Question

Distinguish between biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances.

Answer 1

1. The wastes, which get degrade or dissociate naturally are biodegradable wastes.
2. The wastes, which do not degrade naturally are non-biodegradable wastes.

Biodegradable wastes	Non-biodegradable wastes
1. The biodegradable wastes originate from natural products like kitchen waste, paper, organic waste, etc.	1. The non-biodegradable wastes are synthesized chemically and they originate from human activities.
2. The rate of decomposition of biodegradable waste is very fast.	2. The rate of decomposition of the non-biodegradable waste is very slow.
3. The microbes like fungi, bacteria, etc. possess the tendency to decompose the wastes into the soil.	3. The non-biodegradable wastes do not get degraded easily by natural agents.
4. Post degradation, the biodegradable wastes are used for the production of fertilizers, manure, compost, and biogas.	4. The rate of degradation of non-biodegradable wastes is slow and the process and recycling and separation are expensive and not too easy.
5. The examples are fruits, paper, vegetables, etc.	5. The examples are plastic, rubber, paint, chemicals, etc.