Question

Give any two ways in which biodegradable substance would affect the environment.

Answer 1

Hint: “Biodegradable” refers to the ability of things to get disintegrated (decomposed) by the action of microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi biological (with or without oxygen) while getting assimilated into the natural environment.

Complete Answer:
Biodegradable substances affect the environment in the following ways:
(i) Biodegradable substances are decomposed by the action of microorganisms and decomposed materials are recycled through a geo-chemical cycle.
(ii) Biodegradable substances such as tree leaves, plant parts, and kitchen wastes can be used as humus after composting. This will enhance soil fertility.
(iii) These substances keep the environment clean.
(iv) They may produce foul smell during the decomposition process.
(v) Waste decomposing in landfills produces harmful methane, a gas that’s 100-120 times more powerful than carbon dioxide at the time of emission.

Note: All the wastes produced by humans, animal waste, plant products, dried leaves, grass, fruits, flowers, food wastes, wood and other remains of the death of living creatures are grouped into Biodegradable substances.
These can be used for the generation of energy through biogas or compost.