Differentiate between biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances. Provide two examples of each.
Answer
Biodegradable substances are decomposed by biological processes (e.g., vegetable peels, cotton), while non-biodegradable substances cannot be decomposed naturally by biological processes (e.g., plastics, glass).
Step-by-step solution
- Step 1: Define biodegradable substances as materials that can be broken down into harmless substances by decomposers like bacteria and fungi. Give examples such as vegetable peels and cotton cloth.
- Step 2: Define non-biodegradable substances as materials that cannot be broken down by biological processes and persist in the environment. Give examples such as plastic bottles and glass items.
Common mistake: Assuming non-biodegradable materials cannot be broken down by physical means at all, rather than specifically by biological decomposers.
Concept tested: Biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes
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