Introduction to

Environmental Science
and Engineering
Prepared by: Dr. Antoniette T. Mollejon
 Objective:
• Definition of Environmental Science and Environmental
Engineering
• Functions of Environmental Science and Environmental
Engineering
• Global Issues Concerning Environmental Science and
Environmental Engineering
Winning Entry of Frank Brabante during
the 2021 A Call to Restore our Earth
Through Art poster making contest
sponsored by European Union-Access to
Sustainable Energy Programme (EU-
ASEP).
Source: dttps://[Link]
 Environment
• Environment refers to the natural surroundings
in which living organisms, including humans, exist
and interact. It encompasses the physical,
chemical, and biological factors that shape and
sustain life on Earth.
• It is a complex and interconnected system that
includes both living (biotic) and non-living
(abiotic) components, each playing a crucial role
 Environmental Science

Environmental science is the multidisciplinary study of all aspects of the

Earth’s physical and biological environments. It encompasses
environmental chemistry, soil science, ecology, climatology, vegetation
cover, marine and freshwater systems, as well as environmental
remediation and preservation, and agriculture and land use.
[Link]
 Environmental science is an interdisciplinary academic field that
integrates physics, biology, and geography to the study of the
environment, and the solution of environmental problems.
Wikipedia

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field of study that focuses

on understanding the natural world, the interactions between living
organisms and their environments, and the impact of human activities
on the environment. It draws from various scientific disciplines,
including biology, chemistry, physics, geology, ecology, and social
sciences, to analyze and address complex environmental issues.
Environmental science is crucial for addressing
the challenges posed by human activities and
their impact on the natural world. It seeks to
balance economic development and human
well-being with the need to protect and
sustain Earth's ecosystems for current and
future generations.
 Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineering is a professional discipline concerned
with protecting people from adverse environmental effects as
well as protecting ecosystems and improving the quality of the
environment.
It is a branch of engineering that focuses on applying scientific and
engineering principles to address environmental issues and challenges.
Environmental engineers work to design, develop, implement, and
improve systems, technologies, and processes that aim to protect the
environment and promote sustainability.
What is the
difference between
environmental
science and
environmental
engineering?
 Environmental science focuses on understanding
natural environment (processes, interactions and
how human activities impact it.

Environmental engineering focuses on designing

and implementing technical solutions to the
environmental problems

ENVIRONMENTAL
U A D
DEVELOP PROBLEMS
UNDERSTAND THE APPLY WHAT YOU PRACTICAL
ENVIRONMENT HAVE SOLUTION
UNDERSTOOD
 Environmental Engineering
• Water quality and treatment
• Air pollution control
• Waste management
• Environmental Remediation
• Renewable Energy
• Sustainable and green design
• Environmental impact assessment
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation
• Regulatory compliance
 Environmental engineering combines
elements of various engineering disciplines
with a deep understanding of environmental
science to tackle the complex challenges of
preserving and improving the environment.
The field is essential for promoting sustainable
development and finding innovative solutions
to environmental problems.
 Environmental Science Functions
Environmental science is a multidisciplinary field that
encompasses a wide range of functions aimed at understanding,
preserving, and improving the environment.
1. Environmental Research
Environmental scientists conduct research to investigate various
aspects of the environment, including ecosystems, climate,
pollution, and biodiversity. This research helps expand our
knowledge of environmental systems (Levin, 2018).
2. Data Collection and Analysis
They collect and analyze environmental data to assess the state of
the environment and its changes over time. This includes
monitoring air and water quality, tracking wildlife populations, and
studying land use patterns (Miller et al., 2020).
 Environmental Science Functions
3. Environmental Monitoring
Environmental scientists are responsible for the ongoing
monitoring of environmental conditions, such as temperature,
rainfall, and pollutant levels. This data aids in identifying trends
and potential environmental issues (EPA, 2021).
4. Policy Development
Environmental scientists contribute to the development of
environmental policies and regulations by providing scientific
evidence and expertise. They work closely with governments
and organizations to shape environmental legislation
(Lachapelle et al., 2015).
 Environmental Science Functions
5. Public Education and Outreach
They play a critical role in educating the public about
environmental issues, raising awareness of conservation
practices, and advocating for sustainable lifestyles (Stern et al.,
2016).
6. Conservation and Restoration
Environmental scientists engage in conservation efforts to
protect natural resources and ecosystems. They work on
habitat restoration projects and wildlife conservation initiatives
(Sala et al., 2020).
 Environmental Science Functions
5. Climate Change Research
Climate change is a major focus of environmental science.
Scientists study the causes and impacts of climate change and
propose mitigation and adaptation strategies (IPCC, 2021).
 Environmental Engineering Functions
Environmental engineering is a specialized field of engineering focused
on addressing environmental challenges and improving sustainability.
1. Designing Environmental Infrastructure
Environmental engineers are responsible for designing and planning
infrastructure systems that manage and protect the environment. This
includes designing wastewater treatment plants, solid waste
management facilities, and air pollution control systems (Metcalf & Eddy,
2013).
2. Environmental Impact Assessment
They assess the potential environmental impact of various projects, such
as construction, industrial processes, or infrastructure development.
Environmental engineers develop strategies to minimize or mitigate
negative effects (Glasson et al., 2012).
 Environmental Engineering Functions
3. Water Resource Management
Environmental engineers work on projects related to the
sustainable management of water resources. This includes
designing and maintaining water supply systems, flood control
measures, and watershed management strategies (Mays,
2011).
4. Waste Management
They design and manage systems for the safe disposal of solid
and hazardous waste. Environmental engineers also oversee
recycling programs and resource recovery efforts
(Tchobanoglous et al., 2014).
 Environmental Engineering Functions
5. Air Quality Management
Environmental engineers develop and implement strategies to
improve air quality and reduce air pollution. This includes
designing and operating air pollution control systems for
industries (Cimorelli et al., 2005).
6. Sustainable Development
Environmental engineers work toward promoting sustainable
development by incorporating eco-friendly practices and
technologies into their projects. They aim to balance human
needs with environmental preservation (Kennedy et al., 2008).
 Environmental Engineering Functions
7. Renewable Energy Integration
In response to growing environmental concerns, environmental
engineers are increasingly involved in integrating renewable
energy sources, such as solar and wind power, into energy
systems (Holt et al., 2018).
 Environmental Engineering Functions
7. Renewable Energy Integration

