Question

Describe the type of waste,based on degradation,with example

Answer 1

Biodegradable

A biodegradable material can be defined as a material which can be decomposed by b bacteria or other natural organisms and not be adding to pollution.

Biodegradable wastes are such waste materials which are and can be degraded by natural factors like microbes (e.g. bacteria, fungi and few more), abiotic elements like temperature, UV, oxygen, etc. Some examples of such wastes are food materials, kitchen wastes, and other natural wastes. Microorganisms and other abiotic factors together break down complex substances into simpler organic matters which eventually suspend and fade into the soil. The whole process is natural which can be rapid or slow. Therefore the environmental issues and risks caused by biodegradable wastes are low.

Non-Biodegradable

A Non-Biodegradable material can be defined as a kind of substance which cannot be broken down by natural organisms and acts as a source of pollution.

Unlike biodegradable wastes, non-biodegradable cannot be easily handled. Non-biodegradable wastes are those who cannot be decomposed or dissolved by natural agents. They remain on earth for thousands of years without any degradation. Hence the threat caused by them is also more critical. A notable example is the plastics which are a commonly used material in almost every field. To give these plastics a long lasting effect, improved quality plastics are being put to use. This made them more temperature resistant and more durable even after use. Other examples are cans, metals, and chemicals for agricultural and industrial purposes. They are the main causes of air, water and soil pollution and diseases like cancer.

Since non-biodegradable wastes are not Eco-friendly, they need to be replaced. As a part of a development of alternatives, scientists have brought forward many ides like biodegradable plastics, etc. They incorporated some biodegradable materials with plastics and made them easily and rapidly degradable. But this is quite an expensive procedure.