Question

Garbage consists of the things we use in our daily life. During its use, it does not smell. Why is it that when it is discarded, piled up and termed as garbage it stinks?

• A. It stinks because of rodents feeding on it.
• B. It stinks because of the action of aerobic bacteria.
• C. It stinks because of the action of anaerobic bacteria.
• D. Both A and B.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

It stinks because of the action of anaerobic bacteria.

Garbage piled up makes it impossible for oxygen to reach bacteria at the bottom of the pile. Therefore, these bacteria surviving in garbage have adapted themselves to respire without oxygen. Foul smell generated from garbage is due to the action of these anaerobic bacteria.