Question

How pollutants are classified?

Answer 1

Pollutants: These are toxic substances that contaminate the medium in which they are present.

Pollutants are classified into two main categories that are as follows:

1. Biodegradable pollutants: Those pollutants that decompose rapidly under natural conditions are known as biodegradable pollutants. Example– domestic wastes. Their accumulation creates hygienic problems and causes a bad odor.
2. Non-degradable pollutants: Those materials that do not degrade or degrade very slowly in nature, e.g. aluminum cans, mercuric salts, glass pieces, D.D.T., etc., and cannot be recycled in nature.