Question

Distinguish between each of the following : Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable Pollutants

Answer 1

biodegradable are those tht can be decomposed by microorganisms eg vegetable peels
non biodegradable are waste tht cannot be decomposed by natural processes eg plastic

Answer 2

Biodegradable Pollutants:

i. They are decomposed and degraded by microbes

ii. Degradation process is rapid.

iii. They are not accumulated but are used up in short time.

iv. They are used to produce energy manure, compost and biogas.

v. They become part of biogeochemical cycles and give back rapid turn over

Non-Biodegradable Pollutants:

i. Cannot be decomposed by microbes.

ii. Degradation process is slow.

iii. They often accumulate.

iv. They can be separated and recycled but the process is very expensive.

v. Most of them never enter into Biogeochemical cycles, very slow and toxic.