Our Environment
Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Substances
जैव-अवक्रमणीय एवं अजैव-अवक्रमणीय पदार्थ
Our Environment | Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Substances
1. Introduction | परिचय
Biodegradable substances are substances that can be broken down into simpler substances by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi under suitable environmental conditions.
जैव-अवक्रमणीय पदार्थ वे पदार्थ हैं जिन्हें बैक्टीरिया, फफूंद तथा अन्य सूक्ष्मजीव उपयुक्त परिस्थितियों में सरल पदार्थों में तोड़ सकते हैं।
जैव-अवक्रमणीय पदार्थ वे पदार्थ हैं जिन्हें बैक्टीरिया, फफूंद तथा अन्य सूक्ष्मजीव उपयुक्त परिस्थितियों में सरल पदार्थों में तोड़ सकते हैं।
Non-biodegradable substances are substances that cannot be easily broken down into simpler substances by natural biological processes.
अजैव-अवक्रमणीय पदार्थ वे पदार्थ हैं जिन्हें प्राकृतिक जैविक प्रक्रियाओं द्वारा आसानी से सरल पदार्थों में नहीं बदला जा सकता।
अजैव-अवक्रमणीय पदार्थ वे पदार्थ हैं जिन्हें प्राकृतिक जैविक प्रक्रियाओं द्वारा आसानी से सरल पदार्थों में नहीं बदला जा सकता।
2. What is Biodegradation? | जैव-अवक्रमण क्या है?
Biodegradation is the natural decomposition of organic substances by microorganisms.
सूक्ष्मजीवों द्वारा कार्बनिक पदार्थों का प्राकृतिक रूप से टूटकर सरल पदार्थों में परिवर्तित होना जैव-अवक्रमण (Biodegradation) कहलाता है।
सूक्ष्मजीवों द्वारा कार्बनिक पदार्थों का प्राकृतिक रूप से टूटकर सरल पदार्थों में परिवर्तित होना जैव-अवक्रमण (Biodegradation) कहलाता है।
Important: Biodegradable does not mean that a substance disappears immediately. The rate of decomposition depends on moisture, temperature, oxygen, microorganisms and the nature of the material.
महत्वपूर्ण: जैव-अवक्रमणीय का अर्थ यह नहीं है कि पदार्थ तुरंत समाप्त हो जाएगा। अपघटन की गति तापमान, नमी, ऑक्सीजन, सूक्ष्मजीवों तथा पदार्थ की प्रकृति पर निर्भर करती है।
महत्वपूर्ण: जैव-अवक्रमणीय का अर्थ यह नहीं है कि पदार्थ तुरंत समाप्त हो जाएगा। अपघटन की गति तापमान, नमी, ऑक्सीजन, सूक्ष्मजीवों तथा पदार्थ की प्रकृति पर निर्भर करती है।
3. Examples of Biodegradable Substances
| Substance | Example / Source | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Food waste | Vegetable and fruit remains | Biodegradable |
| Paper | Plant cellulose | Generally biodegradable |
| Leaves | Plant material | Biodegradable |
| Wood | Plant tissue | Biodegradable |
| Cotton | Natural fibre | Biodegradable |
| Animal remains | Organic matter | Biodegradable |
4. Examples of Non-Biodegradable Substances
| Substance | Common Example | Environmental Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic | Plastic bags, bottles | Long persistence |
| Glass | Glass bottles | Does not readily biodegrade |
| Aluminium | Cans, foil | Persistent material |
| Many synthetic fibres | Nylon, polyester | Slow natural breakdown |
| Some pesticides | Persistent chemicals | May remain in ecosystems |
5. Main Difference
| Biodegradable | Non-Biodegradable |
|---|---|
| Can be broken down by microorganisms under suitable conditions. | Cannot be readily broken down by natural biological processes. |
| Usually becomes simpler substances. | May remain in the environment for a long time. |
| Examples: food waste, leaves, cotton. | Examples: many plastics, glass, aluminium. |
| Generally easier to manage biologically. | Requires careful collection, reuse, recycling or other waste-management methods. |
6. Animated Concept Diagram | अवधारणा चित्र
Flow: Organic waste → Microorganisms → Simpler substances
जैव-अवक्रमणीय: कार्बनिक कचरा → सूक्ष्मजीव → सरल पदार्थ
7. Why are Biodegradable Substances Important?
Biodegradable organic matter can return nutrients to natural cycles when decomposition occurs under suitable conditions.
