Question

Which of the following is a non-biodegradable pollutant?

• A. Paper
• B. DDT
• C. Wood
• D. Vegetable peel

Hint:

Natural waste = Biodegradable. Chemicals like DDT = Non-biodegradable.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine which of the given options is a non-biodegradable pollutant, we need to understand the concept of biodegradability:

• Biodegradable substances are those that can be broken down by natural processes involving microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. These substances typically do not persist in the environment for long periods.
• Non-biodegradable substances, on the other hand, cannot be easily broken down by natural processes. As a result, they can accumulate in the environment and may be harmful to ecosystems.

Let's analyze each of the given options:

1. Paper: Paper is made from wood pulp and is generally biodegradable. Microorganisms can decompose it over time.
2. DDT: DDT (Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane) is a synthetic chemical compound used as an insecticide. It is a well-known non-biodegradable pollutant because it cannot be easily decomposed by natural processes and tends to persist in the environment, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the food chain.
3. Wood: Wood is an organic material that can be decomposed by microorganisms. Thus, it is considered biodegradable.
4. Vegetable peel: Vegetable peels are organic waste and are easily biodegradable due to the action of microbes.

Based on this analysis, the only non-biodegradable pollutant among the options is DDT. This is because DDT does not break down readily in the environment and can lead to ecological harm.

Therefore, the correct answer is: DDT