Differentiate between biodegradable and non-biodegradable pollutants.
| Biodegradable Pollutants | Non-biodegradable Pollutants |
|---|---|
| • These pollutants are organic matters and can be decomposed by the activity of microorganisms. | • These pollutants are inorganic and they do not decompose. |
| • But when these substances accumulate in large quantity, microorganisms are unable to decompose them completely and thus they cause pollution. | • These substances accumulate and cause tremendous harm to the environment and living organisms. |
| • Can be recycled naturally or by humans | • Cannot be recycled naturally. |
| • Useful products can be produced after biodegradation. | • They remain unchanged or if they take part in chemical reaction, their products are also biodegradable. |
| • Example: Paper, cow-dung, vegetable peels | • Example: DDT, synthetic fibres, plastic, metals, Styrofoam. |