जैव-अवक्रमणीय कार्बनिक पदार्थ उचित परिस्थितियों में अपघटित होकर प्राकृतिक पोषक-चक्रों में पदार्थों की वापसी में योगदान करते हैं।
जैव-अवक्रमणीय कार्बनिक पदार्थ उचित परिस्थितियों में अपघटित होकर प्राकृतिक पोषक-चक्रों में पदार्थों की वापसी में योगदान करते हैं।
- They can decompose naturally.
- They can contribute to nutrient cycling.
- Organic waste can be converted into compost under suitable conditions.
- They can reduce persistent solid-waste accumulation when properly managed.
8. Why are Non-Biodegradable Substances a Concern?
Many non-biodegradable materials remain in the environment for long periods. If they are not properly managed, they can accumulate in land and water and create pollution.
- They can accumulate as solid waste.
- Plastic waste can enter rivers, lakes and oceans.
- Animals may ingest or become entangled in waste.
- Some persistent chemicals can enter food chains.
- Improper disposal can create soil and water pollution.
9. Biodegradable vs Non-Biodegradable: Environmental Impact
| Point | Biodegradable | Non-Biodegradable |
|---|---|---|
| Natural breakdown | Usually possible | Usually very slow or difficult |
| Microorganisms | Can play an important role | Often cannot readily decompose the material |
| Persistence | Generally lower | Often higher |
| Waste accumulation | Usually less persistent | Can accumulate |
| Management | Composting and biological treatment may help | Reduction, reuse, recycling and safe disposal are important |
10. Role of Microorganisms | सूक्ष्मजीवों की भूमिका
Bacteria, fungi and other decomposers break down dead organic matter and wastes into simpler substances.
बैक्टीरिया, फफूंद तथा अन्य अपघटक मृत कार्बनिक पदार्थों और जैविक कचरे को सरल पदार्थों में बदलने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाते हैं।
बैक्टीरिया, फफूंद तथा अन्य अपघटक मृत कार्बनिक पदार्थों और जैविक कचरे को सरल पदार्थों में बदलने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाते हैं।
Memory Trick:
BIO = Life → Biodegradable = Can be broken down by biological agents under suitable conditions.
याद रखें: BIO = जीवन → Biodegradable = जैविक एजेंटों द्वारा उचित परिस्थितियों में अपघटित।
BIO = Life → Biodegradable = Can be broken down by biological agents under suitable conditions.
याद रखें: BIO = जीवन → Biodegradable = जैविक एजेंटों द्वारा उचित परिस्थितियों में अपघटित।
11. Natural Decomposition Process
12. Conditions Affecting Biodegradation
| Condition | Effect |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Influences microbial activity. |
| Moisture | Many decomposers require suitable moisture. |
| Oxygen | Important for aerobic decomposition. |
| Microbial population | More suitable decomposers can increase decomposition. |
| Nature of material | Different materials decompose at different rates. |
13. Plastic and Environmental Pollution
Plastic is widely used because it is lightweight, durable and versatile. However, many conventional plastics are resistant to natural biological degradation and can persist in the environment for long periods.
Important: “Plastic is non-biodegradable” is a useful school-level generalisation for conventional plastics. Specific modern materials can behave differently, so the exact material matters.
14. Waste Management
The best approach to waste management is not simply disposal. Waste should be reduced at source, reused where possible, recycled when suitable, and safely treated or disposed of.
| Approach | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reduce | Use fewer unnecessary materials. |
| Reuse | Use an item again instead of immediately discarding it. |
| Recycle | Process suitable waste into usable materials. |
| Recover | Recover useful materials or energy where appropriate. |
| Safe disposal | Dispose of residual waste using appropriate systems. |
15. Composting
Composting is a controlled biological process in which suitable organic waste is decomposed to form compost, a nutrient-rich material that can be used to improve soil.
Suitable examples: vegetable peels, fruit waste, leaves and other appropriate organic material.
