Question

Define a pollutant. Classify the pollutants on the basis of their ability to degrade. Give examples.

Answer 1

Pollutant :

Any agent that causes some undesirable change in the atmosphere when introduced into the environment.

Types of pollutants on basis of degradation :

Biodegradable pollutants:

1. These are the pollutants or wastes which can be decomposed by microorganisms into simpler compounds and at the same time causes pollution.
2. Examples: Domestic waste, sewage, agriculture residues, and plant and animal wastes.

Non-biodegradable pollutants:

1. These are substances or wastes which cannot be decomposed by microorganisms into simpler compounds and thus, get accumulated in the same form in the environment causing pollution.
2. Examples: DDT, plastic, insecticides, pesticides, fertilizers, polythene bags, mercury, and lead particles.