Question

Perform an activity to differentiate the biodegradable substances from non-biodegradable ones.

Answer 1

Biodegradable substances:

Waste materials that can be broken down into simpler, non-toxic substances by micro-organisms is called biodegradable substances.

Non-biodegradable substances:

Waste materials that cannot be broken down into simpler, non-toxic substances by micro-organisms easily are called non-biodegradable substances

Activity:

1. First, collect different kinds of waste materials from around you.
2. It may include chocolate wrappers, plastic bags, jute bags, broken glass pieces, food containers, plastic bottles, kitchen waste like tea leaves, vegetable shavings, peels, paper, etc
3. Now in a concealed pit or a big basket or flower pot put these waste materials and cover them with soil.
4. Soil cover should be at least 15 cm in height.
5. Moisten the pot or pit regularly with water and take observations at regular intervals of 10 or 15 days.
6. Take note of the following:

1. Is there any material that has remained as such?
2. Which materials have changed their form and structure?
3. Keep note of the materials that degraded at the fastest rate. These can be classified as biodegradable while those that had no major changes in the soil even after long periods are non-biodegradable.

Inference:

Biodegradable substances:	Non-biodegradable substances:
kitchen waste like tea leaves, vegetable shavings, peels, , jute bags, paper etc.	chocolate wrappers, plastic bags, broken glass pieces, food containers, plastic bottles