir of heat moisture and CO2
Ex. June 1991 eruption of the Mt. Pinatubo ejected needed by the atmosphere
about 5 billion cubic meters of ash, sulfur oxide and * Atmosphere supplies the ocean surfaces with energy
carbon dioxide of motion that produces ocean currents.
- Wild fires also add particulate matter in the form of
ash and dust and carbon compounds on air COMPONENTS OF THE EARTH’S ATMOSPHERE
 Gases in the eatrh’s atmosphere: nitrogen, carbon
dioxide, oxygen, argon and xenon
- pull of gravity trapped the gases into the earth
- living organisms utilized these gases COMMON CRITERIA POLLUTANTS:
Carbon dioxide – only 0.0325% - efficient absorber of 1. Carbon oxide (CO) – colorless, odorless but highly
radiant energy emitted by the earth toxic gas formed from incomplete combustion of fossil
-Essential in photosynthesis fuel
- large amount of carbon dioxide will cause - binds irreversibly with hemoglobin
extreme heat 2. Carbon dioxide (CO2) - natural non- toxic
Oxygen – 20% in the atmosphere greenhouse gas and a major cause of global warming
- for respiration 3. Nitrogen oxide (NO) – highly reactive gas when
Nitrogen – most abundant gas – 78% - important nitrogen is heated to high temperatures.
element of protein structure material of our body 4. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) – a reddish brown gas that
Trace gases – 1% - xenon, argon, neon, helium, gives photochemical smog its distinctive color
methane, ozone and water vapor 5. Sulfur compounds - a colorless corrosive
Water vapor – source of all clouds and precipitation compounds as a result of combustion of fossil fuels,
- Water from the ground that evaporates which are directly damaging to plants and animals
Condensation – water turns into clouds 6. Particulate materials – small suspended solids or
There is a Water cyle water droplets in the atmosphere
Water cycle – there is a transformation of water from Includes ash, dust, smoke, soot and pollen
one phase to the other thus producing the absorption - are breathable for it has a size of not more than 25-50
and release of heat energy from one location to the microns (µm) most dangerous types of air pollutants
other because it can be drawn to the lungs.
Water vapor - plays a controlling influence on the SOURCES OF PARTICULATES
energy transfer for hydrologic cycle 1. Dusts – suspended particles larger than colloidal
particles
Dust particles – provide the nuclei on which moisture Lifted by the wind from point of origin and carried to
can collect to form fogs, clouds and precipitation the atmosphere by the atmospheric current
- Condensation process depends on the presence of - main sources are soil blowing, volcanic activity, forest
minute particles called dust particles in the atmosphere fires, oceanic spray, domestic and industrial
combustion process, vehicle exhaust and metric matter
Dust particle – also called nuclei – grain of salts from 2. Photochemical gas reactions – between naturally
ocean sprays and particles from fires, burning meteors produced ozone and hydrocarbons resulting in small
and volcanic erruptions particles that remained suspended in the air
*Dust also responsible for the so-called prism effect on 3. Solid particles – smoke from motor vehicles and
air industries and from combustion of materials
- optical phenomena of having varied hues of red and 4. Photochemical reactions between oxygen and
orange during sunrise and sunset are due to the nitrogen, and hydrocarbons called smog reaction,
presence of dust particles producing small size particles
- like CO2 & water vapor, dust particles also intercept 5. Radioactive fallouts and radiations – results from
and reflect incoming solar radiation nuclear tests in the earth’s atmosphere
OZONE –molecule that contains 3 atoms of oxygen As long as nuclear weapons are manufactured and
*Also referred as triatomic oxygen (O3) stockpiled, there are hazards caused by their transport.
* main role is to absorb damaging ultraviolet radiation
from the sun. NON- CRITERIA POLLUTANTS
Aerosol – suspended particles within the atmosphere 1. Metals and Halogens – toxic metals occur as
May be in solid or liquid and occur in wide ranges of trace elements in fossil fuels, especially in coals.
size, shape and chemical composition Includes lead Pb is accounted for 2/3 of world
- tend to concentrate in the lower atmosphere near wide metallic air pollution and considered
their source on earth’s surface metabolic poison and a neurotoxin.
- sources are soil and sediment eroded by the wind, 2. Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) – synthetic
tiny crystals of sea salt form from breaking sea waves , compounds such as benzene, toluene, chloroform,
volcanic emissions, by- products of industrial etc
processes. 3. Air toxins – chemical pollutants known as
carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and
