Environmental engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on designing systems and processes to protect and improve the environment for the health and safety of both humans and ecosystems. This field combines principles from various disciplines, such as chemistry, biology, and geology, to address issues related to air and water quality, waste management, and sustainable development. The roots of environmental engineering can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Romans, who built extensive aqueducts and sanitation systems to manage water supply and waste. In ancient Greece and India, similar efforts were made to ensure clean water and proper waste disposal. The modern field of environmental engineering began to take shape in the 19th century, spurred by the Industrial Revolution. Rapid industrialization led to severe pollution and public health crises, necessitating the development of engineering solutions to mitigate these problems. The cholera outbreaks in London during the mid-1800s highlighted the critical need for improved sanitation and clean water supply. Engineers like Sir Joseph Bazalgette designed extensive sewer systems to address these issues, laying the groundwork for modern environmental engineering practices.