Question

Define biodegradable and non biodegradable with their causes and examples

Answer 1

The waste materials which cannot be broken down into non-poisonous or harmless substances in nature are called non-biodegradable waste. Examples are plastics, polythene bags, ball-point pen refills, synthetic fibres, and glass objects, metal articles like aluminium cans, iron nails, silver foil and radioactive wastes.

Answer 2

1 Degradation process in Biodegradable waste is is rapid Degradation process in Non-Biodegradable waste is slow

2 Biodegradable waste is decomposed and degraded by microbes Non-Biodegradable waste is cannot be decomposed by microbes

3 Biodegradable waste are not accumulated but are used up in short time Non-Biodegradable waste often accumulate

4 Biodegradable waste become part of bio geo chemical cycles and give back rapid turnover Most of Non-Biodegradable waste never enter into bio geo chemical cycles, very slow and toxic

5 Biodegradable waste are used to produce energy manure, compost and biogas Non-Biodegradable waste can be separated and recycled but the process is very expensive

hope it helps!!