Biodegradable and Non Biodegradable - Definition, Examples, Difference, FAQs

Biodegradable Waste

Microorganisms (such as bacteria and fungi), temperature, sunlight, and oxygen are all able to degrade waste materials in the natural environment. Biodegradable waste includes kitchen waste, food waste, and biodegradable polymers, among others. It is the work of microorganisms and other abiotic elements to break down complex organic substances into simple organic matter that is subsequently consumed by the soil. This entire process is natural and can be slow or fast. Therefore, biodegradable waste has a very low risk and a low impact on the environment.

An organic waste that can be decomposed by other living organisms, including plants and animals, is termed biodegradable waste. Usually, organic materials are present in municipal solid waste, such as green waste, food waste, paper waste, and biodegradable plastic.

Non-Biodegradable Waste

A non-biodegradable material is any material that is incapable of being broken down by natural organisms. Non-biodegradable wastes cannot easily be gotten rid of, unlike biodegradable wastes. Non-biodegradable wastes are those that are incapable of decomposition or degradation by natural agents. Despite thousands of years without degradation or breakdown, they remain on Earth. They are also more dangerous, so the threat they cause is also much broader.

Plastics can be spotted in almost every industry to provide an example of biodegradable and non-biodegradable plastics. Better quality plastics can be applied to give these plastics a long-term outcome. It made them more resistant to temperature changes and harder after being used. Metals, cans, metal products, detergents, and chemicals for agricultural and industrial uses are also common causes.

Non-biodegradable waste materials are not eco-friendly and should be removed or substituted. Science has contributed many innovative ideas with regard to the development of alternatives, such as biodegradable plastics. The Companies combined biodegradable material with plastic to create a material that degrades rapidly. It is a rather costly procedure. There are biodegradable wastes that can be recycled and reused again, and there are non-biodegradable wastes that are not recyclable and further lead to an increase in Biological Oxygen demand in the water bodies.

Difference Between Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable:

Effects of Waste Material on the Environment

Around the world, waste quantities are commonly growing in all countries. There are billions of tons of waste produced each year. Our homes, businesses, and industry generate waste and dispose of it in large amounts, which creates a vast environmental problem. Large-scale pollution of both land and water occurs from agriculture, municipal & industrial solid waste, and biomass deposits on biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.

Waste production damages materials and energy and raises environmental costs for society due to the collection, treatment, and disposal of waste. Due to greenhouse gas emissions (methane and carbon dioxide) and transboundary movements of organic micropollutants (dioxins and furans) and heavy metals, landfills and incinerators have a significant impact. Humans have struggled with waste since the dawn of time.

They found that waste is a source of illnesses, diseases, and infections, so they dumped their waste, which was entirely biological, all the way out to sea. Municipal dumps were first conceived in 500 BC outside ancient Greece, where regulations required waste to be dumped for at least a mile outside the city limits. Before the industrial revolution, most waste was organic, meaning it could decompose or degrade naturally. Due to industrialization, urbanization, and the growth of society, the amount of waste has increased significantly.

Treatment

A non-biodegradable or one that is biodegradable material can be harmful to humans and the environment. So, it is necessary to treat waste correctly. To reduce waste, we have to work together as a society. We all have a role to play. Each of us can take simple steps to combat the three "Rs"- Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce. As well as saving energy, this can also protect other resources. Another step is to separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable garbage at home and dispose of it separately.

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Some Solved Examples

Question 1: Which of the following is a primary water pollutant commonly associated with agricultural runoff?

1) (correct) Phosphorus

2) Oxygen

3) Iron

4) Calcium

Solution:

Phosphorus is a primary water pollutant that often originates from agricultural runoff, particularly from the excessive use of fertilizers, leading to eutrophication in water bodies.

Hence, the answer is option (1).

Question 2:

Match list I with list II

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

1) (A)-(III), (B)-(IV), (C)-(I), (D)-(II)

2) (A)-(IV), (B)-(I), (C)-(II), (D)-(III)

3) (A)-(II), (B)-(III), (C)-(IV), (D)-(I)

4) (correct) (A)-(III), (B)-(II), (C)-(I), (D)-(IV)

Solution:

A steel plant produces slag from a blast furnace, thermal power plants produce fly ash, fertilizer industries produce gypsum, and paper mills produce biodegradable waste.

Hence, the answer is option (4).

Question 3: What is the impact of industrial waste on soil quality?

1) It can improve soil quality

2) It has no impact on soil quality

3) (correct) It can degrade soil quality

4) It can increase soil fertility

Solution :

Industrial waste can contain toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and other harmful substances that can contaminate soil and degrade its quality. This can negatively impact soil fertility, plant growth, and the health of the ecosystem.

Hence, the answer is option (3).

Question 4: Which of the following is true about organophosphates and carbamates?

1) They serve as a neurotoxin

2) They are less persistent and more biodegradable

3) They act as an inhibitor of acetylcholine

4) (correct) All of the above

Solution:

As we learned from

Organophosphate and carbamates -

They are less persistent and more biodegradable

- wherein

It acts as a neurotoxin and an inhibitor of acetylcholine.

Hence, the answer is option (4).