ES-301 Energy & Environmental Engineering - Dec 2024 Question Paper

Under each question, How to answer lists the points an answer should cover, outlined by CampusPrep from the syllabus. Check the details against your textbook.

1. 7 Marks
   aDescribe the concept of energy efficiency and its importance in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
   How to answer

   • Definition of energy efficiency (useful energy output per input).
   • Role in lowering total energy consumption.
   • Reduction in fossil fuel usage leading to reduced GHG emissions.
   • Economic and environmental benefits.
2. 7 Marks
   bDiscuss the various strategies and technologies used to improve energy efficiency in buildings, industries and transportation sectors.
   How to answer

   • Buildings: HVAC optimization, LED lighting, insulation, smart building automation.
   • Industries: Waste heat recovery, energy auditing, high-efficiency motors, cogeneration.
   • Transportation: Electric vehicles, fuel efficiency standards, public transit development.
3. 7 Marks
   aState the advantages and disadvantages of using nuclear energy as a source of electricity.
   How to answer

   • Advantages: Low greenhouse gas emissions during operation, high energy density, baseload reliability.
   • Disadvantages: Radioactive waste management, high capital cost, risk of nuclear accidents, proliferation risks.
4. 7 Marks
   bDescribe in brief about the environmental impacts of fossil fuel combustion and greenhouse gas emissions on air pollution, water pollution.
   How to answer

   • Air pollution: Emission of $SO_x$, $NO_x$, $CO$, particulates causing smog and respiratory issues.
   • Water pollution: Acid rain acidification of water bodies, runoff from coal ash, thermal pollution from power plants.
   • Greenhouse gas emissions driving global climate change and ocean acidification.
5. 7 Marks
   aDiscuss the importance of conservation and management of ecosystems for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
   How to answer

   • Definition of ecosystem services (provisioning, regulating, cultural, supporting).
   • Role of biodiversity in ecosystem resilience and productivity.
   • Impact of ecosystem degradation on human survival.
   • Methods and importance of sustainable management.
6. 7 Marks
   bMention the different types of approaches and strategies for ecosystem conservation and management.
   How to answer

   • In-situ conservation: National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves.
   • Ex-situ conservation: Botanical gardens, zoos, seed banks.
   • Community-based resource management and sustainable use.
   • Policy and legislative frameworks.
7. 7 Marks
   aExplain the concept of ecological pyramids and also describe its various type.
   How to answer

   • Definition of ecological pyramid representing trophic structure.
   • Pyramid of Numbers (upright and inverted examples).
   • Pyramid of Biomass (terrestrial vs aquatic ecosystems).
   • Pyramid of Energy (always upright, 10% law).
   • Diagrammatic sketches of each type.
8. 7 Marks
   bDiscuss in brief about the which local communities can contribute to conservation, including ecotourism, sustainable livelihoods and traditional knowledge with a suitable example.
   How to answer

   • Role of traditional ecological knowledge (e.g., sacred groves, indigenous farming).
   • Ecotourism providing sustainable income while preserving habitats.
   • Sustainable livelihood models minimizing forest extraction.
   • Case study/example: Bishnoi community, Chipko movement, or Joint Forest Management.
9. 7 Marks
   aDescribe the importance of biodiversity at global, national and local region.
   How to answer

   • Global importance: Climate regulation, carbon sequestration, international gene pool.
   • National importance: Agricultural resilience, economic resources, national parks, wildlife heritage.
   • Local level: Soil fertility, pollination, water purification, local livelihoods and cultural values.
10. 7 Marks
    bHow come the human involvement impact biodiversity at each level and state its consequences for ecosystem services and human well-being.
    How to answer

    • Mechanisms of human impact: Deforestation, urbanization, pollution, climate change, overexploitation.
    • Consequences on ecosystem services: Reduced crop pollination, disrupted hydrological cycles, loss of medicinal plants.
    • Direct consequences for human well-being: Food insecurity, health hazards, increased natural disasters.
11. 7 Marks
    aDescribe the causes and effects of marine pollution including the impact on human health and the environment.
    How to answer

    • Causes: Oil spills, industrial discharge, plastic waste, agricultural runoff.
    • Environmental effects: Coral reef degradation, oxygen depletion (dead zones), marine life mortality.
    • Human health effects: Biomagnification of toxins (e.g., methylmercury) through seafood consumption.
12. 7 Marks
    bDiscuss the impact of nuclear hazards on human health and the environment.
    How to answer

    • Sources of nuclear hazards: Reactor accidents, nuclear tests, improper disposal of radioactive waste.
    • Impact on human health: Acute radiation syndrome, cancer risk, genetic mutations, birth defects.
    • Impact on environment: Long-term soil and water contamination, bioaccumulation in food chains, destruction of local flora/fauna.
13. 7 Marks
    aDescribe the concept of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and its importance in promoting sustainable development.
    How to answer

    • Definition of EIA as a predictive decision-making tool.
    • Objectives: Identifying, predicting, and evaluating environmental impacts before project approval.
    • Role in sustainable development: Balancing economic growth with ecological preservation and mitigation of negative impacts.
14. 7 Marks
    bDiscuss the different stages of the EIA process.
    How to answer

    • Step 1: Screening (determining whether an EIA is required).
    • Step 2: Scoping (defining key issues and boundaries).
    • Step 3: Baseline data collection and impact prediction.
    • Step 4: Mitigation measures and Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
    • Step 5: Public hearing/consultation, review, and decision-making (environmental clearance).
15. 14 Marks
    Explain in brief an two of the following: a) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 b) Watershed management c) Species Diversity d) High-efficiency batteries
    How to answer

    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Objectives, protection of flora and fauna, schedules, penalties against poaching.
    • Watershed management: Sustainable utilization of land and water resources, check dams, afforestation, soil conservation.
    • Species Diversity: Variety of species within a region, species richness and evenness.
    • High-efficiency batteries: Lithium-ion and solid-state battery tech, high energy density, importance in renewable storage and EVs.