Question

Why are some substances biodegradable and some non-biodegradable?

Answer 1

Hint: Biodegradable material contains food waste like vegetable and fruit pieces, dead plants and animals. Non-biodegradable things include plastics, polystyrene, plastic, metals and toxic chemicals, paints, etc.

Complete Answer:
For biodegradable materials, the right condition and presence of microorganism, fungi or bacteria, will eventually break down to its basic components and blend back in with the earth.
- Example: A plant-based product might break down into carbon dioxide, water and other naturally occurring minerals the substance seamlessly mixes back into the earth, leaving no toxic behind.
- Some items are obviously biodegradable. Examples include food scraps and wood that has not been treated with chemicals to resist bugs and rot.
- Many other items, such as paper also biodegrade eventually, but it may take years. Whether an item is compostable or not is simply biodegradable, it needs to be placed in an environment that facilitates its breakdown.

Non-biodegradable substances are those which cannot be transformed into harmless natural state by the action of bacteria and burning of these two fuels causes more pollution in the environment.
- Unlike biodegradable waste, non-biodegradable wastes cannot be easily taken care of. They remain on earth for thousands of years without any degradation or decomposition. An example is plastic which is usually used in almost every area.
- Some non-biodegradable wastes are not at all eco-friendly, they need to be replaced and are substituted. As a part of the growth of alternatives, scientists have brought forward many innovative ideas like biodegradable plastic etc.

Note: Biodegradable wastes include organic wastes that can be broken down by composting, aerobic digestion, anaerobic digestion or similar processes.