1. Introduction

Objective: To understand the scope of Environmental Science and the importance of practicals in studying ecosystems, pollution, and conservation.

Description: Environmental Science explores the interaction between humans and the environment. This practical file covers field studies, lab experiments, and creative exercises to develop skills in observation, analysis, and sustainable practices. The experiments align with the NIOS syllabus to enhance understanding of ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental issues.

2.1 Exercise - 1: Study of a Simple Ecosystem

Objective: To study the biotic and abiotic components of a pond ecosystem.

Procedure: Visit a local pond. Observe and record biotic components (plants, fish, insects) and abiotic components (water, sunlight, soil). Sketch the ecosystem layout.

Observations: Identified water lilies, fish, and dragonflies (biotic); noted clear water, muddy bottom, and sunlight penetration (abiotic).

Conclusion: The pond ecosystem is balanced, with biotic components depending on abiotic factors like water and sunlight for survival.

2.2 Exercise - 2: Study of Effects of Human Interaction

Objective: To analyze human impacts on a forest ecosystem.

Procedure: Visit a nearby forest. Note human activities (e.g., deforestation, littering). Record changes in vegetation or wildlife.

Observations: Observed tree cutting and plastic waste. Reduced bird sightings near littered areas.

Conclusion: Human activities like deforestation disrupt ecosystems, reducing biodiversity. Sustainable practices are needed.

2.3 Exercise - 3: Survey of Vegetation, Birds, Insects

Objective: To survey biodiversity in a local park.

Procedure: Conduct a survey in a park. List vegetation (trees, shrubs), birds, and insects observed over 2 hours.

Observations: Recorded 5 tree species (e.g., neem, banyan), 3 bird species (e.g., sparrow, crow), and 4 insect types (e.g., ants, butterflies).

Conclusion: The park supports diverse species, but urban expansion may threaten biodiversity.

2.4 Exercise - 4: Common Species of Trees/Plants

Objective: To describe five common plants in the neighborhood.

Procedure: Identify 5 plants. Note their common names, height, and leaf characteristics.

Observations:

• Neem: 10m, compound leaves, serrated edges.
• Mango: 8m, simple, glossy leaves.
• Tulsi: 0.5m, small, aromatic leaves.
• Bougainvillea: 3m, colorful bracts.
• Hibiscus: 2m, broad, lobed leaves.

Conclusion: Plants vary in size and leaf structure, contributing to local biodiversity.

2.5 Exercise - 5: Environmental Problem and Remedy

Objective: To identify and address a local environmental issue.

Procedure: Observe locality for problems (e.g., air pollution). Suggest remedies.

Observations: High vehicle emissions cause air pollution.

Remedy: Promote public transport and plant trees to reduce pollutants.

Conclusion: Community action can mitigate local environmental issues.

2.6 Exercise - 6: Sources of Water Pollution

Objective: To identify pollution sources in local water bodies.

Procedure: Visit a river. Note pollution sources (e.g., sewage, industrial waste).

Observations: Sewage discharge and plastic waste observed in the river.

Conclusion: Domestic and industrial waste pollutes water, requiring stricter regulations.

2.7 Exercise - 7: Segregate Domestic Waste

Objective: To separate household waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable components.

Procedure: Collect one day’s waste. Sort into biodegradable (e.g., food scraps) and non-biodegradable (e.g., plastic).

Observations: 60% biodegradable (vegetable peels), 40% non-biodegradable (plastic wrappers).

Conclusion: Segregation aids recycling and reduces landfill waste.

3.1 Exercise - 8: Study Water Quality

Objective: To test water quality from a sample.

Procedure: Collect tap water. Test pH, turbidity, and dissolved solids using a water testing kit.

Observations: pH 7.2, low turbidity, 200 ppm dissolved solids.

Conclusion: Water is safe for drinking but requires regular monitoring.

3.2 Exercise - 9: Soil Texture Analysis

Objective: To determine the texture of soil samples.

Procedure: Collect 3 soil samples. Use the sedimentation method to measure sand, silt, and clay proportions.

Observations: Sample 1: 50% sand, 30% silt, 20% clay (loamy).

Conclusion: Loamy soil supports diverse crops due to balanced texture.

3.3 Exercise - 10: Dust Deposition on Leaves

Objective: To estimate particulate matter on roadside plant leaves.

Procedure: Collect leaves from roadside plants. Wash dust into a container, dry, and weigh.

Observations: 0.5g dust per 10 leaves.

Conclusion: High dust deposition indicates air pollution, affecting photosynthesis.

3.4 Exercise - 11: Light Intensity on Plant Growth

Objective: To study light intensity’s effect on plant growth.

Procedure: Grow two bean plants under different light conditions (full sun, shade). Measure height weekly.

Observations: Sunlit plant grew 15 cm, shaded plant grew 8 cm in 2 weeks.

Conclusion: Higher light intensity promotes faster plant growth.

4.1 Exercise - 12: Set Up an Aquarium

Objective: To create and maintain a balanced aquarium ecosystem.

Procedure: Set up a 10L aquarium with water, plants, gravel, and fish. Monitor water quality weekly.

Observations: Stable pH (7.0), healthy fish, and plant growth after 4 weeks.

Conclusion: A balanced aquarium mimics natural ecosystems, requiring regular maintenance.

4.2 Exercise - 13: Biodiversity of Birds and Insects

Objective: To study local bird and insect biodiversity.

Procedure: Observe a garden for 2 hours. Record species and counts.

Observations: 4 bird species (e.g., pigeon, myna), 5 insect types (e.g., bees, ants).

Conclusion: Gardens support biodiversity, vital for ecosystem health.

4.3 Exercise - 14: Plants and Animals in Meals

Objective: To list plants and animals used in one day’s meals.

Procedure: Record ingredients of meals. Note their habit/habitat.

Observations: Rice (crop, fields), chicken (domestic, farms), spinach (crop, gardens).

Conclusion: Food relies on diverse ecosystems, highlighting sustainable agriculture’s importance.

4.4 Exercise - 15: Herbarium Sheet

Objective: To prepare a herbarium sheet for a plant.

Procedure: Collect a tulsi leaf, dry, and mount on a sheet. Label with name, date, and location.

Observations: Tulsi leaf, green, aromatic, collected from home garden.

Conclusion: Herbarium sheets preserve plant specimens for study.

4.5 Exercise - 16: Urban Climate and Particulate Matter

Objective: To describe urban climate and particulate matter variation.

Procedure: Research local climate data and pollution reports.

Observations: Urban area: hot summers (35°C), high PM2.5 in winter due to traffic.

Conclusion: Urban climates are warmer; pollution peaks seasonally, requiring mitigation.

4.6 Exercise - 17: Electrical Energy Audit

Objective: To audit household electrical energy consumption.

Procedure: List appliances, record usage hours, and calculate energy (kWh).

Observations: Fan (50W, 10h/day), bulb (10W, 5h/day). Total: 0.55 kWh/day.

Conclusion: Energy audits promote efficient appliance use, reducing consumption.