Welcome, students, parents or teachers in this article we are going to give you answer about why are some substances biodegradable and some non biodegradable? Take a note that in exams you can add more points in answer to score more. To earn extra marks you can explain it in about 300 words. Thanks for reading the answer.
Why are some substances biodegradable and some non biodegradable?
Substances are biodegradable if they can be broken down by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, into simpler compounds that can be absorbed by the environment. These substances typically contain natural compounds such as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids that can be easily broken down by microorganisms.
On the other hand, non-biodegradable substances are those that cannot be broken down by microorganisms. These substances typically contain synthetic compounds, such as plastics and certain types of chemicals, that are not easily broken down by microorganisms. These materials can persist in the environment for a long time, potentially causing harm to living organisms and the ecosystem.
Additionally, biodegradable materials are those that are made of natural compounds like cellulose and starch, while non-biodegradable materials are those that are made of synthetic compounds like plastic and rubber.
In summary, biodegradable substances are those that can be broken down by microorganisms, while non-biodegradable substances are those that cannot be broken down by microorganisms. Natural materials are biodegradable and synthetic materials are non-biodegradable.
Also Read: Explain the process of making yarn from fibre
Examples of biodegradable and non-biodegradable
Biodegradable examples:
- Organic matter such as food scraps and yard waste
- Paper products
- Natural fibers such as cotton and wool
- Wood
- Animal waste
Non-biodegradable examples:
- Plastic bags and packaging
- Glass bottles and jars
- Metals (such as aluminum cans)
- Synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester
- Chemical pesticides and fertilizers
- Styrofoam
- Batteries
- Electronic waste (such as smartphones and computers)
