PLATE TECTONICS QUIZ

ROCK CYCLE QUIZ

WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

          Water treatment describes those industrial-scale processes used to make water more acceptable for a desired end-use. These can include use for drinking water, industry, medical and many other uses. Such processes may be contrasted withsmall-scale water sterilization practiced by campers and other people in wilderness areas. The goal of all water treatment process is to remove existing contaminants in the water, or reduce the concentration of such contaminants so the water becomes fit for its desired end-use. One such use is returning water that has been used back into the natural environment without adverse ecological impact.

          The processes involved in treating water for drinking purpose may be solids separation using physical processes such assettling and filtration, and chemical processes such as disinfection and coagulation.

Biological processes are employed in the treatment of wastewater and these processes may include, for example, aerated lagoons, activated sludge or slow sand filters.

A combination selected from the following processes is used for municipal drinking water treatment worldwide:

• Pre-chlorination - for algae control and arresting any biological growth
• Aeration - along with pre-chlorination for removal of dissolved iron and manganese
• Coagulation - for flocculation
• Coagulant aids, also known as polyelectrolytes - to improve coagulation and for thicker floc formation
• Sedimentation - for solids separation, that is, removal of suspended solids trapped in the floc
• Filtration - removing particles from water
• Desalination - Process of removing salt from the water
• Disinfection - for killing bacteria.

There is no unique solution (selection of processes) for any type of water. Also, it is difficult to standardise the solution in the form of processes for water from different sources. Treatability studies for each source of water in different seasons need to be carried out to arrive at most appropriate processes.

Technologies for potable water treatment are well developed, and generalised designs are available that are used by many water utilities(public or private). In addition, a number of private companies provide patented technological solutions.Automation of water and waste-water treatment is common in the developed world. Capital costs, operating costs available quality monitoring technologies, locally available skills typically dictate the level of automation adopted.

          Water purification is the removal of contaminants from untreated water to produce drinking water that is pure enough for the most critical of its intended uses, usually for human consumption. Substances that are removed during the process of drinking water treatment include suspended solids, bacteria, algae, viruses, fungi, minerals such as iron, manganese and sulphur, and other chemical pollutants such as fertilisers.

          Measures taken to ensure water quality not only relate to the treatment of the water, but to its conveyance and distribution after treatment as well. It is therefore common practice to have residual disinfectants in the treated water in order to kill any bacteriological contamination during distribution.

          World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines are generally followed throughout the world for drinking water quality requirements. In addition to the WHO guidelines, each country or territory or water supply body can have their own guidelines in order for consumers to have access to safe drinking water.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY POLLUTANTS

With industrialization and urbanization, lot of pollutants are released to the environment. It is important to know about the pollutants, their effects and how they are released to the environment in order to minimize their harmful effects. We talk about air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, noise pollution and various types of other pollutions. Each type of pollution is caused by different pollutants and their sources may vary too. Since all elements in nature are linked together, damage to one element will start a chain reaction and eventually damage the whole system. It will destruct the natural equilibrium too. 

Air pollution is introducing harmful things like chemicals to the atmosphere. In order to categorize as pollutants, these substances should cause damage or harmful to the living organisms, natural environment, or the built environment. An air pollutant could be in the form of a solid particle, liquid droplets or as gases. Some pollutants are natural, and some are man-made. Air pollutants can be categorized into two as primary pollutants and secondary pollutants.

Primary Pollutants

What are Primary Pollutants?

          Primary pollutants are the ones directly emitted into the atmosphere from the source. These can be emitted in natural ways or due to human actions. Gases and ash emitted from a volcanic reaction are primary pollutants emitted in a natural way. Carbon dioxide gas emitted from vehicles is primary pollutants released due to human activities. There are various primary pollutants which are harmful.

Sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, peroxyacetyl nitrate, and chlorofluorocarbons are some of the primary pollutants. Sulphur dioxide is produced from volcanoes as well as by industrial processes (where sulphur containing compounds are being subjected to combustion). Nitrogen oxide is produced naturally during lightening. Carbon monoxide and particulate matter are arising from incomplete combustion especially when burning fossil fuels.

Primary pollutants in the air cause serious environmental problems like global warming, acid rains, etc. When considering primary pollutants, the main source for them is the motor vehicles. Fossil fuel burning releases a mixture of primary pollutants. Primary pollutants can also be precursors for the secondary pollutants. There are some pollutants which can be both primary and secondary pollutants. That means while they are being emitted by a source directly, they are made from other pollutants too.

EXAMPLES:

• carbon monoxide (CO)
  • odorless, colorless, poisonous gas
  • created by incomplete combustion (especially bad with older cars)
  • generates headaches, drowsiness, fatigue, can result in death
• oxides of nitrogen (NO_x, NO)
  • NO - nitric oxide
  • emitted directly by autos, industry
• sulfur oxides (SO_x)
• SO₂ - sulfur dioxide
• produced largely through coal burning
• responsible for acid rain problem
• volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  • highly reactive organic compounds
  • release through incomplete combustion and industrial sources
• particulate matter (dust, ash, salt particles)
• bad for your lungs

Secondary Pollutants

What are Secondary Pollutants?

          Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly to the atmosphere as primary pollutants. Rather they are made in the air using other pollutants. Especially when primary pollutants react or interact with other molecules secondary pollutants are made. Therefore, by releasing primary pollutants to the air, not only it has direct effects, but it affects the atmosphere in an indirect way too.

Ozone is one of the secondary pollutants. It is formed from hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide in the presence of sunlight. Secondary pollutants cause problems like photochemical smog.

EXAMPLES:

• sulfuric acid H2SO4
  • can cause respiratory problems
• nitrogen dioxide NO₂
  • gives air a brownish coloration
  •  
• ozone O3
• colorless gas
• has a sweet smell
• is an oxidizing agent - lung tissue to rubber products
• irritates the eyes

What is the difference between Primary Pollutants and Secondary Pollutants?

          Primary pollutants are directly emitted into the air by the source. In contrast, secondary pollutants are produced by the reactions between primary pollutants and other molecules.

Primary pollutants are released due to human activities or naturally. However, secondary pollutants are often, made naturally.

Controlling the release of primary pollutants is easier than controlling the ways of secondary pollutant synthesizing.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

ANALYSIS:

• Underground River
• Located in Palawan
• Swamp

MORE INFORMATION:

PLANTS AND ANIMALS:

          It is home to about 800 plant and 233 animal species, including the critically endangered Philippine cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia) and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate), as well as the endangered Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Nordmann’s greenshank (Tringa guttifer).

Flora

          The park has a range of forest formations representing eight of the thirteen forest types found in tropical Asia, namely forest over ultramafic soils, forest over limestone soils, montane forest, freshwater swamp forest, lowland evergreen tropical rainforest, riverine forest, beach forest, and mangrove forest. Researchers have identified more than 800 plant species from 300 genera and 100 families. These include at least 295 trees dominated by the dipterocarp species. In the lowland forest, large trees such as the Dao (Dracontomelon dao), Ipil (Intsia bijuga), Dita (Alstonia scholaris), Amugis (Koordersiodendrum pinnatum), and Apitong (Dipterocarpus gracilis) are common. Beach forest species include Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum), Pongamia pinnata, and Erynthia orientalis. Other notable plant species include Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis), Kamagong (Diospyros pulganensis) Pandan (Pandanus sp.) Anibong, and Rattan ('Calamus sp.)

Fauna

          Birds comprise the largest group of vertebrates found in the park. Of the 252 bird species known to occur in Palawan, a total of 165 species of birds were recorded in the park. This represents 67% of the total birds and all of the 15 endemic bird species of Palawan. Notable species seen in the park are the blue-naped parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis), Tabon scrub fowl (Megapodius cumunigii), hill myna (Gracula religiosa), Palawan hornbill (Anthracoceros marchei), white breasted sea eagle (Halitutus leucogates).

