Environmental Science Ability Enhancement Course (AEC-I)

RAMANUJAN COLLEGE
University of Delhi
Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC)

PRACTICAL HAND BOOK

on
Environmental Science
Ability Enhancement Course (AEC-I)

Dr. Moirangthem Jiban Singh

Assistant Professor
Department of Environmental Science
Ramanujan College
University of Delhi

Dr. Moirangthem Jiban Singh, M. Sc., PGDIS, Ph.D

Assistant Professor in Dept. of Environmental Science, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi
Environmental Science Ability Enhancement Course (AEC-I)

Experiment No. 1

AIM:

Analysis of achievement of Sustainable Development Goals of any country.

INTRODUCTION:

The right to develop and the need to sustain the environment, which need to be balanced
for achieving future development in a sustainable manner is the concept of sustainable
development.

“Sustainable Development is development that meets the needs of the present, without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

United Nations Millennium Declaration has approved the Economic, Environmental and
Social sustainability is the dimensions of sustainability. So, to achieve true sustainability we
need to balance economic, environmental and social sustainability factors in equal harmony.

Equitable = Social + Economic;

Bearable = Social + Environmental and
Viable = Environmental + Economic.

 Economic Sustainability: Economic sustainability requires that a business or country

uses its resources efficiently and responsibly so that it can operate in a sustainable
manner to consistently produce an operational profit.

 Environmental Sustainability: To live in true environmental sustainability we need to

ensure that we are consuming our natural resources at a sustainable rate.

 Social Sustainability: Social sustainability is the ability of society or any social system
and to persistently achieve a good social well being.

Table 1: Seventeen Goals of Sustainable Development.

Economic Sustainability Environmental Sustainability Social Sustainability
1. Affordable and Clean
1. Clean Water and Sanitation 1. No Poverty
Energy
2. Decent Work and
2. Climate Action 2. Zero Hunger
Economic Growth
3. Industry Involution and 3. Good Health and Well
3. Life Bellow Water
Infrastructure Being
4. Responsible Consumption
4. Life on Land 4. Quality Education
and Production
5. Partnerships for the Goals 5. Gender Equality
6. Reduced Inequality
7. Sustainable Cities and
Communities
8. Peace, Justice and
Strong Institutions

Dr. Moirangthem Jiban Singh, M. Sc., PGDIS, Ph.D

Assistant Professor in Dept. of Environmental Science, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi
Environmental Science Ability Enhancement Course (AEC-I)
(AEC

Figure 1: Logo’s of Seventeen Sustainable Development Goals.

OBJECTIVES:
 To know how to minimize the depletion of natural resources.
 To know how to promote development without causing harm to the,
the economic, social
and environmental.
al.

MATERIALS AND METHOD:

Review of Sustainability Reports of various countries
countries.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION:

Climate change is now affecting every country on every continent. It is disrupting national
economies and affecting lives, costing people, communities and countries dearly today and even
more tomorrow.

People are experiencing the significant impacts of climate change, which include changing
weather patterns, rising sea level, and more extreme weather events. The greenhouse gas
emissions from human activities are driving climate change and continue to rise. They are now at
their highest
hest levels in history. Without action, the world’s average surface temperature is
projected to rise over the 21st century and is likely to surpass 3OC this century with some areas of
the world expected to warm even more. The poorest and most vulnerable people pe are being
affected the most.

Affordable, scalable solutions are now available to enable countries to leapfrog to cleaner, more
resilient economies. The pace of change is quickening as more people are turning to renewable
energy and a range of other memeasures
asures that will reduce emissions and increase adaptation efforts.

But climate change is a global challenge that does not respect national borders. Emissions
anywhere affect people everywhere. It is an issue that requires solutions that need to be
coordinated
ted at the international level and it requires international cooperation to help developing
countries move toward a low
low-carbon economy.

