Differentiate between biodegradable and non -biodegradable pollutants.
Differentiate between biodegradable and non -biodegradable pollutants.
Biodegradable pollutants: Pollutants that can be broken down into simple, non-poisonous products over a period of time by microorganisms known as decomposers like certain bacteria, fungi, etc. are called biodegradable pollutants.
Non-Biodegradable Pollutants: Pollutants that cannot be broken down into simple, non-poisonous products over a period of time by microorganisms known as decomposers like certain bacteria, fungi, etc. are called non-biodegradable pollutants.
Property Biodegradable pollutants Non-Biodegradable Pollutants Biogeochemical cycle- The cyclic process in which nutrients move between biotic and abiotic elements of the environment. 1. They enter the biogeochemical cycle
1. They do not enter the biogeochemical cycle.
Treatment 2. Can be treated in treatment plants.
2. Cannot be treated in treatment plants and stays in the environment for a long time.
Action as pollutant 3. Act as a pollutant when present in large quantities and not degraded at the right time.
3. Act as a pollutant as soon as it enters or is introduced into the environment.
Occurrence 4. Mainly occurs naturally in the environment.
4. Mainly introduced by man in the environment and are mostly artificial.
Examples 5. Domestic waste products, sewage, agriculture residue, paper, wood, etc.
5. Polythene bags, insecticides, pesticides, DDT, radioactive waste, etc.
Biodegradable pollutants: Pollutants that can be broken down into simple, non-poisonous products over a period of time by microorganisms known as decomposers like certain bacteria, fungi, etc. are called biodegradable pollutants.
Non-Biodegradable Pollutants: Pollutants that cannot be broken down into simple, non-poisonous products over a period of time by microorganisms known as decomposers like certain bacteria, fungi, etc. are called non-biodegradable pollutants.
| Property | Biodegradable pollutants | Non-Biodegradable Pollutants |
| Biogeochemical cycle- The cyclic process in which nutrients move between biotic and abiotic elements of the environment. | 1. They enter the biogeochemical cycle | 1. They do not enter the biogeochemical cycle. |
| Treatment | 2. Can be treated in treatment plants. | 2. Cannot be treated in treatment plants and stays in the environment for a long time. |
| Action as pollutant | 3. Act as a pollutant when present in large quantities and not degraded at the right time. | 3. Act as a pollutant as soon as it enters or is introduced into the environment. |
| Occurrence | 4. Mainly occurs naturally in the environment. | 4. Mainly introduced by man in the environment and are mostly artificial. |
| Examples | 5. Domestic waste products, sewage, agriculture residue, paper, wood, etc. | 5. Polythene bags, insecticides, pesticides, DDT, radioactive waste, etc. |