Clouds – natural aerosol of water droplets in air neurotoxins. Includes mercury, lead, sulfur,
Smoke which contains solid paticles of carbon and ash, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon,
combine with fog and certain chemicals is the harmful cadmium, beryllium, fluoride, and nickel
aerosol called SMOG.
SMOG
Criteria pollutants - substances that contribute to the Chemical changes brought about by the gases and
largest volume of air quality degradation particles in the atmosphere
-Are monitored and assessed - pollutant react with sunlight; it creates a ground
- major threat to human health level ozone known as photochemical smog
- carbon compounds, nitrogen compounds, sulfur, and Nitrogen compound and heated by solar energy – it
particulate materials gives smog a reddish brown discoloration
SMOG – coined term referring to smoke and fog
- Occurs when high concenration of moisture mixes HARMFUL EFFECTS OF ACID RAIN
and combines with smoke containing sulfur and 1. Effect on structure – dissolves the surfaces of
nitrogen oxides in the presence of high buildings and monuments
temperature 2. Effects on vegetation –inhibit cell division in the
- cause air to stagnate over industrial areas root that stops growth of the tree
- usually blankets major cities including Manila and 3. Effects on bodies of water – kills fishes and
Quezon City marine organisms
- can cause diff. health hazards like breathing 4. Effects on humans – responsible for minor
difficulties, irritated throat, and long term exposure intestinal ailments
can cause cancer.
Solutions to smog problems: POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:
To encourage carmakers to develop cars that Tall Smokestacks
produce less smog Electric cars
The practice of car-pooling or use of public Scrubbers – remove sulfur from smokestacks
transport to limit car usage. before it reaches the atmosphere
ACID RAIN: Shift to nuclear or solar energy
 Any form of precipitation that is usually acidic Japan’s low sulfur fuels
or low in pH Philippine Efforts to clean the air:
 Formed when substances such as sulfur dioxide Bantay Tambutso sa Eskwela
and nitrogen oxide react with water vapor Bantay Tambutso sa malls
 Acid rain is formed when these gases react with Bantay Sunog Basura
oxygen and/ or water to form either sulfuric Bantay Tsimneya
acid or nitric acid. Sunlight increases the rate of
this reactions. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES THAT PROTECTS AIR
 SO2 gas comes from mining smelters and the The Phil. Clean Air Act of 1999 – declares
burning of coal. Also came from electrical November as the Clean Air Month
power stations. Bio-fuels Act of 2006 – aim to achieve energy
 Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide – main independence
cause of acid rain GREENHOUSE EFFECT AND GLOBAL WARMING:
Greenhouse effect – natural phenomenon
Effects of Acid Rain: - keeps our world warm by trapping sun’s energy
 Human respiratory disease such as cough, - rise in temperature due to certain gases such as
colds, asthma and throat irritation. water vapor, carbon dioxide and methane
 Can pollute drinking water Greenhouse gases – gases in the atmosphere that
 Decrease atmospheric visibility and can traps the sun’s heat energy/ radiation and reflect it
damage historical statutes. back to the earth causing a rise in temperature to
 Can leach plant nutrients such as magnesium the earth.
and calcium salts that weakens plant resistance. GREENHOUSE GASES:
1. Carbon dioxide (C𝑂_2) – comes from burning
 Can cause massive fish kill because of the
fuels and destruction of forest
aluminum ions from rocks and soil released
- major gas that cause global warming and climate
from acid rain and can harm bodies of water
change
because of low pH.
2. Metane (〖𝑂𝑂〗_4) – anaerobic decomposition
SOURCES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES THAT of organic wastes
CAUSE ACID RAIN: 3. Sulfur oxide (〖𝑂𝑂〗_𝑂) – produced mostly by
power that burns fossil fuels like coal and coil
1. Nitrogen Oxide – by- products of firing process
4. Lower Level Ozone – produced from car exhaust
that utilize extreme temperature from automobiles
which reacts with sunlight to form smog
and factories
- burning of high sulfur coal from electrical 5. Nitrogen Oxide (〖𝑂𝑂〗_𝑂)− emitted during
power plant agricultural and industrial activities as well as
- 43% nitrogen emission from transportation during combustion of solid waste anf fossil fuels
- 32% from industrial combustion 6. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s) – released into the
atmosphere by industrial used as refrigerants,
2. Sulfuric Compounds – Sulfur from petroleum and aerosol propellants, and solvents, and by process of
coal-based fossil fuel that combines with oxygen producing plastics forms and cigarettes. Found
forming sulfur dioxide (SO2) released into the from the emission from refigerators, air-