To address climate change, countries adopted the Paris Agreement at the COP21 in Paris on 12
December 2015. The Agreement entered into fo force
rce less than a year later. In the agreement, all
countries agreed to work to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and
given the grave risks, to strive for 1.5 degrees Celsius.

CONCLUSION:
Implementation of the Paris Agreement is essential for the achievement of the Sustainable
Development Goals,, and provides a roadmap for climate actions that will reduce emissions
emissio and
build climate resilience.

Dr. Moirangthem Jiban Singh, M. Sc., PGDIS,

, Ph.D
Assistant Professor in Dept. of Environmental Science,
cience, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi
 Environmental Science Ability Enhancement Course (AEC-I)

Experiment No. 2

AIM:

Differentiate of natural and managed ecosystems using Google Earth/Map.

INTRODUCTION:

“Ecosystem is a structural and functional unit of biosphere consisting of community

of living beings and the physical environment, both interacting and exchanging
materials between them.”

There are different types of ecosystems based on different climates, habitats and life forms. This
means that ecosystems can typically be divided into hundreds and thousands of smaller systems.
However, all such types generally fall into;

1. Natural Ecosystem and

2. Managed (Artificial/Man-made) Ecosystem.

Further, both natural and managed ecosystems are belongs into Terrestrial and Aquatic
Ecosystems.

Natural Ecosystem:
A natural ecosystem is an interaction between the environment and the organisms living in the
environment. It occurs naturally in nature and requires no human activity for its functioning.
Examples: Forests, Grasslands, Deserts, Lakes and Rivers etc.

Artificial (Man-made/ Managed) Ecosystem:

Managed ecosystems are human-made structures where biotic and abiotic components are made
to interact with each other for survival. It is not self-sustaining without human help.
Examples: Aquariums, Agriculture fields and Zoos, etc.

OBJECTIVE:
1. To know the different between natural and managed ecosystems.

MATERIALS AND METHOD:

Google Earth/ Google Map

RESULT AND DISCUSSION:

Natural Ecosystem Managed Ecosystem

Jim Corbett National Park Sethi Agricultural Land and Farm
29.530038, 78.774632 28.612671, 76.918307
 Total Forest Area: 1318.54 km2.  Total Forest Area: 2 acres (9150 sq yards).
 Core Area: 520 km2.  Core Area: Not Applicable.
 Type of Forest: Dense moist deciduous forest  Type of Forest: Agricultural land and farm.
 Rivers: Kosi and Ramganga.  Rivers: Not Applicable.
 Hills: Nainital, Bhimtal, Naukichital, Rishikesh,  Hills: Not Applicable.
Sattal.  Temperature: 2oC to 40oC.
 Temperature: 8oC to 40oC.  Annual Rainfall: 339mm.
 Annual Rainfall: 1133mm.  Flora: Wheat, Berseem, Mustard, Flowers,
 Flora: Sal, Haldu, Peepal, Rohini, Mango, Teak, Vegetable, Oil seed and other vegetation etc.

Dr. Moirangthem Jiban Singh, M. Sc., PGDIS, Ph.D

Assistant Professor in Dept. of Environmental Science, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi
 Environmental Science Ability Enhancement Course (AEC-I)

Silver Oak, Eucalyptus, Jacaranda and  Fauna: Nilgai, Rabbit, Wild Boar, Squirrel and
Bottlebrush. Rodent, Insects, some Termites and Millipedes,
 Fauna: Langurs, Sloth Bears, Asiatic Black Mongooses, Frogs, Snaks, Peacocks, Birds and
Bears, Mongooses, Wild Cats, Elephants, Wild Lizards etc.
Boars, Chitals (spotted deer), Barking Deer and
Nilgai.
 It can survive on its own.  It needs human assistance to flourish.
 It has a vast genetic diversity.  Since it is human-made, it has very limited
genetic diversity.
 It has a high chance of evolution as they learn to  It has a very low chance of evolution.
adapt to their surroundings.
 The food chain is long and complex.  Food chains are short and usually incomplete.
 The nutrient cycles are complete.  The nutrient cycles are always incomplete.

