Question

Assertion (A) : The waste we generate daily may be biodegradable or non-biodegradable. Reason (R) : The waste generated, if not disposed off properly may cause serious environmental problems.

Name the term used for the materials which cannot be broken down by biological processes. Give two ways by which they harm various components of an ecosystem.

A village is located on the bank of the river. For daily activities like drinking, bathing, and irrigation the local community of the village depends on that river. Some people in the village use several pesticides for cropping. However, in recent years, the level of pollution has risen considerably and the water is now contaminated with chemicals from nearby factories, untreated sewage, and plastic waste. As a result, the villagers suffer from many diseases caused by polluted water.

Why are some substances biodegradable and some non-biodegradable?