Question

Which of the following is non-biodegradable?
A. Plastic
B. Cotton
C. Paper
D. Left-over food

Answer 1

Hint: A kind of substance that cannot be broken down by the natural microorganisms and serves to increase air pollution is known as a non-biodegradable waste. Wastes can be separated and recycled but the process is very expensive.

Complete answer: Waste material and substances can be categorized into two types based on their degradability; biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes. Various risks and threats associated with wastes can be avoided by segregation of waste materials into different types. Waste materials that can be decomposed by various microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, etc. and do not cause pollution are known as biodegradable wastes. Whereas, the waste material that cannot be degraded by any microbial action is known as non-biodegradable wastes. They are not easy to handle and remain on earth for a very long period without any degradation. The most common example of non-biodegradable waste is plastics which can have a long-lasting effect on the environment because they are temperature resistant and more durable. Some other examples include chemicals, metals, and cans. Most of the inorganic waste is considered non-biodegradable.
Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Note: Plastics are non-biodegradable because they are made from synthetic polymers that cannot be degraded by any microbial action. Whereas, substances such as cotton, paper, and food are prone to decomposition by microbial action and are considered biodegradable wastes. Since plastics are non-biodegradable, it can be recycled to make other products.