Natural Ecosystem Managed Ecosystem

Jim Corbett National Park Sethi Agricultural Land and Farm
29.530038, 78.774632 28.612671, 76.918307

Figure 1: Difference between and Natural Managed Ecosystems.

CONCLUSION:
Natural and managed ecosystems are differing in many aspects, but both of them are equally
crucial aspects of sustainable environment.

Dr. Moirangthem Jiban Singh, M. Sc., PGDIS, Ph.D

Assistant Professor in Dept. of Environmental Science, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi
Environmental Science Ability Enhancement Course (AEC-I)

Experiment No. 3

AIM:

Schematic collection of data for depicting ecological pyramids in the College campus.

INTRODUCTION:

“The graphical representation of the relationship between various living beings at

various trophic levels within a food chain is called an ecological pyramid.”

The structure of ecosystems can be visualized with ecological pyramids, which were first
described by the pioneering studies of Charles Elton in the 1920s and such these also called
Eltonian Pyramids of Food Pyramids.

Ecological pyramids show the relative amounts of various parameters across trophic levels,
e.g. Pyramids of Number, Pyramids of Biomass and Pyramids of Energy.

 Pyramids of numbers and biomass can be either upright or inverted, depending

on the ecosystem.
 However, pyramid of energy reflects the laws of thermodynamics with conversion of
solar energy at each trophic level and with loss of energy being depicted always
upward.

OBJECTIVES:
1. To identify the type of ecosystems stating appropriate reason.
2. To know the biotic and abiotic found in trophic levels.
3. To depict the relevant ecological pyramids as per data’s.

MATERIALS AND METHOD:

Review of literature than experimental case study

RESULT AND DISCUSSION:

The different structural components of the Saghan Van/Park/Garden in College campus
can be classified as abiotic and biotic components.

Biotic Components
Producers: In Saghan Van/Park/Garden, producers are mainly grasses; though, a few
herbs, shrubs and trees also contribute to the primary production of biomass.

Primary Consumers: The primary consumers are herbivores feeding directly on

producers. Herbivores such as grazing mammals (e. g. Nilgai, Rabbit, Wild Boar, Pig,
Squirrel and Rodent), insects (e.g., Dysdercus, Coccinella, Leptocorisa and
Grasshopper etc), some termites and millipedes are the primary consumers.

Secondary Consumers: These are primary carnivores that feed on primary

consumers. The animals like Wild Cat, Street Dogs, Mongooses, Frogs, Snaks,
Peacocks, Birds and Lizards etc., are feeding on the herbivores.

Dr. Moirangthem Jiban Singh, M. Sc., PGDIS, Ph.D

Assistant Professor in Dept. of Environmental Science, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi
Environmental Science Ability Enhancement Course (AEC-I)

Tertiary Consumers: These include Hawks etc. which feed on secondary consumers.

Abiotic Components
These include the nutrients, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur,
carbon dioxide, water and some trace elements.

Table 1: Food Chain Data of Sagan Van.

Ecosystem: Saghan Van/Park/Garden Ecosystem
Area in m2: 100

Tophic Level Organisms No. of Organisms

Producer Infinity
1st Grasses, Herbs and Shrubs
Autotrops (1000 Millions)
Primary Consumer Dysdercus, Coccinella, Leptocorisa Infinity
2nd
Herbivores and Grasshopper (1 Millions)
rd Secondary Consumer Mongooses, Frogs, Snaks, Peacocks,
3 500
Primary Carnivores Birds and Lizards
th Tertiary Consumer
4 Hawks 10
Secondary Carnivores

3o Consumer-
2o Carnivores
Hawks
10
2o Consumer- 1o Carnivores
Peacocks
500
1o Consumer - Herbivores
Grasses Hopper
≈1Million

Producer - Autotrops
Grasses
≈1000 Millions

Figure 1: Upright pyramid of number

CONCLUSION:
In this grassland ecosystem have rich biodiversity and shows Upright pyramid of number.