atmosphere from iron and steel companies, crude conditioners and fire retardants.
oil processing plants and smelting of metal surface *Very powerful greenhouse gases that are not
ore naturally occuring include:
- 69.4% sulfur dioxide from industrial 1. Hydrofluorocarbons – (HFCs)
combustion 2. Per fluorocarbons – (PFCs)
- 3.7% from vehicles 3. Sulfur hexafluoride – (〖𝑂𝑂〗_𝑂)
* from industrial processes
 Climate – long-term average of a region’s weather
GLOBAL WARMING events lumped together
- average increase in the Earth’s atmosphere Climate change- represents a change in these long-
primarily due to the so-called greenhouse effect term weather patterns
Can become warmer or colder
EFFECTS OF GREENHOUSE GASES AND GLOBAL -annual amount of rainfall or snowfall can increase
WARMING or decrease
1. Melting of ice Caps – desalinate seas and oceans
causing disturance to ocean currents and SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL WARMING AND
temperature displacing polar organisms CLIMATE CHANGE:
2. Rising Sea Levels – Polar ice caps will melt 1. Planting trees
resulting to the rise in sea level anywhere between 2. Carpool
10 cm and 2 m or approximately 4 inches and 6 feet 3. Replace light bulb into energy saving model
Rise of sea level would flood 2000 square miles of 4. Unplug electrical appliances when not in use
land. OZONE LAYER
Low- lying coastal areas could be wiped off the map
By the end of the next century sea level will rise as Five layers of the atmosphere:
much as 1 m resulting in floods of low lying areas 1. Troposphere – 10 km above the earth’s surface
like the plains of Central Luzon and of Central - formation of cloud
Mindanao, and most of the port cities of the Tropopause - boundary between troposphere and
country. stratosphere – characterized by sudden change of
3. Change in Climatic patterns - already been temperature with height
observed for the past few years 2. Stratosphere – 45 km above the earth’s surface
4. Spread diseases – some countries become warm, temperature increases as the altitude increases
disease carrying insects and animals migrate Wind moves horizontal
towards warmer areas bringing disease Characterized by jet streams because of its stability
- increased rate of vector-borne disease infection Significant feature – ozone layer located 16-32 km
(dengue) due to increase of mosquito’s breeding above the earth’s surface that protects organisms
places from harmful ultraviolet radiation of the sun.
5. Economic Consequences – Global warming and 3. Mesosphere – air mixes and temperature
climatic changes have brought hurricanes and decreases at lowest value of – 90 degrees Celcius
typhoons that damage our households and with altitude
agricultural industries - meteors burn up when entering the earth’s
-disease that comes with global warming cost one surface
to treat and control. -90 km above the earth
6. Increased droughts and Heat waves – other areas 4. Thermosphere – layer that is first expose to
to suffer droughts & heat waves especially Africa the sunlight
and Europe and could lead to conflicts and war - where space shuttle orbits
7. Other effects: bleaching of coral reefs, El Niño -temperature reaches 1500 degree celcius or
and La Niña higher
El Niño – term means little boy or Christ child 5. Exosphere – region where atoms and molecules
first use by a Peruvian fiaherman in the late 1800 escape
to describe warm current appearing off the western -true upper limit of the earth’s atmosphere
coast of Peru around Christmas time
- today it refers to a disruption of the ocean OZONE LAYER – thin bond of ozone gas O3 formed
atmosphere system in the tropical Pacific having from ultraviolet splits oxygen molecules into free
important global consequences oxygen atoms
-refer to a warming of the eastern tropical Pacific Oxygen atoms combine with oxygen molecules to
Changes that occurs during El Niño and La Niña: form ozone
- Wind velocities Chemical reaction:
- Sea surface temperatures O3 + UV O2 + O
- Surface air pressures O + O2 O3
- Sea level CFC – Chlorofluorocarbon ( Freon) – major cause of
La Niña – means “The Little Girl”, cold event or a ozone depletion
cold episode
Recent El Niños and La Niñas: Disrupt the ozone gases in the atmosphere through
1986 -1987 – warm water was noticeable in the the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Eastern Pacific in the spring of 1987 - CFC in its heated state will cause chlorine atom to
1988-1989 – very cool water in Eastern Pacific break away and to hit ozone gases
- very strong La Niña - chlorine atom will take oxygen molecule resulting
to chlorine monoxide
1991-1992 – warm water penetrated towards the - finally 2 oxygen atoms form an oxygen molecule
east in the nothern hemisphere spring of 1992 then chlorine atom is free and will repeat the
1995 -1996 weaker La Niña year depletion process

