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ECOLOGICAL
LITERACY |
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Elements are everywhere… in everything. Inside our bodies, and outside. They are necessary for sustaining life and for manufacturing the most basic items required for everyday living. So each organism consists of a variety of elements and compounds. For example, an average 70 kilograms adult human being is composed of 60 chemical elements, the main ones being oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus. These same elements are used in industries to create products. Interesting, isn’t it? Yet, if we cross our limits and disturb their delicate balance in nature, they can wreak havoc on us, and on this planet.
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Man-made factory |
| It plays a vital role in respiration and metabolism. Oxidation is the source of energy for most animals. Water in human body also contains oxygen – H2O. Oxygen also combines with carbon molecules to form carbon dioxide. |
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For treating water and smelting of iron ore into steel. To manufacture products like anti-freeze and polyester
polymers, in medical applications, metal cutting and welding, as an oxidiser for rocket fuel. |
| It is the basic unit for organic molecules, which combines with most other elements to sustain life. It is part of our DNA and respiration process. |
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Source of energy like wood, coal, petroleum and other fossil fuels. All its compounds, graphite and diamonds, and alloys like carbon steel have innumerable applications. |
| Most of the human body is made up of water, which is made of hydrogen molecules (and oxygen). Oxygen burns hydrogen in the living system, reeasing the energy that runs our bodies. So, hydrogen is ‘the fuel of life’. |
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Used as an agent for processing fossil fuels. As an energy carrier, like a battery, in vehicles. Hydrogen’s isotopes have specific applications, such as in nuclear fission and fusion reactions. |
| It is a constituent element of amino acids and thus, of proteins and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). It is present in the chemical structure of neurotransmitters and form biological molecules like alkaloids. It is part of animal waste, in the form of urea, uric acid, and ammonium compounds. |
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Serves as an inert replacement for air where oxidation is undesirable. Preserves the freshness of packaged or bulk foods. Used to manufacture stainless steel and ordinary incandescent light bulbs, and also for producing electronic parts such as transistors and diodes. |
| Without calcium, no living thing would have a form! Why? Because calcium makes our bones and teeth. It plays a crucial role in the functioning of nerves and muscles. |
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As a reducing agent in the extraction of uranium, zirconium and thorium, and as an alloying agent in the production of aluminium. In making cements and mortars. |
| It forms biological molecules such as DNA and RNA and helps transport cellular energy. Phospholipids are the main structural components of all cellular membranes. |
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As a constituent of fertilisers. Forms organophosphorus compounds which are used in plasticisers, flame-retardants, pesticides, extraction agents and water treatment.
It is a key component in steel production. |
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Gobar Times invites readers
to share and seek information about Green Schools at:-
eeu@cseindia.org or write to
Environment Education Unit
Centre for Science and Environment
41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area,
New Delhi-110062
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