Dr. Moirangthem Jiban Singh, M. Sc., PGDIS, Ph.D

Assistant Professor in Dept. of Environmental Science, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi
Environmental Science Ability Enhancement Course (AEC-I)

Experiment No. 4

AIM:

Comparison of energy demand and consumption of a particular state over the years using graphical data.

INTRODUCTION:

Comparison of energy demand and consumption of a particular state over the years is essential
to understand that energy consumption does not necessarily come from a single energy
source. Indeed, it is a common misconception to think that to save energy you have to save
electricity whereas it could be a totally different energy source that has the greatest impact on
a certain process.

In a factory, total energy consumption can be measured by looking at how much energy a
production process consumes.

In a household, energy consumption includes electricity, gas, water and any other energy used to
live comfortably.

“Energy consumption refers to all the energy used to perform an action, manufacture
something or simply inhabit a building.”

OBJECTIVES:
1. To know how much energy have used in particular state and differ.

MATERIALS AND METHOD:

Review of Literature and graphic

Figure 1: Variation of Electricity Consumptions in Delhi and Manipur

Dr. Moirangthem Jiban Singh, M. Sc., PGDIS, Ph.D

Assistant Professor in Dept. of Environmental Science, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi
Environmental Science Ability Enhancement Course (AEC-I)

RESULT AND DISCUSSION:

Electricity Consumption in Delhi was reported at 24775 and 29,812 GWh in 2015 and 2020
respectively with average of 27417 GWh. This record shows increase in 19% every year and
indicates the Electricity Consumption in Delhi remains active status.

Similarly, Electricity Consumption in Manipur was reported at 465 and 631 GWh in 2009 and 2020
respectively with average of 534 GWh. This record shows increase in 0.23% every year and
indicates the Electricity Consumption in Manipur remains non-active status.

CONCLUSION:
Electricity consumption in Delhi is 88 times increase with compared to consumption in Manipur,
because of no night transportation system in Manipur, no Industries and less population.

Dr. Moirangthem Jiban Singh, M. Sc., PGDIS, Ph.D

Assistant Professor in Dept. of Environmental Science, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi
Environmental Science Ability Enhancement Course (AEC-I)

Experiment No. 5

AIM:

Development and understand working model of renewable sources of energy.

INTRODUCTION:

Generating renewable energy creates far lower emissions than burning fossil fuels.

“Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a
higher rate than they are consumed.”

Solar Energy:
Solar energy is the most abundant of all energy resources and can even be harnessed in cloudy
weather. The rate at which solar energy is intercepted by the Earth is about 10,000 times
greater than the rate at which humankind consumes energy.

OBJECTIVES:
1. To know how to development and understand working model of solar energy
sources.

MATERIALS AND METHOD:

Field visit and review of literature

RESULT AND DISCUSSION:

Solar energy technologies refer primarily to the use of solar radiation for practical ends and there
are three types of solar panels available;

 Mono-crystalline solar panels

 Poly-crystalline solar panels
 Thin film solar panels

A solar Photovoltaic (PV) which makes N- and P-types of Silicon is the functional unit of solar
Module consists of solar cells, glass, encapsulant (EVA), back-sheet and frame. Then, group of
module makes solar Panels and group of panels makes Array.

A Photovoltaic cell is a diode-like device which produces a small amount of current when light
impinges on its surface and it is known as the photoelectric effect

In simple terms, the energy of the impinging photons is absorbed by electrons in the PV cell and
this absorbed light energy generates particles with positive or negative charge (holes and
electrons), which move within the cell. As the electrons are ‘knocked’ free from their atoms, a
flow of electricity is generated.

