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Environmental Health Science · 300 Level
This is the complete lecture note for EHS 311 Introduction to Environmental Management, prepared for Environmental Health Science students at 300 Level. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS EHS 311 Introduction to Environmental Management Series 1 Foundations of Environmental Management and Pollution Control Part 1 Definitions and Concepts in Environmental Management • 1.1: Definition of key terms (pollution, environmental pollution, environmental degradation, environmental management, environmental management system) • 1.2: Characteristics of environmental media (air, water, soil) • 1.3: Classification of environmental pollution Part 2 Principles and Systems of Environmental Management • 2.1: Concept and objectives of environmental management • 2.2: Environmental management system (EMS): structure and functions • 2.3: Economics of environmental management Part 3 Environmental Pollution Control Approaches • 3.1: Environmental approach to air pollution • 3.2: Environmental approach to water pollution • 3.3: Environmental approach to land/soil pollution Introduction Environmental issues are among the most pressing challenges of our time, affecting the quality of air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil that sustains our food. To manage these challenges effectively, it is essential to begin with a clear understanding of the basic concepts and definitions that underpin environmental management. This Series provides the foundation upon which the rest of the course will build, preparing you to engage with more complex topics such as technological impacts, assessment tools, and emerging concerns. The aim of this Series is to equip you with the ability to define and explain the core concepts of environmental management and pollution, to classify different forms of pollution, and to appreciate the principles and systems that guide environmental management practices.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS We shall commence this Series by exploring key definitions and concepts, including pollution, environmental degradation, and environmental management systems, while also examining the characteristics of environmental media such as air, water, and soil. Next, we will move on to the principles and systems of environmental management, considering both objectives and economic perspectives. Finally, we will wrap up by discussing approaches to pollution control across air, water, and land, thereby rounding off the Series with practical insights into how these concepts are applied in real-world contexts. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • define the key terms pollution, environmental pollution, environmental degradation, environmental management, and environmental management system, • explain the characteristics of environmental media including air, water, and soil, • classify the different types of environmental pollution, • describe the principles and objectives of environmental management, • explain the structure and functions of an environmental management system (EMS), • analyse the economic dimensions of environmental management, • discuss approaches to controlling air pollution, • discuss approaches to controlling water pollution, and • discuss approaches to controlling land and soil pollution. Definitions And Concepts In Environmental Management 1.1 Definition of key terms To begin our exploration, it is important to clarify some fundamental terms that will recur throughout this course. Pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances or energy into the environment, causing adverse effects on living organisms and natural systems. Environmental pollution is the contamination of air, water, or soil by pollutants that disrupt ecological balance and human health. Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources, destruction of ecosystems, and loss of biodiversity. Environmental management is the process of guiding human activities to minimise negative impacts on the environment while promoting sustainable use of resources. Environmental management system (EMS) is a structured framework that organisations use to monitor, control, and improve their environmental performance.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Fill in the blank: An __________ is a structured framework that organisations use to monitor, control, and improve their environmental performance. 1.2 Characteristics of environmental media The environment is composed of three major media: air, water, and soil. Each medium has unique characteristics that influence how pollutants behave and spread. • Air is a dynamic medium, constantly moving and mixing. Pollutants in air can travel long distances, making air pollution a global concern. • Water serves as both a solvent and a transport medium. Pollutants in water can dissolve, disperse, or accumulate, affecting aquatic life and human health. • Soil is a complex medium composed of minerals, organic matter, and microorganisms. Pollutants in soil may persist for long periods, altering fertility and contaminating food chains. Fill in the blank: Pollutants in __________ can dissolve, disperse, or accumulate, affecting aquatic life and human health.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.3 Classification of environmental pollution Environmental pollution can be classified based on the medium affected or the nature of the pollutant. • Air pollution: Contamination of the atmosphere by gases, particulates, or biological matter. • Water pollution: Introduction of harmful substances into rivers, lakes, oceans, or groundwater. • Soil pollution: Deposition of hazardous chemicals or waste materials into land surfaces.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS • Noise pollution: Excessive sound that disrupts human and animal life. • Radiation pollution: Release of radioactive substances that pose long-term risks. Fill in the blank: Excessive sound that disrupts human and animal life is referred to as __________ pollution. Pilot questions 1 1. Which term refers to the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources and loss of biodiversity? 2. What is the structured framework organisations use to monitor and improve environmental performance? 3. Which environmental medium allows pollutants to travel long distances?
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 4. Into which category does radioactive contamination fall? 5. Which type of pollution involves excessive sound that disrupts life? Principles And Systems Of Environmental Management 2.1 Concept and objectives of environmental management Environmental management refers to the organised effort to regulate human activities in order to minimise negative impacts on the environment while promoting sustainable use of natural resources. It involves planning, monitoring, and implementing strategies that balance development with ecological preservation. The objectives of environmental management include protecting ecosystems, ensuring sustainable resource use, preventing pollution, and improving the quality of life for present and future generations. These objectives are guided by principles such as precaution, prevention, and sustainability. Fill in the blank: The __________ principle in environmental management emphasises taking action before environmental harm occurs.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 2.2 Environmental management system (EMS): structure and functions An environmental management system (EMS) is a structured framework that helps organisations identify, monitor, and control their environmental impacts. It typically includes policies, planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement. The functions of an EMS are to set environmental goals, ensure compliance with regulations, reduce waste, improve efficiency, and engage stakeholders. Many organisations adopt international standards such as ISO 14001 to guide their EMS practices. Fill in the blank: The international standard most widely used to guide environmental management systems is __________ 14001.
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