Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Materials


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Materials

Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable Materials:

Waste materials can be classified on the basis of whether they can be degraded, or broken down, by biological processes. Materials that get broken down by living organisms are called biodegradable materials. These are substances of plant or animal origin such as paper, wood, cotton, food materials and sewage. So, bio-degradable wastes can be broken down into simpler, natural substances by decomposes (saprophytes) such as bacteria and fungi. These substances are harmless and nontoxic.

Materials that cannot be broken down by living organisms are called non-biodegradable materials. Metals, plastics, DDT, detergents, certain dyes, etc., are some examples of non-biodegradable substances. Non-biodegradable materials are major pollutants. They may be chemically less active. So they remain unchanged in the environment for a long time. You have already seen how harmful materials like DDT and mercury can be Plastic bags, bottles, etc., often find their way to drains, etc. Since they do not decompose, they keep on adding up and finally, they choke the drains. Non-biodegradable detergents, dyes, etc., get into the soil and water bodies and harm the organisms living there.

In general, we should try to use biodegradable materials wherever possible to reduce the harmful effects of non-biodegradable materials. For certain things, we have a choice between biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials.

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Sample Questions
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Question : 1

In some cities we find dust bins of two different colours for collection of garbage. These dustbins are usually of which of the following two colours ?

Right Option : D
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Question : 2

Read the passage(s) given below and answer the questions that follow:

If you collect the garbage from your home and put it in separate pits covered with soil for a few days. You will find that something in the garbage rots. They form manure which is used for plants. Which of the following observations was the correct reporting about all the pits after 4 days when the soil was removed?

Right Option : D
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Question : 3

Which of the following are non-biodegradable wastes?

Right Option : D
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