There are also some 30 mammal species that have been recorded. Most often observed in the forest canopy and along the shoreline feeding during low tide is the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis), the only primate found in the area. Other mammal species in the park are the bearded pig (Sus barbatus), bearcat (Arctictis binturong), Palawan stink badger (Mydaus marchei) and the Palawan porcupine (Hystrix pumilus)

          19 species of reptiles have been identified, eight of which are endemic. Common species in the area include large predators like the common reticulated python (Python reticulatus), the monitor lizard (Varanus salvator) and the green crested lizard (Bronchocoela cristatella). Amphibian fauna include ten species. The Philippine woodland frog (Rana acanthi) is the most dominant and frequently encountered. One species, Barbourula busuangensis, endemic to Palawan was also observed in the area.

          Notable are the nine species of bats, two species of swiftlets and whip spider (Stygophrynus sp.) found in the cave, and the sea cow (Dugong dugon) and the hawksbill sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) that feed in the coastal area of the park.

PROTECTION:

          

          Like other protected areas, it is being managed by the Protected Areas Management Board (PAMB) headed by the City Government of Puerto Princesa where PCSDS seats as a member of the Board. Various joint endeavor have been done so far between and among government and non-government organizations including the community surrounding the Park to improve the services to visitors who frequent to the Underground River when they are in Puerto Princesa.

CONCLUDE AND APPLY:

1. Are all wetlands the same?

          - No, all wetlands are not the same. In fact, there are four types of wetlands, namely: bog, fen, marsh and swamp. 

2. What is the ecological significance of the wetland area that you studied for that region of the country?

          - It serves as a habitat to numerous endangered species.

3.Why should wetland environments be protected?

          - The main functions performed by wetlands are water filtration, water storage, biological productivity and provide habitat for wildlife.

4. What can people do to support the continued preservation of wetland environments in the Philippines?

          - There are numerous ways to help preserve wetland environments here in the Philippines. Some of it are joining clubs that help preserve certain wetlands or we can also donate or help in fund raising events.

Wetlands Data

Type of Wetland: Swamp

Location: West Coast of Palawan, 81 km north of Puerto Princesa City

Plant Species: 800 plant species

Animal Species: 233 animal species

Strategy for Preservation: Protected Areas Management Board (PAMB)

10 simple ways to save our environment

NUMBER ONE: Be aware! Awareness is always the key. It should be the very first step to consider for you to start helping out.

NUMBER TWO: Take action. Help out! There's nothing more fulfilling than helping out recycle, plant trees, or whatever you can do to help the environment. You'd be doing yourself a favor! 

NUMBER THREE: Ever heard of the famous 3 Rs? Yes, that's right! Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

NUMBER FOUR: Save energy. Not in the room? Switch off the light. You'd be saving money and helping out the environment.

NUMBER FIVE: Separate your trash from biodegradable to degradable. 

NUMBER SIX: Plant trees. It's a big help! When the area you're in is kinda hot, planting trees will help cool the place down. Plus it's oxygen too!

NUMBER SEVEN: Don't waste non-renewable resources. Why? It's non-renewable, remember? If all of it gets consumed, where on Earth are you gonna excavate for more?

NUMBER EIGHT: Conserve water. I'd like to say that there's nothing more terrifying than drought but there is. But just conserve water. It can do you no harm, so just conserve.

NUMBER NINE: Replace plastic materials. When going to the supermarket or the wet market, just bring a "bayong." That way, you can use the bag over and over instead of having to use one plastic bag after another when buying. 

NUMBER TEN: Gain knowledge. What's better than that? After gaining knowledge, you can do something that can revolutionize some ways we can do to help out.