How Nuclear Power Plants Work / Nuclear Energy (Animation) -

YouTube
 Environmental Engineering Functions
7. Renewable Energy Integration

How Nuclear Power Plants Work / Nuclear Energy (Animation) -

YouTube
 Global Issues Concerning Environmental Science and
Engineering

1. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Both environmental science and environmental engineering are deeply
involved in addressing climate change. Environmental scientists study climate
patterns, greenhouse gas emissions, and their impacts (IPCC, 2021).
Environmental engineers work on projects like renewable energy development
and climate-resilient infrastructure (Holt et al., 2018).
2. Biodiversity Conservation
Environmental scientists study ecosystems and species to understand and
conserve biodiversity (Sala et al., 2020). Environmental engineers may
contribute to habitat restoration projects and sustainable land use planning to
protect biodiversity (Zhang et al., 2019).
 Global Issues Concerning Environmental Science and
Engineering

3. Water Scarcity and Quality

Environmental scientists monitor water resources and assess water
quality (EPA, 2021). Environmental engineers design systems for
safe drinking water supply (Mays, 2011) and wastewater treatment
(Metcalf & Eddy, 2013).
4. Air Pollution Control
Environmental engineers develop strategies to reduce air pollution
(Cimorelli et al., 2005). Environmental scientists investigate the
health and ecological impacts of air pollution (Dockery et al., 2019).
 Global Issues Concerning Environmental Science and
Engineering

5. Waste Management and Circular Economy

Environmental engineers design waste management systems
(Tchobanoglous et al., 2014). Environmental scientists study waste
generation trends and assess the environmental impacts of waste
(Hoornweg et al., 2013).
6. Sustainable Energy
Environmental engineers work on renewable energy integration (Holt
et al., 2018). Environmental scientists research energy consumption
patterns and environmental consequences (Davis et al., 2010).
 Global Issues Concerning Environmental Science and
Engineering

7. Environmental Health and Pollution

Both fields investigate the health impacts of environmental
pollution, such as exposure to toxins in water and air (Landrigan et
al., 2018).
8. Urbanization and Land Use
Environmental scientists analyze land use changes and their
effects on ecosystems (Foley et al., 2005). Environmental
engineers contribute to sustainable urban planning and
infrastructure design (Kennedy et al., 2008).
 Global Issues Concerning Environmental Science and
Engineering

9. Environmental Policy and Governance

Environmental scientists and engineers provide data and expertise
to inform policy development and regulatory frameworks
(Lachapelle et al., 2015).
 References
• EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). (2021). Environmental Monitoring and Assessment.
[[Link]
• IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science
Basis. [[Link]
• Lachapelle, E., Borick, C. P., & Rabe, B. G. (2015). Public attitudes toward climate science and climate policy
in federal systems: Canada and the United States compared. Canadian Public Policy, 41(3), 183-204.
• Levin, N. (2018). Environmental Science. Salem Press Encyclopedia of Science.
• Miller, G. T., Spoolman, S. E., & Berry, L. L. (2020). Environmental Science. Cengage Learning.
• Sala, O. E., et al. (2020). Global biodiversity monitoring: From data sources to Essential Biodiversity
Variables. Biological Conservation, 248, 108292.
• Stern, P. C., et al. (2016). Information and incentives for environmental behavior: Where have we been and
where could we go? Behavioral Science & Policy, 2(2), 29-43.
• [Link]
 References
• Cimorelli, A. J., et al. (2005). AERMOD: A Dispersion Model for Industrial Source Applications. Part I: General
Model Formulation and Boundary Layer Characterization. Journal of Applied Meteorology, 44(5), 682-693.
• Glasson, J., Therivel, R., & Chadwick, A. (2012). Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment.
Routledge.
• Holt, E., et al. (2018). Environmental Engineering and Renewable Energy. In Encyclopedia of Sustainability
Science and Technology (pp. 1-17). Springer.
• Kennedy, C., et al. (2008). The changing metabolism of cities. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 12(6), 791-809.
• Mays, L. W. (2011). Water Resources Engineering. John Wiley & Sons.
• Metcalf & Eddy, Inc. (2013). Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Resource Recovery. McGraw-Hill
Education.
• Tchobanoglous, G., et al. (2014). Integrated Solid Waste Management: Engineering Principles and
Management Issues. McGraw-Hill Education.
Thank you very much