Question

What are the problems caused by the non-biodegradable wastes that we generate?

Answer 1

The problems caused by non-biodegradable wastes are:

• The cause is biomagnification.
• They increase pollution.
• They make the environment unclean.
• They kill useful microorganisms.

Answer 2

Non-biodegradable wastes cannot be broken down into simpler substances. Their volume keeps on increasing, creating the problem of their safe disposal. Some of the non-biodegradable wastes, like heavy metals and pesticides, enter the food chain and increase in the upper trophic levels. Non-biodegradable wastes reduce soil fertility by changing the natural pH balance. Polythene, plastics, etc., when buried under soil, render that area barren and lead to soil pollution. These wastes do not bum completely in the presence of oxygen and release toxic gases, which cause air pollution. The substances may be harmful if they accumulate in the food chain due to biomagnification, like DDT.