1997-1998 – severe El Niño

Massive hole in the ozone layer was seen right 4. Detergents – cause frothing and foaming of the
above Antarctica – major reason of the melting ice streams and rivers and contains alkyl benzene
caps in the region sulfonate, that is toxic to fishes and other aquatic
organisms
EFFECTS OF THE OZONE DEPLETION
1. increase cancer levels 5. Mine Tailings – residue of mining and ore
2. increase rate of disease like malaria and cases of extraction
cataracts
3. life cycles of plants will be affected thus -large release of acid to rivers and lakes
disrupting food chains
4. kill marine animals Add sediments that interfere with sunlight and
5. change in wind patterns causing climatic change make body of water shallower

SOLUTIONS TO OZONE DEPLETION: 6. Sugar Mills - wastewater that is rich in

1. Reduce the use of CFC suspended and dissolved solids, hot water, alkaline
effluents from caustic cleaning of evaporators and
WATER POLLUTION mud presses.
-one of the world’s critical problem
WATER – integral part of life in this planet 7. Alcohol distillery – produce methyl alcohol from
odorless and tasteless substance that cover more molasses that produce wastewater with slops
than three-fourths of the earth surface having a biological oxygen demand of 40 000 mg /l
97% is saltwater to 50 000 mg /l. Can turn water into black and
3% freshwater – 2% ice caps and glaciers - 1% produce stinking odor.
useable to humans and land animals found in lakes,
rivers, streams, ponds and in the ground 8. Agricultural pollutants – fertilizers contain
nitrogen and phosphorous that can leach to
groundwater

Nitrates cause infant methemoglobinemia

SOURCES OF WATER POLLUTION
-phosphate causes extensive algal blooms and
1. Point source – contributors of pollution that can
contributes to eutrophication.
be identified like oil refineries
2. Non-point source - diffuse sources like Pesticides may include the development of
agricultural activities resistant pest species.
SPECIFIC SOURCES ARE: 9. Oil – interfere with digestion and causes
1.Harmful chemicals – sodium chloride, sodium respiratory failure to organism
sulfate, calcium sulfate, mercury and pesticides
from industrial wastes. Limits sunlight penetration and results to the death
2.Oil washing, kitchen wastes and other wastes of fish and plankton.
from homes
3. Agricultural practices – eutrophication of lakes 10. Thermal pollution – discharge of hot water
and rivers. Nitrates and phosphates commonly likewise affecting the oxygen content of the water
used as fertilizers can enhance algal bloom and leading to fish suffocation
later on change the state of the water.
4. Sugar mills – produce hot water discharge that - Kills fishes because they cannot regulate
can cause thermal pollution in rivers and seas. temperature change

