Question

In the following groups of materials, which group contains only non-biodegradable items?
(i) Wood, paper, leather
(ii) Polythene, detergent, PVC
(iii) Plastic, detergent, grass
(iv) Plastic, bakelite, DDT

• A. (iii)
• B. (iv)
• C. (i) and (iii)
• D. (ii) and (iv)

Answer 1

The correct option is D (ii) and (iv)

• Biodegradable items are those, which can be degraded by biological agencies like detrivores.
• These organisms feed on the dead and decaying matter and convert them into minerals and return those minerals back to the environment, thus completing the cycle of nutrients.
• Non-biodegradable items are those which cannot be acted upon by detrivores. Thus, such items cannot be degraded or decomposed. In a way, they are a permanent addition to the environment and cannot be done away with.
• For example, polythene, thermosetting plastics like bakelite, insecticides like DDT, detergent, PVC, etc. These items cannot be degraded biologically.
• Thus the correct answer is option D.