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Why do non-biodegradable wastes cause environmental problems?
They are toxic to plants only.
They remain in the environment for a long time.
They increase soil fertility.
They can be easily recycled.
They remain in the environment for a long time.
Non-biodegradable wastes are materials that cannot be broken down into simpler, harmless substances by biological processes (like bacterial decomposition). Because they persist in the environment for hundreds or thousands of years, they accumulate, leading to soil contamination, water pollution, and ecological imbalance.
Non-biodegradable wastes are materials that cannot be broken down into simpler, harmless substances by biological processes (like bacterial decomposition). Because they persist in the environment for hundreds or thousands of years, they accumulate, leading to soil contamination, water pollution, and ecological imbalance.
Think of biodegradable waste as an 'ice cube' that melts into a puddle (natural cycle), while non-biodegradable waste is like a 'plastic pebble' that stays exactly the same on the sidewalk whether it rains or shines.
CnтАЛH2nтАЛ+O2тАЛтЖТCO2тАЛ+H2тАЛO (Biological decomposition of organic matter)
Biodegradable substances are broken down by microorganisms (saprophytes) into basic nutrients like water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter. In contrast, non-biodegradable materials, such as plastics, synthetic polymers, and heavy metals, lack the chemical bonds that enzymes in nature can recognize or cleave, causing them to remain inert and accumulate indefinitely.
Non-biodegradable wastes lack natural enzymes to initiate decomposition.
They contribute to bioaccumulation in the food chain (e.g., plastics in aquatic life).
They occupy large landfills and reduce the natural porosity of the soil.
Persistent soil pollution
Bio-magnification in food chains
Interference with nutrient cycling
Sanitary Landfill Management
Plastic Recycling (Pyrolysis)
| Feature | Biodegradable | Non-Biodegradable |
|---|---|---|
Decomposition | Rapid (Natural) | Very Slow/None |
Plastics like Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) can take up to 450 years to decompose.
Option A is incorrect because they affect soil chemical properties and microorganisms, not just plants.
Option C is incorrect; they block natural soil processes rather than enriching it.
Option D is incorrect; recycling is difficult for many complex mixed-polymer plastics.
B is correct тАФ Non-biodegradable wastes persist in the environment for a very long time because microorganisms cannot break them down chemically.
In competitive exams, always distinguish between 'Bio-degradable' (organic, rapid) and 'Non-bio-degradable' (synthetic/inorganic, persistent) when tackling ecology-based questions.
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