WATER POLLUTANTS:
1. Domestic wastes - produced by the households EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION:
- Pollutes our drinking water
70 % of the water pollutants - Threatens our health
- Decrease the value of our property
Includes food leftover, animal and human manure, - Destroy commercial and game fish
fruit peelings - Contaminates jellyfish and pushes up seafood
prizes
2. Biological pollutants – Living organisms with - Poisons water flow and other domestic
negative effects in the environment structures
- Degrade the quality of our total environment
Includes coliform bacteria, janitor fish and water
lilies RED TIDE MENACE
-is a phenomenon wherein there is an unusual
3. Plastics and styrofoam – made from petroleum discoloration in a body of water specially the ocean
and CFC, non-biodegradable and had caused Cause by the proliferation of alga or algal bloom
clogging of waterways and canals. also known as dinoflagellates that contain pigments
ranging from red, yellow or brown
 It destroyed crops, clogged irrigation channels and
TYPES OF HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM had left the Boac River virtually dead
Do not produce toxins but utilize the dissolved
oxygen thus killing the fish - caused lost of 1.8 million worth of marine and
Produce potent toxins associated with different freshwater life
types of gastro intestinal illnesses like:
- Paralytic shellfish poisoning - residents near the Boac river has been positive for
- Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning copper and zinc within their blood.
- Amnesic shellfish poisoning
- Ciguatera fish poisoning Philippines has the longest coastline in the world

3rd type of algal bloom is those algal species that Country’s inland waters – 421 rivers, 79 natural
are non-toxic to humand but harmful to fish and lakes and more than 50 000 sq. m of water
invertebrates by damaging or clogging their gills reservoir where 50 rivers are considered dead

EFFECTS OF RED TIDE - most of them are positive for nitrates and
 Health Impact – paralytic shellfish poisoning phosphates that have caused algal bloom
developes from eating mollusk containing
PHILIPPNE EFFORTS TO CLEAN THE WATER
dinoflgellates that contain a neurotoxin known as
saxitoxin
Industrial Eco-watch
 Economic impact – decline in the demand of
fishery products Tap watch
 Environmental Impact – extent of water
pollution Beach Eco-watch
Government action against red tide:
Created National Red Tide Task Force (NRTTF) to Sagip Pasig Movement
monitor toxic red tide occurences in the Phil. to
inform the public of the possible illnesses and Critical thinking questions:
death caused by the toxin.
Do you think that Pasig River can still be
OIL SPILL – type of pollution wherein oil recovered?
(petroleum) is released in a body of water mostly in
seas and ocean due to leaks from ships during the What are the different method of solving oil spill?
transport Explain the effect of red tide and oil spill to nearby
coastal communities?
Effects of oil spills: Explain how janitor fish and water lilies become
- Can kill fishes and other aquatic resources biological pollutants.
- Reduces insulating ability in marine mammals APPLICATION
like sea lions and seals. Oil coats their fur and Visit a body of water in your area or school. Be able
reduces their insulation abilities causing body to list the common pollutants that you can find and
temperature to change. give the possible effects of these to the inhabitants
- Thin film on top of water limits light of the water and the community?
penetration into the waters affecting SOLID WASTE POLLUTION
photosynthesis of plants and planktons. SOLID WASTE – any unwanted material that is
- Poison coral polyps in reef neither liquid nor gas
- 27 000 km of coral reefs in tha Phil. - causes of
deterioration are cyanide fishing and muro-ami Different types or classifications of solid waste:
methods Municipal wastes – are those coming from
- Worst oil spill in the phil.: On august 11, 2006 households
- MV Solar I sinks in the water of Guimaras Island
- Carrying petron oil about 2.4 million li. Of oil to Industrial wastes – from factories
Mindanao
Toxic and hazardous waste – from hospitals and
POLLUTION OF PHIL. RIVERS AND LAKES laboratories
421 rivers in the Phil.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT METHODS
50 rivers considered biologically dead including
Pasig River because they are made into dumping ZERO WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
sites of the different industries.
System aims to achieve zero waste from its source
Sagip Ilog Programs – 19 priority rivers identified
by the EMB that needs with water quality criteria 1. Reduce – cut waste disposal and handling cost
set by the DENR
- reduce packaging materials, avoid practices that
MARCH 24, 1996 – Marcopper Mine’s Pit Drainage produce toxicity
leaked in one of the major rivers in Marinduque is
the most fatal mining accident that happened - maintain durable products.
2. Reuse – finding alternative use of materials we waste management program that will ensure public
usually consider as junk. health and the environment

