A THERMODYNAMIC APPROACH TO THE KINETICS OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Keywords:
Anthropocentricism, Entropy, Environmental Pollution, Equilibrium, Laws of Thermodynamics, Technological Optimism, ThermodynamicsAbstract
Environmental pollution is a social issue initiated by the people and they themselves are the victims. Both the physical and chemical aspects are linked to thermodynamic processes and a thermodynamic approach is very much relevant in environmental issues. The smaller the energy consumed the smaller is the pollution and the environmental impact. The energy that is spontaneously dissipated into the surroundings causes to a large increase in entropy or disorder of the environment. This energy may mechanically or chemically affect particles of the environment, though the organisms are unable to absorb the energy beyond certain specified spectral ranges. Furthermore, excess energy dissipated in any process becomes a pollutant as it affects the equilibrium of various material particles in the surroundings. Since environment also has an intrinsic value in relation to human beings, there emerges a moral obligation to protect the environment.
References
Narayanan, Environmental Pollution: Principles, Analysis and Control, Bangalore: CBS Publishers and Distributors, 2011.
Joseph Benny, Environmental Studies, New Delhi: Tata McGrawhill, 2010, 8.
S. P. Misra and Pandey, Essential Environmental Studies, New Delhi: Ane Books, 2010.
Keller Edward and Daniel B. Botkin, Essential Environmental Science, Delhi: Wiley, 2008, 70.
Kiran et al, Understanding Environment, London: Sage Publications, 2009, 34.
M. M. Abbottt and H. G. Van Ness, Thermodynamics with Its Chemical Applications, Noida: Tata Mcgrawhill, 2005, 9.
Robert F. Mueller, Thermodynamics of Environmental Degradation, Washington, D.C.: Annual Meeting of the American Geophysical Union, 1971.
Andreu D. Basiago, “The Limits of Technological Optimism,” The Environmentalist 14 (1994), 17-22., Introduction to Environmental Science, New Delhi: Cenage Learning India Private Limited, 2009, 46.
Brennan Andrew and Lo, and Lo, Understanding Environmental Philosophy, Durham: Acumen Publishing Ltd., 2010.
Frances C Moore, “Climate Changes and Air Pollution: Exploring the Synergies and Potential for Mitigation in Industrializing Countries” in Linda Goldstein, ed., Environmental Pollution Control, Oakville: Apple Academics, 2010, 73-84
