Question

Which one is non-biodegradable?
a. DDT
b. Sewage
c. Livestock waste
d. Market

Answer 1

Hint: The substances which are not broken by the natural methods and sustain for a very long period of time are called non-biodegradable substances.

Complete answer
DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is non-biodegradable pesticide i.e. it cannot be degraded by the action of microbes. It is a crystalline, colorless and odorless compound which was used extensively as an insecticide until its harmful environmental impacts were identified. DDT was observed to be highly persistent in the environment because of it is a fat soluble compound. Studies reveal that it entered into the aquatic food chain and caused biomagnification. In return, it was observed that it is readily absorbed by the soil particles resulting into the destruction of the soil microbial fauna. It gets evaporated and stays in the air as an air pollutant. Thus, it is a non-biodegradable compound.
The wastewater generated from the homes and factories is known as ‘Sewage’ which is rich in microbes and thus biodegradable.
Waste generated from livestock industries of meat, egg and milk is called ‘Livestock waste’. It consists of a high level of biodegradable organic matter.
The rubbish stuff produced from various factories and industries is called ‘Market garbage’ and is biodegradable.
So, the correct answer is ‘DDT’.
Note:
- DDT's insecticidal action was discovered by the Swiss chemist Paul Hermann Müller in 1939 and was awarded the Nobel Prize.
- Presence of DDT in plastic bags, polythene, glass object, silver foils, etc. makes them non-biodegradable.
- DDT helped prevent the spread of Malaria and typhus among civilians and troops during World War II.
- DDT is suspected to be carcinogenic.