Question

The following table summarises the differences between biodegradable and non-biodegradable pollutants. Pick out the wrong differences and select the correct answer.

	Biodegradable pollutants	Non-biodegradable pollutants
(i)	These are the pollutants which can be easily degraded by micro-organisms.	These are the pollutants which can not be degraded into harmless materials.
(ii)	These can be used to produce energy (through biogas), compost, manure, etc.	These are difficult to , manage as natural method of degradation is absent.
(iii)	These usually do not enter biogeochemical cycles.	These become a part of rapid turnover in biogeochemical cycles.
(vi)	Examples: DDT, BHC, plastics, polyethylene, glass, etc.	Examples: Sewage, garbage, animal waste, etc.

• A. (i) and (iv)
• B. (ii) and (iv)
• C. (iii) and (iv)
• D. (ii), (iii) and (iv)

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Biodegradable pollutants become part of rapid turnover in biogeochemical cycles. The examples of biodegradable pollutants are sewage, garbage, animal waste and livestock. Most non-biodegradable pollutants do not enter biogeochemical cycle e.g., DDT, BHC, plastics, polyethylene, cans, glass, etc.