Environmental Engineering has become one of the most sought after career
options, due to the growing concern about unpredictability of the environment.
Earlier environmental engineering programs were taught with other fields
of engineering (i.e civil and chemical). By the mid-end of the 20th century,
this field was recognised as a separate engineering discipline because
of the widespread public concern about water and pollution.
Environmental Engineering related to Environmental science, is a broad
field that apply the principles of science and engineering to protect
and improve environmental conditions. The field focuses on design and
technology for improving environmental quality.
The main areas of environmental engineering include air pollution control,
industrial hygiene, radiation protection, hazardous waste management,
toxic materials control, recycling, water supply, wastewater management,
storm water management, solid waste disposal, public health and land management.
Within each of these major categories, there are many sub categories.
Environmental engineers are technical experts concerned with local and
worldwide environmental issues. They combine the principles of biology
and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems and work
in a wide variety of settings with various engineering mechanisms. The
major task of environmental engineers is to protect public health by preserving
and enhancing the environment. They are engaged in designing various pollution
control equipment and devices, construction, installation, implementation
and operation of environmentally-related procedures. They are also involved
in the protection of wildlife, conduct research on proposed environmental
projects, analyze scientific data, perform quality control checks and
design municipal water supply and industrial wastewater treatment systems.
Environmental engineers also attempt to prevent the production and repercussion
of acid rain, global warming, ozone depletion as well as harmful automobile
emissions.
Those who have a strong commitment to the environment can make a successful
career in this field. Environmental engineers are broadly educated and
technically trained in the environmental field to address the spectrum
of issues facing the environment. The subjects of study includes not only
mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering design but a range of
disciplines like biology, microbiology, ecology, public health, geology,
meteorology, economics, political science and computer science.
