Question

With the help of an example, explain the term 'non-biodegradable waste'.

Give two examples of non-biodegradable waste.

What is non-biodegradable waste?

Answer 1

1. The waste which cannot be degraded by microorganisms is called non-biodegradable waste.
2. It includes polythene bags, glass and plastic bottles, broken pens, scrap metal, etc. These substances persist in the environment for a long time and harm the ecosystem.
3. These wastes do not break down into simpler and harmless products by natural agents like bacteria, fungi, etc.
4. These are mostly organic compounds, metallic oxides, mercury, lead, arsenic, pesticides, radioactive wastes,, etc.
5. These substances continue· to appear in the environment and are often biologically magnified.
6. There is no natural process to check the non-biodegradable wastes; therefore, they continue to accumulate in the environment.