环境工程专业英语..doc

PART 1 INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING Unit 1 Text: Environmental Engineering What Is This Book About? The objective of this book is to introduce engineering and science students to the interdisciplinary study of enviroomentsl problems: their causes, why they sre of concern, and how we csn control them. The book includes: ? Description of what is meant by environment snd by environmental systems ? Information on the basis causes of environmental disturbances ? Basis scientific knowledge necessary to understand the nature of environmental problems and to be able to quantify them ? Current state of the technology environmental control in its application to water, air and pollution problems ? Considerable gaps in our current scientific knowledge of understanding and controlling many of the complex interactions between human activities and nature ? Many environmental problems which could be eliminated or reduced by the application of current technology, but which are not dealt with because of society’s lack of will to do so, or in many instances because of a lack of resources to do so. Some Important Definitions Where they are first used in this book, definitions are introduced in block form, as shown here, or printed in bold type. Environment is the physicsl and biotic habitat which surrounds us; that which we can see. hear, touch, smell, and taste. System. according to Wehster’ s dictionaryD , is defined as “a set or arrangement of things so related or connected as to form a unit or organic whole; as, a solar system, irrigation system, supply system, the world or universe”. Pollution can be defined as an undesirable change in the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of the air, water, or land that can harmfully affect the health, survival, or activities of humans or other living organisms. When the goal of improving environmental quality is taken to be improving human well being. the word “environment” broadens to include all kinds of social,