16. Biodegradable Does Not Mean Completely Harmless
A biodegradable substance can still cause environmental problems if it is dumped in excessive amounts or decomposes under unsuitable conditions. For example, large amounts of organic waste in water can contribute to oxygen depletion.
Therefore, the correct environmental approach is: “Biodegradable ≠ automatically harmless.”
17. Non-Biodegradable Does Not Mean Impossible to Manage
Non-biodegradable materials can often be managed through reduction, reuse, recycling, recovery and proper disposal. Their persistence makes responsible management particularly important.
18. Link with Food Chains
Some persistent non-biodegradable pollutants can enter food chains. If a pollutant accumulates in organisms and becomes increasingly concentrated at higher trophic levels, the phenomenon is called biological magnification (biomagnification).
Persistent pollutant → Environment → Organisms → Food chain → Higher trophic levels
19. Biodegradable vs Biomagnification
| Concept | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Biodegradable | Material can be broken down by biological processes under suitable conditions. |
| Non-biodegradable | Material is not readily broken down by natural biological processes. |
| Biomagnification | Increase in concentration of certain persistent substances along successive trophic levels. |
20. Important Examples
| Material | Classification |
|---|---|
| Vegetable peels | Biodegradable |
| Leaves | Biodegradable |
| Paper | Generally biodegradable |
| Cotton cloth | Biodegradable |
| Plastic bottle | Generally non-biodegradable |
| Glass bottle | Non-biodegradable by ordinary biological processes |
| Aluminium can | Non-biodegradable by ordinary biological processes |
| Persistent pesticide residue | May be non-biodegradable/persistent |
🧠 Golden Memory Trick
Biodegradable = Biological Breakdown
Non-Biodegradable = Natural biological breakdown is not readily possible
Reduce → Reuse → Recycle → Recover → Safe Disposal
21. 30 MCQs | Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which substance is generally biodegradable?
A. Vegetable peel
B. Plastic bottle
C. Glass
D. Aluminium can
Answer: A — Vegetable peel can be decomposed by microorganisms under suitable conditions.
2. Which organisms are mainly responsible for biological decomposition?
A. Viruses only
B. Bacteria and fungi
C. Rocks
D. Metals
Answer: B — Bacteria and fungi are important decomposers.
3. Which is generally non-biodegradable?
A. Leaf
B. Fruit peel
C. Conventional plastic
D. Cotton
Answer: C — Conventional plastics resist natural biological degradation.