Dr. Moirangthem Jiban Singh, M. Sc., PGDIS, Ph.D

Assistant Professor in Dept. of Environmental Science, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi
Environmental Science Ability Enhancement Course (AEC-I)
(AEC

Figure 1: Solar Panel sources of renewable energy

CONCLUSION:
The solar cell or panel output must go to a converter or inverter and regulator for stabilized DC
to AC current.

Dr. Moirangthem Jiban Singh, M. Sc., PGDIS,

, Ph.D
Assistant Professor in Dept. of Environmental Science,
cience, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi
Environmental Science Ability Enhancement Course (AEC-I)

Experiment No. 6

AIM:

Visit to a solar plant in the College campus.

INTRODUCTION:
Solar panels plant also renewable energy available in our college. Therefore, we have chosen to
investigate this.

Solar energy is the most abundant of all energy resources and can even be harnessed in cloudy
weather. The rate at which solar energy is intercepted by the Earth is about 10,000 times
greater than the rate at which humankind consumes energy.

Our college is equipped with “Solar Panel” on the roof top of building; inaugurated on 24th Nov.
2020 (date may be change as per your college). The “eco-friendly activities” and various such
practices are being regularly held for developing the “Ethical and Moral Values” in students
which are essential for conserving our environment.

OBJECTIVES:
1. To know the function of important of solar plants.

MATERIALS AND METHOD:

Field Visit and Observation.

Figure 1: Poly-crystalline Solar Panel

RESULT AND DISCUSSION:

In this field visit, observed have installed total 180 Poly-crystalline Solar Panel in five arrays
on the roof top of new campus of Ramanujan College.

Dr. Moirangthem Jiban Singh, M. Sc., PGDIS, Ph.D

Assistant Professor in Dept. of Environmental Science, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi
Environmental Science Ability Enhancement Course (AEC-I)

Polycrystalline solar panels are solar panels that consist of several crystals of silicon in a single
Photovoltaic (PV) cell.

 These solar panels are more eco-friendly as very less waste is produced.
 The acceptable temperature of these solar panels is -40oC to 85°C.
 These solar panels have a higher temperature coefficient.
 These panels have a high power density.
 They come with a structural frame of their own which makes mounting cheaper and
simpler.

College generated 50 KW of alternating current (AC), which has reduced the dependency on the
power grid and is able to support the electricity requirements of college.

CONCLUSION:
College generated 50 KW of alternating current (AC) from 180 Poly-crystalline Solar Panel in five
arrays.

Dr. Moirangthem Jiban Singh, M. Sc., PGDIS, Ph.D

Assistant Professor in Dept. of Environmental Science, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi
Environmental Science Ability Enhancement Course (AEC-I)

Experiment No. 7

AIM:

Determine magnitude of solid waste generated in a home/ college on a monthly basis.

INTRODUCTION:

India generates 62 million tons of waste every year with an average annual growth rate of 4%.
The generated waste can be divided into three major categories e. g. organic, dry and
biomedical.

Nearly 50% of the total waste is organic with the volumes of recyclables and
biomedical/hazardous waste growing each year as India becomes more urbanized.

There is a marginal increase in waste generation with rise in incomes. The “high income” group
produced an average of 0.902 kg of organic waste and 0.378 kg of recyclable waste per
household per day. However, the “middle income” group produced about 0.015 grams lesser
organic waste and 0.143 grams lesser recyclable waste every day.

OBJECTIVES:
1. To know the magnitude of solid waste generated in home per day.
2. To find the solution to reduce the solid waste generated

MATERIALS AND METHOD:

Review of literature and experimented in home/college.

