ES-401 Energy & Environmental Engineering - Jun 2025 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
   aExplain the significance of energy sustainability and its interrelationship with the environment.
   How to answer

   • Definition of energy sustainability
   • Significance of sustainable energy resources
   • Interrelationship between energy production/use and environmental impact
   • Pillars of sustainable development related to energy
2. 7 Marks
   bCompare fossil fuels and renewable energy sources in terms of energy efficiency and environmental impacts.
   How to answer

   • Tabular comparison between fossil fuels and renewable energy
   • Comparison of energy efficiency (conversion and distribution)
   • Comparison of environmental impacts (GHG emissions, pollution, ecosystem disruption)
3. 7 Marks
   aDescribe energy storage systems with suitable examples, such as pumped storage hydro projects and high-efficiency batteries.
   How to answer

   • Overview and importance of energy storage systems
   • Working principle and features of pumped storage hydro projects
   • Working, types, and features of high-efficiency batteries (e.g., Li-ion)
   • Applications and advantages of both systems
4. 7 Marks
   bDefine an Ecosystem. Describe the structure and function of forest and desert ecosystems.
   How to answer

   • Definition of an ecosystem
   • Structure (biotic & abiotic factors) of forest ecosystem
   • Functioning of forest ecosystem (food web, nutrient cycling)
   • Structure (biotic & abiotic factors) of desert ecosystem
   • Adaptations and function in desert ecosystems
5. 7 Marks
   aIllustrate the concept of energy flow in an ecosystem using food chains, food webs and ecological pyramids.
   How to answer

   • Concept of unidirectional energy flow in ecosystems
   • Food chain structure and trophic levels
   • Food web complexity and stability
   • Ecological pyramids (energy, biomass, number) with 10% law
   • Diagrammatic representation of energy flow
6. 7 Marks
   bWhat is Ecological succession? Explain its types with suitable examples.
   How to answer

   • Definition of ecological succession
   • Primary succession: process and example (bare rock/hydrosere)
   • Secondary succession: process and example (abandoned farmland/forest fire site)
   • Key stages: pioneer, seral, and climax community
7. 7 Marks
   aDefine Biodiversity. Discuss genetic, species and ecosystem diversity with examples.
   How to answer

   • Definition of biodiversity
   • Genetic diversity: definition and examples
   • Species diversity: definition and examples
   • Ecosystem diversity: definition and examples
8. 7 Marks
   bDescribe the threats to biodiversity and suggest suitable conservation strategies.
   How to answer

   • Major threats to biodiversity (HIPPO: Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Pollution, Population growth, Overharvesting)
   • Impact of climate change and poaching
   • Conservation strategies (in-situ and ex-situ methods)
   • Legal, policy, and community-based measures
9. 7 Marks
   aExplain in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods. Give suitable examples from India.
   How to answer

   • Definition and principles of in-situ conservation
   • Examples of in-situ conservation in India (National Parks, Biosphere Reserves, Sanctuaries)
   • Definition and principles of ex-situ conservation
   • Examples of ex-situ conservation in India (Botanical Gardens, Zoological Parks, Seed/Gene Banks)
   • Comparative advantages and limitations
10. 7 Marks
    bExplain the causes, effects and control measures of water pollution.
    How to answer

    • Causes of water pollution (point and non-point sources, industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, municipal sewage)
    • Effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health (water-borne diseases, bioaccumulation, eutrophication)
    • Control measures (effluent treatment plants, sewage treatment, strict environmental regulations, public awareness)
11. 7 Marks
    aWrite a detailed note on solid waste management in urban areas.
    How to answer

    • Definition and sources of urban solid waste
    • Steps in solid waste management: generation, collection, segregation, transportation
    • Disposal and treatment techniques: sanitary landfilling, composting, incineration/pyrolysis
    • 3R principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and challenges in urban areas
12. 7 Marks
    bDiscuss the role of individuals in the prevention of environmental pollution. Illustrate with examples.
    How to answer

    • Role of individuals in energy and water conservation
    • Practices for reducing solid and plastic waste
    • Use of public transport and eco-friendly alternatives
    • Raising environmental awareness and participation in plantation drives
13. 7 Marks
    aDiscuss the concept of sustainable development. How can rainwater harvesting and watershed management promote it?
    How to answer

    • Definition and core principles of sustainable development (Brundtland Report)
    • Concept and techniques of rainwater harvesting
    • Concept and objectives of watershed management
    • How rainwater harvesting and watershed management contribute to environmental and economic sustainability
14. 7 Marks
    bExplain the effects of climate change and global warming on the environment with relevant case studies.
    How to answer

    • Causes of global warming and climate change (greenhouse gas emissions)
    • Environmental impacts: sea-level rise, glacier melting, extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity
    • Case studies (e.g., Arctic sea ice retreat, Himalayan glacier melting, coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef)
15. 14 Marks
    Write short notes on any two:

    1. a)Environmental protection laws in India
    2. b)Superconductor based energy storage
    3. c)Disaster management in case of floods
    4. d)Air pollution
    How to answer

    • a) Overview of key environmental acts in India (EPA 1986, Water Act, Air Act, Forest Conservation Act)
    • b) Principle of SMES (Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage), components, benefits, and applications
    • c) Pre-, during-, and post-flood disaster management strategies (preparedness, rescue, rehabilitation)
    • d) Air pollution sources, primary/secondary pollutants, impacts, and basic mitigation methods