Abiotic Natural Resources

Introduction

As earth is the only planet with resources appropriate for life in this universe. Life began as a result of the earth’s interaction with resources. Living and non-living resources are balanced through this interaction, and both are sustained. As a species, we rely almost exclusively on the Air we breathe, the water we drink and the land we inhabit. Out of the physical or abiotic resources the three resources described here are essential for our existence.

Let us look at the importance of air, water, and soil in supporting life.

Air 

Air is a mixture of gases that consists of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, ..03 to .04 % carbon dioxide, small amounts of water vapour and other gases. The existence of so much oxygen in the air is not a function of the composition of the Earth, but somewhat of what living things had been doing since over 2 billion years ago, namely producing oxygen from carbon dioxide. Plants produce oxygen on earth, making it a healthy place for life. 

Air is essential for the survival of animals and all other life forms (excluding anaerobic bacteria) because they use oxygen to make energy from oxidation of food.All animals and human beings breathe out carbon dioxide, plants use it to trap solar energy and convert it into food.

Uses of Air

Air is an important abiotic resource and its various uses are- 

• Earth’s temperature is regulated by air and determines weather patterns. The earth would be too hot during the day and too cold at night without an atmosphere to moderate the temperatures.
• Additionally, the air is used for burning, as well as for combustion. Oxygen in the air can burn fuels to prepare foods, run industries, etc.
• As part of our everyday lives, we breathe in air to generate  energy.  Living things consist of cells, which generate ATP in the bloodstream to provide energy.
• Photosynthesis utilises carbon dioxide, a component of air.This process is carried out by plants and photosynthetic microbes.  
• Wind is a potential source of energy. Windmills generate electricity directly bypassing air through a large turbine.

Air is indispensable source which has great role in supporting life on our earth. Industrialization, vehicular exhaust is causing  atmospheric pollution day by day.The increased level of pollutants for example oxides of nitrogen and sulphur, carbon particles, etc. are destroying life from the face of  earth. We are in dire need to implement various measures to reduce pollution.

Water 

Life is attributed to water.It is an essential component of many living organisms due to its facilitating all chemical reactions.It is not only found in large bodies of water such as oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes, but it is also vaporised in the atmosphere and solidified in the form of snow, ice shelves, and glaciers. 

Over 97% of the world’s water is in the oceans, too salty for humans to drink. 98% of the freshwater is trapped in glaciers and ice, and only 3% is available for use.

Uses of water  

It is quite  important in the world’s economy given below are some uses-

• Humans use about 70% of the water in agriculture.
• In most countries, fish, both salt- and freshwater based is one of the most critical components of food.
• Oil, natural gas, and tangible goods are all shipped throughout the world using Water transport.
• Steam is created through the conversion of water and is used for heating and cooling.
• Throughout industrial processes such as cooking and washing, Water is used as a solvent in mineral and organic forms.

As the population increases, the less fresh water we will have. We must conserve it to continue to have it for future generations. It is not just for our survival but also is for the food and crops we eat and for the livestock to survive. Without water it is impossible for various life forms to sustain themselves. 

Soil

Earth has four major parts: the outermost layer is the crust, the middle part is the mantle, and the innermost part is core.

Minerals are found in the upper crust of the earth. However, most of them are in rocks that plants and animals cannot use. Instead, they are crushed into smaller particles, called soil. Geological, climatic, and biological processes break up rocks to create soil.

There are different types of soil: sandy soil, silty soil, clay soil, peaty Soil, saline soil, and loam soil. Mineral components found in this soil are Iron, Zinc, Nitrogen compounds, etc., which living organisms require to survive. The soil also contains iron, copper, gold, and aluminium.It promotes the growth of plants that produce oxygen, which contributes to maintaining the earth’s atmosphere.

Uses of soil

Soil is used for many purposes, some of which are listed below.

• The main use of soil is  in agriculture is to nourish plants since it contains nutrients that reach the roots and are helpful for nourishment.
• Antibiotics are also prepared from soil, which contains bacteria-toxic microbes.
• Ceramics, or pottery, is made by using clay soil. Vases, cups, sculptures, and bowls are commonly crafted with clay.
• Clay is a common ingredient in blushes and foundations and has been used for thousands of years in beauty products.
• In building and construction, all materials, aside from wood, are derived from the earth. The clay soil is used to produce terracotta tiles and adobe bricks.

In the long run, modern farming methods using pesticides and fertilisers compromise the soil quality that crops need to grow. Due to mining and deforestation, we are losing the fertility of soil. Healthy Soil is essential for environmental sustainability because it improves water quality, protects natural resources, and creates habitats for plants and wildlife.

Conclusion 

We can’t live without natural resources like soil, water and air, critical to every habitat, wildlife, and vegetative community sustainable use of natural resources is must so that our future generation can enjoy a habitable environment. Pollution of the air, water, and soil must also be controlled. If we don’t act fast, nature will become more assertive, and in such a case, life won’t be as simple as it seems. Our cumulative effect on the environment would be significant even if we all conserve in small ways.