Question

Name a few biodegradable and non-biodegradable pollutants.

Answer 1

Pollutant:

1. An undesirable substance present in the environment which is responsible for pollution of the air, land, water, etc.
2. It is present in concentrations that are harmful to the environment and the organisms.
3. Pollutants are of two types:

• Biodegradable pollutants- Those pollutants that can be broken down into simple, non-poisonous, harmless products over a period of time by the activity of microorganisms known as decomposers like some bacteria, fungi, etc. are known as biodegradable pollutants. For example:
  1. Polythene plastic bags
  2. Plastic sheets
  3. Glass bottles
  4. Metal needles
• Non- biodegradable pollutants- Those pollutants that cannot be broken down into simple, non-poisonous, harmless products over a period of time by the activity of microorganisms known as decomposers like some bacteria, fungi, etc. are known as non-biodegradable pollutants. For example:
  1. Discarded food
  2. Paper
  3. Excretory products of animals
  4. Cattle bones