Question

Give any two ways in which biodegradable substances would affect the environment.

Answer 1

Biodegradable waste

1. Biodegradable waste is a form of waste, originating naturally from plant or animal sources, which may be degraded by other living organisms.
2. Biodegradable waste can be usually found in municipal solid waste such as green waste, food waste, paper waste, and biodegradable plastics.
3. Some of the sources contain human waste, sewage, slaughterhouse waste etc.

Two ways in which biodegradable substances would affect the environment are

1. The decomposition process of biodegradable substances produce a foul smell and some harmful gases are released which make life difficult for the people living in nearby areas.
2. These substances provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes, insects and microbes responsible for diseases like cholera, typhoid, diarrhoea, etc.