The Prayas ePathshala

Exams आसान है !

Q1. Discuss the various ways that microbes can assist in addressing the present fuel problem.

GS III – Environmental Conservation

Introduction:

Microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and other microbes can be employed to break down raw organic materials into fuels such as ethanol, hydrogen, methane, lipids, and butanol. This process transforms the chemical energy present in biomass into fuels.

Microorganisms can assist in supplying the present fuel scarcity:

Biofuel Production: Biofuels like biodiesel and bioethanol can be produced using specific microorganisms like bacteria and algae. Algae, for instance, may produce lipids—which can then be converted into biodiesel—from carbon dioxide and sunshine.
Production of Biogas: Anaerobic digestion uses microbes to break down organic waste, including sewage and agricultural wastes, in order to produce biogas.
Production of Hydrogen: Through fermentation processes, a variety of microorganisms may produce hydrogen gas, which can then be utilised as a clean fuel in a number of applications, such as fuel cells that run cars.
Bioremediation: By dissolving hydrocarbons that can be utilised to extract valuable hydrocarbons from contaminated locations, microorganisms can assist in cleaning up oil spills and contaminated sites.
Utilisation and Capture of Carbon: Microorganisms have the ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial operations and transform them into biofuels.

Way Forward:

To alleviate the fuel scarcity and to lower the rising cost of crude oil, it is imperative to establish pilot plants for the production of microbial energy fuels. These facilities can also provide long-term environmental benefits.

Q2. Why is there currently a freshwater resource availability and access dilemma in the world?

GS III – Environmental Conservation

Introduction:

Freshwater is necessary for development, health, and survival. Nonetheless, there is a freshwater issue facing the globe today. More than 2 billion people, according to the UN, reside in nations with significant water stress.

Principal causes of freshwater resource decline:

Climate change: As a result of the hydrological cycle being upset by global warming, freshwater supplies are harmed by changes in precipitation patterns, glacier melt, droughts, and floods.
The city of Cape Town almost ran out of water on “Day Zero” in 2018 as a result of several years of drought.
Over-extraction: Excessive exploitation leading to deterioration and depletion of freshwater through mining, irrigation, and other means.
Due to the diversion of agricultural water, the Aral Sea, which was once the fourth-largest lake in the world, is all but gone.
Pollution: The availability of freshwater is decreased when it is contaminated by solid waste, untreated wastewater, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff.
The UN estimates that over 80% of wastewater is released untreated.
Loss of natural reservoirs: A threat to wetlands, woods, and aquifers, which are ecosystems that regulate water storage and filtration.
One of the biggest freshwater lakes, Lake Kolleru in Andhra Pradesh, is quickly drying up.

A few corrective actions:

Encourage water-saving techniques such as collecting rainwater. (The ‘Namma Ooru-Namma Veetu’ project in Tamil Nadu).
Use water-saving farming techniques like conservation tillage and precision agriculture.
Make use of creative fixes, such as water-saving appliances and intelligent irrigation systems. (The solar-powered water ATMs used in the “Sarvajal” project).
Minimise water use and balance it with other sources of water.

Way Forward:

In order to combat the effects of climate change, addressing the freshwater crisis requires global cooperation, better infrastructure, conservation, and sustainable management. For there to be a consistent and fair supply of freshwater for both the current and future generations, creative solutions and sensible legislation are essential.