Water and waste management

Water Cycle and Water Management

Precipitation is a part of the water cycle where water vapor from the atmosphere condenses, forming water droplets that fall to the ground as rain, sleet, snow, or hail.
Surface runoff occurs when the soil is saturated or unable to absorb water, causing it to flow over land into bodies of water.
Infiltration is the process of water seeping into the soil and being absorbed by plant roots.
Transpiration is the loss of water from plants into the atmosphere.
Evaporation is the process where water changes into vapour and returns to the atmosphere.
Efficient water management is crucial for the maintenance of ecosystems, agriculture, and human consumption.

Water Management Techniques

The use of irrigation systems can help maximise the use of water in agriculture.
Rainwater harvesting systems capture and store rainwater for later use, helping reduce the need for potable water for non-potable uses.
Dams and reservoirs store water for irrigation, electricity generation, and other human needs.
Conservation measures such as reducing water usage, repairing leaks, and using water-efficient appliances can help ensure water security.
Water treatment processes ensure potable water is safe for human consumption.

Waste Management

Waste can be classified as organic, recyclable, or residual waste. Identifying the type of waste helps in managing its disposal or treatment.
Waste management aims to reduce the harmful effects of waste on human health and the environment.

Waste Management Techniques

Recycling is the process of converting waste material into reusable material.
Composting is a method used to decompose organic waste like vegetable scraps and leaves to create compost, which can help improve soil health.
Landfilling involves burying waste, but it can have negative effects on the environment like the production of greenhouse gases.
Incineration broadly involves burning waste materials, converting them into heat, gas, steam, and ash.
Hazardous waste management requires special handling, and includes items such as electronic waste, medical waste, or chemical waste.

Waste Management Issues and Solutions

The overuse of landfills can lead to leaching, where rainwater that seeps through the waste picks up toxins, which can contaminate groundwater.
Incineration can cause air pollution if harmful gases are not appropriately managed.
Illegal dumping or littering can negatively impact natural environments and cause harm to wildlife.
Waste minimisation strategies like reduce, reuse, recycle, and the use of biodegradable packaging, can help mitigate the impact of waste on the environment.
Public awareness and education can encourage responsible waste disposal and recycling habits.