Figure 1: Waste Generated per day (in kgs)

Dr. Moirangthem Jiban Singh, M. Sc., PGDIS, Ph.D

Assistant Professor in Dept. of Environmental Science, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi
Environmental Science Ability Enhancement Course (AEC-I)

Table 1: Waste Generated per day (in kgs)

Wet-Organic Dry-Inorganic
Day Total
Biodegradable Non-Biodegradable
Monday 0.802 0.178 0.980
Tuesday 0.769 0.135 0.904
Wednesday 0.622 0.106 0.728
Thursday 0.623 0.102 0.725
Friday 0.603 0.136 0.739
Saturday 0.611 0.101 0.712
Sunday 0.601 0.100 0.701

Average 0.662 0.123 0.784

Monthly 2.648 0.492 3.140
Yearly 31.776 5.904 37.776

RESULT AND DISCUSSION:

Wet and dry solid waste generated from my house was collected from Monday to Sunday during
the second week of January, 2023. Maximum amount of wet (0.802kg) and dry (0.178kg) waste
were collected on Monday morning due to more expenditure on Sunday (Table 1). However, a
minimum amount of wet (0.601kg) and dry (0.100kg) waste were collected on Sunday morning
due to less expenditure on Saturday (Table 1). The average wet and dry waste collected is 0.662
and 0.123kg respectively.

Further, in this experiment monthly collected wet and dry wastes were find out through
calculation method as equation 1.

CALCULATION:

Equation 1: SWw or SWd = AW x 4 kg/month

 SWw – Wet Solid Waste

 SWd – Dry Solid Waste
 AW - Average Solid Waste generated per week

SWw = 0.662 x 4
= 2.648 kg/month
= 2.648 x 12
= 31.776 kg/year

SWd = 0.123 x4
= 0.492 kg/month
= 0.492 x 12
= 5.904 kg/year

CONCLUSION:
The monthly generated wet and dry solid waste from my house is 2.648 and 0.492kg/month
respectively.

Dr. Moirangthem Jiban Singh, M. Sc., PGDIS, Ph.D

Assistant Professor in Dept. of Environmental Science, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi
Environmental Science Ability Enhancement Course (AEC-I)

Experiment No. 8

AIM:

Develop and maintain compost using biodegradable waste in the college.

INTRODUCTION:

Most of the organic wastes are disposed off in unsafe ways – burning, unscientific dumping or
discharging into water bodies. Moreover, bio-resources such as animal dung, crop residue and
firewood are commonly burned causing pollution. Organic wastes are converted to organic
manure and biogas through aerobic and anaerobic digestion.

“Composting is simply the process of breaking down the organic matter in the
presence of air and water, using micro organisms and small insects present in nature.
The end product is called compost.”

Composting organisms require four conditions to create compost:

 Carbon that comes from brown organic matter like dried leaves, sawdust, paper,
 Nitrogen that comes from fruit and vegetable waste,
 Oxygen which comes from air and
 Water in the right amounts.

OBJECTIVES:
1. To know how to develop compost.
2. To manage the organic waste.

MATERIALS AND METHOD:

Experimentation and Observation

RESULT AND DISCUSSION:

1. Collected dry organic matter (dried leaves, sawdust) from the college campus in a
container bicycle.
2. Arrange a pit for landfill (Length = 20ft., Breath = 10ft. and Height = 5ft.) and line
the bottom with a layer of dried leaves and sawdust.
3. Now start adding Cow dung (collecting from nearest Ghaushala) in layers alternating
wet waste with dried leaves.
4. Have covered this pit with a plastic sheet to help retain moisture and heat.
5. Every few days, use a rake to give the pile a quick turn to provide aeration.
6. If you think the pile is too dry, sprinkle some water so that it is moist.
7. Within two to three months, pile has start forming compost that is dry, dark brown
and crumbly and smelling of earth.

CONCLUSION:
By composting, College has been reducing their organic waste from thousand kilograms
to less than hundred kilograms every year. Imagine 90% of all the organic waste in
campus vanishing overnight and a clean, “Harit Campus.”

Dr. Moirangthem Jiban Singh, M. Sc., PGDIS, Ph.D

Assistant Professor in Dept. of Environmental Science, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi