Question

In the following groups of materials, which group/groups contain only non-biodegradable materials?
(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

(d) (ii) and (iv)
These materials cannot be degraded by micro-organisms and hence are non-biodegradable.

Non-biodegradable items are those which cannot be acted upon by detrivores. Thus, such items cannot be degraded or decomposed.

For example, polythene, thermosetting plastics like bakelite, insecticides like DDT, detergent, PVC, etc. These items cannot be degraded biologically.