Question

What is the problem caused by the non-biodegradable wastes that we generate?

Answer 1

Hint:Non biodegradable wastes are those materials which cannot be decomposed by microbes. On the other hand, biodegradable wastes are those wastes which can be degraded by microorganisms and they are present in the environment for hundreds of years.

Complete answer:
Most of the inorganic plastic, glass, batteries etc. are non-biodegradable. They can be categorized into:
a) Recyclable waste
b) Non-recyclable waste.
But the cost for recycling is very high.
Problems caused by non-biodegradable waste are:
>They destroy the natural beauty of the place and also provide home for harmful pathogens.
>Plastic bags choke the drainage system and result in overflowing of waste water which acts as good breeding ground for the development of mosquito’s larvae and thus have harmful impacts on human health.
>They affect the fertility of soil and make it less appropriate for the crops. Hence, it causes soil pollution.
>Plastic and other inorganic non-biodegradable waste causes serious threat to aquatic organisms, it may lead to extinction of many aquatic animals.
>Burning of non biodegradable wastes produces toxic gases causing air pollution and also affects humans by causing respiratory diseases in humans.
>It also reduces the percolation of water into the soil and prevents replenishment of groundwater.
>Their consumption by stray animals Example: Cow results in their death.
> In humans the plastic causes cancer as we use plastic boxes and store hot food items.
>DDT, a non-biodegradable substance, can enter the food chain and cause biomagnification.

Note:Over the years, accumulation of non-biodegradable waste has led to an increase in land pollution. Thus, it is very important that we take measures to prevent such situations. a few of the ways are,
->Use cloth or jute bags over plastic bags
->Use reusable glass bottles over plastic bottles
->Use less plastic straws, spoons, forks, etc