Question

Choose the correct answer from each of the four options given below:
An example of non-biodegradable waste is

• A. Vegetable peels
• B. Livestock waste
• C. Sewage
• D. DDT

Answer 1

The correct option is D

DDT

The correct answer is D

Explanation of the correct answer

Pollutants or waste are of two types:

1. Non- biodegradable wastes are those organic wastes that cannot be broken down into simple compounds or decomposed by bacteria and fungi.
2. Biodegradable wastes are those organic waste that can be broken down into simple compounds or decomposed by bacteria and fungi.
3. DDT or dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane is a non-biodegradable waste. It does not get decomposed, enter the food chain and cause harm to the organisms.

Explanation for incorrect options

Option A

1. Vegetable peels are kitchen wastes and can be easily decomposed into manure.

Option B

1. Livestock wastes are also biodegradable wastes and can be decomposed to form compost and manure.

Option C

1. Sewage includes wastes water mainly from households. These contain mostly organic compounds that can be degraded into simpler substances.

Final answer

An example of non-biodegradable waste is DDT.