Question

Distinguish between biodegradable and non biodegradable substances. List two effects of each of them on our environment. [

Answer 1

Answer:

substance which can be degraded by bacteria is called biodegradable substance. substance which can not be degraded by bacteria is called non biodegradable substance

Answer 2

BIODEGRADABLE SUBSTANCES

Substances which naturally breaks down to their finer forms or simpler molecules are called biodegradable substances.

          Ex - organic wastes, papers, leaves  etc

Effects of biodegradable substances on environment:

• They decompose easily, but during the process of decomposition they produce foul smell and may also be cause of diseases.
• The compost made out of these substances helps increase the fertility of the soil.

NON-BIODEGRADABLE SUBSTANCES

Subsances which does not break down to their finer forms or simpler molecules are called non-biodegradable substances.

           Ex- plastics and plastic materials, radioactive substances etc

Effects of non-biodegradable substances on environment:

• They do not decompose hence they remain in the environment in their original form and polluts the environment
• They cause pollution to water bodies and harms aquatic life forms. The radioactive wastes also causes pollution to the environment and make life forms near it prone to various diseases.