4. Biodegradation means:
A. Burning all waste
B. Melting plastic
C. Recycling metals
D. Biological breakdown of substances
Answer: D
5. Which material is most suitable for composting?
A. Vegetable waste
B. Glass
C. Aluminium
D. Plastic
Answer: A
6. Which one can remain in the environment for a long time?
A. Fresh leaves
B. Conventional plastic
C. Fruit peel
D. Food waste
Answer: B
7. Which is NOT a major condition affecting biodegradation?
A. Moisture
B. Temperature
C. Colour of the waste
D. Microbial activity
Answer: C
8. Which practice helps reduce waste generation?
A. Reduce
B. Dump
C. Burn indiscriminately
D. Litter
Answer: A
9. Paper is generally:
A. Radioactive
B. Biodegradable
C. Metallic
D. Non-biological
Answer: B
10. Which material is made mainly from inorganic mineral components and does not readily biodegrade?
A. Fruit peel
B. Cotton
C. Glass
D. Leaves
Answer: C
11. A major advantage of composting is:
A. Producing more plastic
B. Creating persistent waste
C. Increasing litter
D. Recycling organic matter into useful compost
Answer: D
12. Which is a suitable waste-management hierarchy principle?
A. Reduce and reuse before disposal
B. Dump everything
C. Mix all waste
D. Litter public places
Answer: A
13. Non-biodegradable materials may cause:
A. Immediate decomposition
B. Waste accumulation
C. Instant nutrient recycling
D. Faster composting
Answer: B
14. Which is a natural fibre?
A. Nylon
B. Polyester
C. Cotton
D. PVC
Answer: C
15. Which term describes organisms that break down dead organic matter?
A. Producers
B. Consumers
C. Predators
D. Decomposers
Answer: D
16. Which waste should generally be separated for composting?
A. Organic kitchen waste
B. Glass pieces
C. Metal cans
D. Plastic wrappers
Answer: A
17. A substance that resists natural biological breakdown is called:
A. Biodegradable
B. Non-biodegradable
C. Nutrient
D. Producer
Answer: B
18. Which can be recycled as a material rather than biologically decomposed?
A. Leaf
B. Food waste
C. Aluminium
D. Fruit peel
Answer: C
19. Which statement is correct?
A. Every biodegradable substance disappears immediately.
B. Every non-biodegradable material is toxic.
C. Only animals cause decomposition.
D. Biodegradation depends on environmental conditions.
Answer: D
20. Which activity directly supports reuse?
A. Using a durable container repeatedly
B. Throwing it after one use
C. Burning it outdoors
D. Littering
Answer: A
21. Which is an example of organic waste?
A. Plastic wrapper
B. Fruit peel
C. Glass bottle
D. Aluminium foil
Answer: B
22. Which factor can influence microbial decomposition?
A. Moisture
B. Brand name
C. Packaging colour
D. Shape of a bin
Answer: A
23. Which is an example of a persistent material?
A. Vegetable peel
B. Dry leaf
C. Conventional plastic
D. Food scraps
Answer: C
24. Biological magnification is particularly associated with:
A. Easily decomposed food waste
B. Persistent pollutants
C. Fresh leaves
D. Compost
Answer: B
25. Which strategy reduces pressure on landfills?
A. Littering
B. Mixing all waste
C. Recycling and composting where appropriate
D. Throwing waste into rivers
Answer: C
26. Which statement about biodegradable materials is correct?
A. They can be broken down by biological processes under suitable conditions.
B. They can never decompose.
C. They are always synthetic.
D. They are always metals.
Answer: A
27. Which material is commonly used as an example of a non-biodegradable material?
A. Leaf
B. Vegetable peel
C. Cotton
D. Plastic
Answer: D
28. Which action is most directly related to recycling?
A. Processing used material into usable material
B. Throwing waste in a drain
C. Mixing wet and dry waste
D. Burning all waste
Answer: A
29. Which group contains only biodegradable examples?
A. Plastic, glass, aluminium
B. Leaves, vegetable peels, cotton
C. Plastic, cotton, glass
D. Aluminium, leaves, plastic
Answer: B
30. Which statement best describes environmental responsibility?
A. Dispose everything anywhere.
B. Use single-use products whenever possible.
C. Reduce waste and manage different waste types appropriately.
D. Mix all waste together.
Answer: C
22. 30 Subjective Questions with Answers
2 Marks
1. Define biodegradable substances.
Biodegradable substances are materials that can be broken down into simpler substances by microorganisms under suitable environmental conditions.
2 Marks
2. What are non-biodegradable substances?
They are substances that cannot be readily broken down by natural biological processes and may persist in the environment for long periods.
2 Marks
3. Give two examples of biodegradable substances.
Vegetable peels and dry leaves.
2 Marks
4. Give two examples of non-biodegradable substances.
Conventional plastic and glass.
2 Marks
5. What is biodegradation?
Biodegradation is the biological decomposition of organic matter into simpler substances by microorganisms.
2 Marks
6. Name two important groups of decomposers.
Bacteria and fungi.
3 Marks
7. Differentiate between biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances.
Biodegradable substances can be broken down biologically under suitable conditions, whereas non-biodegradable substances are not readily broken down naturally. Examples include food waste and conventional plastic respectively.
3 Marks
8. Why is plastic considered an environmental concern?
Many conventional plastics persist for long periods, can accumulate as waste and may enter terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
3 Marks
9. What is composting?
Composting is controlled biological decomposition of suitable organic waste to produce compost that can improve soil.
3 Marks
10. Mention three factors affecting biodegradation.
Temperature, moisture and oxygen are important factors. Microbial activity and the nature of the material also influence decomposition.
3 Marks
11. Why should biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste be separated?
Separation allows organic waste to be composted or biologically treated and helps recyclable or persistent materials to be managed separately.
3 Marks
12. Explain the role of decomposers.
Decomposers break down dead organisms and organic waste into simpler substances and help recycle nutrients in ecosystems.
4 Marks
13. Explain the importance of microorganisms in decomposition.
Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi act as decomposers. They secrete enzymes that help break down complex organic substances into simpler materials. This process contributes to nutrient cycling and natural waste decomposition.
4 Marks
14. Explain four problems associated with non-biodegradable waste.
Non-biodegradable waste can accumulate, pollute land and water, harm animals through ingestion or entanglement, and increase the burden on waste-management systems.
4 Marks
15. Explain the 4R approach to waste management.
Reduce unnecessary consumption, reuse products where possible, recycle suitable materials and recover useful materials or energy where appropriate.
4 Marks
16. Why is proper waste segregation important?
Segregation keeps organic waste separate from recyclable and hazardous materials, improves recycling and composting, and reduces contamination of recoverable materials.
5 Marks
17. Explain biodegradable substances with examples.
Biodegradable substances can be decomposed by microorganisms under suitable environmental conditions. Food waste, leaves, cotton and many forms of paper are common examples. Their decomposition contributes to natural nutrient cycling. However, the rate of decomposition depends on environmental conditions.
5 Marks
18. Explain non-biodegradable substances and their environmental effects.
Non-biodegradable substances are not readily broken down by natural biological processes. Conventional plastics, glass and aluminium are common examples. Their persistence can lead to accumulation, litter and pollution. Some persistent chemicals can also enter food chains.
5 Marks
19. Explain how improper disposal of plastic affects ecosystems.
Plastic can accumulate on land and in water, block drainage systems, harm animals through ingestion or entanglement and break into smaller particles. Proper reduction, reuse, recycling and disposal can reduce these impacts.
5 Marks
20. Describe the process of natural decomposition.
Organic waste is colonised by microorganisms. Enzymes help break complex organic compounds into simpler substances. Under suitable conditions, these products become part of natural nutrient cycles, with substances such as water, carbon dioxide and mineral nutrients being released.
5 Marks
21. Explain why biodegradable does not necessarily mean harmless.
Biodegradable waste can still create environmental problems if generated in excessive quantities or disposed of improperly. Large quantities of organic waste can consume dissolved oxygen during decomposition and may contribute to water pollution.
6 Marks
22. Compare biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances in detail.
Biodegradable substances can be broken down biologically under suitable conditions and include food waste, leaves and cotton. Non-biodegradable substances are not readily decomposed biologically and include conventional plastics, glass and aluminium. Biodegradable waste can often be composted or biologically treated, whereas persistent waste requires reduction, reuse, recycling, recovery and safe disposal.
6 Marks
23. Discuss the environmental importance of waste segregation.
Waste segregation separates organic, recyclable, hazardous and residual materials. Organic waste can be composted, recyclable material can be recovered, and hazardous waste can receive appropriate treatment. This improves resource recovery and reduces pollution and landfill burden.
6 Marks
24. Explain the relationship between non-biodegradable pollutants and food chains.
Some persistent pollutants are not easily degraded. They may enter water or soil and then organisms. If such substances accumulate and are transferred through feeding relationships, their concentration may increase at higher trophic levels, a phenomenon known as biomagnification.
6 Marks
25. Explain the role of reduce, reuse and recycle in environmental protection.
Reduce lowers the amount of waste generated. Reuse extends the useful life of products. Recycling converts suitable discarded materials into new usable materials. Together these approaches reduce resource consumption and waste accumulation.
6 Marks
26. Explain why conventional plastics are difficult to manage environmentally.
Many conventional plastics resist biological degradation and can persist for long periods. Their widespread use creates large waste volumes. They may accumulate in land and water and harm wildlife. Reduction, reuse, appropriate recycling and responsible disposal are therefore important.
5 Marks
27. Write five measures to control non-biodegradable waste.
1. Reduce unnecessary plastic use.
2. Reuse durable products.
3. Separate recyclable materials.
4. Promote recycling and recovery.
5. Ensure safe collection and disposal of residual waste.
2. Reuse durable products.
3. Separate recyclable materials.
4. Promote recycling and recovery.
5. Ensure safe collection and disposal of residual waste.
4 Marks
28. Why is composting useful for managing organic waste?
Composting uses controlled biological decomposition to convert suitable organic waste into compost. It reduces organic waste sent for disposal and produces a useful soil amendment.
