Question

Tick the correct order in ascending order of time period required for their decomposition. Thermocol, Tin containers, Plastic cups, Paper Bags Tin containers, Paper bags , Plastic Cups, Thermocol Paper bags , Plastic cups , Thermocol, Tin containers Paper bags, Tin containers, plastic cups , Thermocol​

Answer 1

Time period required for the decomposition is: Paper Bags < Thermocol < Tin containers < Plastic cups

• Decomposition is a natural process in which a substance is broken down into its constituent substances due to microbial action.
• Waste such as paper, wood are biodegradable substances since they decompose easily.
• Plastic, PVC are non-biodegradable substances. They cannot be broken down by microorganisms and thus act as pollutants.

Answer 2

The correct order in ascending order of time period required for the decomposition:

PAPER BAGS, TIN CONTAINERS, PLASTIC CUPS, THERMOCOL. (OPTION D)

Explanation

DECOMPOSITION -

• The degradation process in which complex substances are broken into simple forms such as carbohydrates, water, sugars, gases.
• Paper bags are organic in nature and contains cellulose as it is made of tree pulp.
• Paper bags decompose fast and take one month to convert to a simple form.
• The tin container is made of metal and is decomposable and degradable in nature.
• The containers decompose in approximately 50-100 years.
• Plastic cups are undegradable and do not decompose readily.
• The cups decompose at the time of 500 years from their disposal.
• Thermocol does not decompose by natural processing and harms the environment.
• They need to be burnt under the waste management process releasing harmful and poisonous gases into the atmosphere.
• The order of degradation -

             Papar bags > Tin containers > Plastic cups > Thermocol