Question

Which of the following is an example of non-biodegradable waste?
A. Fruits
B. Vegetables
C. Paper
D. Polythene

Answer 1

Hint: The non-biodegradable wastes are those substances which cannot be degraded by the microbes in the environment by the natural processes.

Complete answer:
All the substances given above that are fruits; vegetables and paper are made from the materials derived through the natural processes except polythene which is a non-biodegradable substance. Biodegradable substances are those that can be easily broken down by the microorganisms in nature whereas substances which cannot be broken down by the microbes or heat decomposed in nature are known as non-biodegradable substances. Polythene is a man-made substance synthesized by humans in the laboratory and microorganisms cannot degrade it naturally so it is said to be a non-biodegradable substance. The polythene is a polymer made up of the monomer unit called ethene.
This polythene has now become a cause of concern as it is very cheap in making and also is now used in almost every field for packaging, carrying the materials. Its manufacturing is a cost effective process and also very cheap to buy. Increase in population has drastically resulted in its higher use and thus is the one of the major factors contributing in the plastic pollution.
It cannot be degraded naturally so it is now accumulated almost everywhere and thus also the cause of many diseases. It also releases harmful and toxic chemicals which affect the plants, animals as well as humans. Also microplastics are now being found in very high concentration in aquatic animals.
The correct answer is (D) Polythene
The use of polythene is now banned in many countries of the world.

Note: The polythene is man-made polymer made in the laboratories and it cannot be decomposed in nature by the natural processes by the microbes.