3. Recycle – method of processing used materials

into new products
Establishment of Materials Recovery Facility in
every barangay or cluster of barangays.
COMPOSTING
Biodegradation of organic matter into humus like MRF – specialized plant that receives, segregates
product and prepares recycled materials
By – product is known as compost commonly used
as fertilizers for farming. San Pablo City – first to build MRF in Calabarzon
area.
SANITARY LANDFILL - solid wastes are spread in
layers, compacted and covered with earth daily PHILIPPINE ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS:
Away from faults, wet lands and flood plains
 There should be composite liners of 2 feet of 1. Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (R.A. No. 8749
compacted clay soil lining the bottom and the – an act providing for a comprehensive air
sides of the landfill pollution control policy
 Leachate collection and removal system
2. Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 (R.A. 9211)
 Operating practices that includes compacting
and covering waste with several inches of soil
- act regulating the packaging, use, sale distribution
and advertisements of tobacco products
INCINERATORS: 3. Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear
Used in the burning of garbage and removal of the Wastes Control Act of 1990 (R.A. No. 6969)
residue
- machine that burns the trash and waste into ash -act that regulate, restrict or prohibit the
- aims to avoid accumulation of hazardous importation, manufacture, processing, sale ,
materials into landfills distribution, use and disposal of chemical
- burning can add smog and air pollution substances and mixtures
OPEN DUMPSIGHT 4. Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of
Garbages dumped in open sites where organic 2000 (R.A. No. 9003) - provides guidelines and
matter is allowed to rot targets for solid waste avoidance and volume
Least preferred method reduction through source reduction and waste
Temporarily removes waste from its source and minimization measures.
designate another location to place garbages.
5. Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (R.A. No.
CONTROLLING POLLUTION 9275) – act providing for a comprehensive
- seawage treatment plants that use bacteria to water quality management of our fresh,
break down sewage before it is released into brackish and marine waters focusing on
waterways pollution prevention

PHILIPPINE EFFORTS TO SOLVE SOLID WASTE 6. The Water Code of the Philippines (P.D. No.
1.Accelerated Compositing Technology 1067) - revised and consolidated the laws
(Bioreactor) – aerobic degradation of solid wastes governing the ownership, appropriation,
inside fabricated reactor to a level suitable for utilization, exploitation, development,
organic fertilizer conservation and protection of water resources

2. Anaerobic Compositing ( Biogas reactor) – 7. 7. Wildlife Resources Conservation and

anaerobic conversion of organic wastes from Protection Act ( R.A. No. 9147)
agriculture, livestock, and domestic into energy
and biofertilizers that do not use oxygen - provides for the conservation and protection
of wildlife resources and their habitats
3. Vermicompositing – produces compost with the
use of worms african nights crawlers that eat solid 8. 8. National Integrated Protected Areas System
wastes and produce vermicast, a pure worm Act of 1992 ( R.A. No. 7586) – act providing for
excreta and worm biomass the establishment and management of National
Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS)
Material recovery facility:
9. Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (R.A. No. 8371)
RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste
Management Act of the Phil. – law provides a IPRA seeks to recognize, promote and protect
solid and legal framework for the country’s the rights of the indigenous people.
systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid