Question

The following table summarises the differences between biodegradable and non-biodegradable pollutants. Pick out the wrong differences and select the correct answer.

	Biodegradable pollutants	Non-biodegradable pollutants
(i)	These are the pollutants that can be easily degraded by micro-organisms.	These are the pollutants that can not be degraded into harmless materials.
(ii)	These can be used to produce energy (through biogas), compost, manure, etc.	These are difficult to manage as a natural method of degradation is absent.
(iii)	These usually do not enter biogeochemical cycles.	These become a part of rapid turnover in biogeochemical cycles.
(iv)	Examples: DDT, BHC, plastics, polyethylene, glass, etc.	Examples: Sewage, garbage, animal waste, etc.

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

Answer 1

The correct option is C (iii) and (iv)

Biodegradable pollutants become part of rapid turnover in biogeochemical cycles. The examples of biodegradable pollutants are sewage, garbage, animal waste and livestock. Most non-biodegradable pollutants do not enter biogeochemical cycle e. g., DDT, BHC, plastics, polyethylene, cans, glass, etc.