5 Marks
29. Explain how human activities increase the problem of non-biodegradable waste.
Large-scale production and consumption of disposable products, excessive packaging, littering and poor waste segregation can increase persistent waste. Better product choices, reduction, reuse, recycling and proper waste collection can help control the problem.
6 Marks
30. Explain the importance of responsible waste management in an ecosystem.
Responsible waste management prevents accumulation of persistent waste, protects soil and water, supports recycling and composting, reduces harm to organisms and conserves resources. It therefore supports healthier ecosystems and more sustainable use of materials.
23. Assertion–Reason
1. Assertion: Vegetable peels are generally biodegradable.
Reason: Microorganisms can decompose many organic materials under suitable conditions.
Reason: Microorganisms can decompose many organic materials under suitable conditions.
Answer: Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.
2. Assertion: Conventional plastic can persist in the environment for long periods.
Reason: It is readily decomposed by ordinary decomposer microorganisms.
Reason: It is readily decomposed by ordinary decomposer microorganisms.
Answer: Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
3. Assertion: Composting is useful for managing suitable organic waste.
Reason: Composting involves controlled biological decomposition.
Reason: Composting involves controlled biological decomposition.
Answer: Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.
4. Assertion: Waste segregation can improve recycling.
Reason: Mixing all types of waste can contaminate recyclable materials.
Reason: Mixing all types of waste can contaminate recyclable materials.
Answer: Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.
5. Assertion: Every biodegradable substance is harmless in every situation.
Reason: Biodegradation can never affect oxygen levels in water.
Reason: Biodegradation can never affect oxygen levels in water.
Answer: Both Assertion and Reason are false.
24. HOTS | Higher Order Thinking Questions
HOTS 1: A school has food waste, paper, plastic wrappers and metal cans. How should the waste be managed?
Food waste can be sent for composting or suitable biological treatment. Paper and metal cans can be segregated for recycling where appropriate. Plastic wrappers should be reduced and, where accepted, sent through appropriate recycling systems; otherwise they should be safely disposed of.
HOTS 2: Why can dumping large quantities of biodegradable waste into a pond still be harmful?
Microbial decomposition can consume dissolved oxygen. Excessive organic matter can therefore reduce oxygen availability and disturb aquatic organisms.
HOTS 3: A biodegradable bag is thrown into a river. Does the word “biodegradable” mean there is no environmental problem?
No. Biodegradation depends on conditions and time. Improper disposal can still cause litter, obstruction and ecological problems before decomposition occurs.
HOTS 4: Why should persistent pollutants be controlled even if their quantity appears small?
Some persistent substances can remain in ecosystems and may accumulate in organisms. Certain pollutants can also become more concentrated at higher trophic levels.
25. One-Minute Revision
🌱 Biodegradable: Can be biologically broken down under suitable conditions.
♻️ Examples: Food waste, leaves, cotton, many forms of paper.
🧴 Non-biodegradable: Not readily broken down by natural biological processes.
🚯 Examples: Conventional plastic, glass, aluminium.
🦠 Decomposers: Mainly bacteria and fungi.
🌍 Waste management: Reduce → Reuse → Recycle → Recover → Safe Disposal.
🍂 Composting: Controlled biological decomposition of suitable organic waste.
⚠️ Important: Biodegradable does not automatically mean harmless.
🔗 Persistent pollutants: May enter food chains and can contribute to biomagnification.
26. Quick Concept Map
27. Final Summary
Biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances behave differently in the environment. Biodegradable substances can be broken down by microorganisms under suitable conditions, whereas non-biodegradable substances are not readily decomposed by natural biological processes and may persist for long periods. Proper waste segregation, reduction, reuse, recycling, composting and safe disposal are important components of responsible environmental management.
CBSE Exam Key Point:
Biodegradable substances are decomposed by microorganisms, while non-biodegradable substances resist natural biological decomposition and may persist in the environment. Persistent pollutants can also participate in biomagnification when they enter food chains.
Biodegradable substances are decomposed by microorganisms, while non-biodegradable substances resist natural biological decomposition and may persist in the environment. Persistent pollutants can also participate in biomagnification when they enter food chains.
Our Environment | Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Substances
CBSE Class 10 Science • Foundation • Competitive Preparation
CBSE Class 10 Science • Foundation • Competitive Preparation
