Environmental engineering

Environmental engineering is a professional discipline that uses science to protect and improve the world. It combines many different fields like biology, chemistry, ecology, and mathematics. This work is a sub-discipline of both civil and chemical engineering. Engineers in this field create solutions to protect human health and nature's ecosystems. They work to improve the quality of life for all living organisms.

The core mechanism of this work involves applying scientific principles to solve complex problems. For example, engineers manage water supplies by evaluating a watershed. A watershed is a large area where water moves through a specific system. They determine how much water is available and how much is needed. They also study seasonal cycles of water movement. This helps them design systems to store, treat, and move water for different uses.

Water treatment often follows a specific process called a treatment train. First, a primary clarifier system removes solid and floating materials. Next, a secondary treatment system uses an aeration basin. In this stage, engineers grow bacteria to remove organic material through a process called activated sludge. A secondary clarifier then removes that sludge from the water. Finally, a tertiary system might remove nitrogen and phosphorus. This last step often includes a disinfection process to clean the water before it enters an ocean or stream.

Environmental engineering has deep roots in ancient history. The Indus Valley Civilization used advanced water control between 3300 B.C.E. and 1300 B.C.E. They built wells, public baths, and city-wide sewage systems. Many other civilizations, like the Mesopotamian Empire and Egypt, used drainage systems between 4000 and 2000 B.C.E. The Romans were also skilled, building the first aqueduct in 312 B.C.E. They even created underground sewers as early as the 7th century B.C.E. to drain marshes and remove sewage.

Modern environmental engineering began to change in the mid-19th century. In London, Joseph Bazalgette designed a major sewerage system after the "Great Stink." Before this, raw sewage flowed into the River Thames. This river was also the main source of drinking water. This caused deadly outbreaks of cholera. Later, the field became an academic discipline in the mid-20th century. Rachel Carson's 1962 book, "Silent Spring," helped start the modern environmental movement. This movement grew from concerns about pesticides like DDT and other forms of pollution.

Today, the discipline is entering a third stage of development. Engineers now focus on solving "grand challenges" for the 21st century. These include curbing climate change and designing a future without waste. They also work to sustainably supply food, water, and energy. Engineers aim to create healthy, resilient cities and foster informed decisions. Modern research often uses engineering to solve problems of "planetary health." This means protecting the health of people and the entire planet at the same time.

Education in this field is very diverse and technical. Students in civil engineering programs often study hydrology and wastewater treatment. Those in chemical engineering programs focus on environmental chemistry and separation processes. Some engineers even use mechanical systems to design pumping stations or garbage plants. Others use environmental technology to create electronic devices. These devices can monitor and control how much impact humans have on the environment. This broad training allows them to tackle everything from local water issues to global warming.