Which of the following is not a biodegradable polluter?

Question

UnlockIAS · Accepted Answer

Correct — D, Pesticide. Biodegradable pollutants are those that decomposer microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) can break down into simpler, harmless substances. Faecal matter, urine and ordinary domestic (organic) waste are all readily decomposed this way. Synthetic pesticides — the classic example being organochlorines such as DDT — resist microbial breakdown, so they persist in soil and water for years and biomagnify up the food chain; they are therefore non-biodegradable and are the odd one out.

Why the other options are wrong — (a) Human and animal excreta are organic and are readily broken down by bacteria and fungi — this is biodegradable, not the exception.  (b) Urine is an organic, water-soluble waste that micro-organisms decompose quickly — it is biodegradable.  (c) Ordinary household (kitchen/organic) waste is decomposed by micro-organisms and is used to make compost — biodegradable, not the exception.

Concept: Pollutants are classified by whether nature can break them down. Biodegradable pollutants (sewage, faeces, urine, food and other organic waste) are decomposed by micro-organisms into harmless products and are recycled through natural cycles. Non-biodegradable pollutants (most pesticides such as DDT, plastics, heavy metals, glass) either cannot be decomposed by micro-organisms or degrade extremely slowly, so they accumulate in the environment.

State PCS 2023 Q66 — Environment & Ecology PYQ with Answer

State PCS 2023 Q66 — Environment & Ecology PYQ with Answer