Biodegradable and Non Biodegradable - Definition, Examples, Difference, FAQs

Biodegradable and Non- Biodegradable:

Every day, we produce a lot of waste and always throw them away or discard them. This category includes edible peels and fruits, empty cartons, tea leaves, old clothing and shoes, and many other disposable items. Biological processes can break down materials such as paper, vegetable, and fruit peels by the action of bacteria or other decomposers. It's called biodegradable because it breaks down effortlessly in bacteria. Non-biodegradable materials or substances include plastics, metallic cans, and pesticides that will take a long time to break down by biological processes.

Modern technology is enhancing the quality of life and giving birth to innovative forms of living. There are unpredictable impacts on the environment and other life forms of biodegradable and non- biodegradable. An example of a plastic container, such as a water bottle, which is convenient to use and transport but is environmentally damaging to dispose of. Waste materials of all kinds are created, some of them biodegradable, some of them not. Therefore, the proper disposal of wastes requires classification and labeling. It is possible to categorize waste materials into Biodegradable and Non- biodegradable types. A knowledge of the forms of garbage and how to handle them can easily evade the risks and threats associated with waste disposal.

Also read :

• NCERT notes Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 14 Environmental Chemistry
• NCERT solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 14 Environmental Chemistry
• NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Chemistry Solutions Chapter 14 Environmental Chemistry

Also read -

• NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry
• NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry
• NCERT Solutions for All Subjects

Biodegradable Definition:

An environmentally friendly biodegradable material or substance will break down easily in the presence of bacteria or other natural organisms without posing any threat to the environment.

What is the Meaning of Biodegradable?

Microorganisms (such as bacteria and fungi), temperature, sunlight, and oxygen are all able to degrade waste materials in the natural environment. For example, Examples of biodegradable waste include kitchen wastes and food wastes. It is the work of microorganisms and other abiotic elements to break down complex organic substances into simple organic matters that are subsequently consumed by the soil. This entire process is natural and can be slow or fast. Therefore, biodegradable, and non- biodegradable are very low risk and low impact on the environment.

Examples of Biodegradable

There will be a point when the giant dumping of waste results in some threats to life. These can be prevented by composting, a practice that some people practice. Composting is a technique in which biodegradable wastes are buried in large holes and covered long term. By the action of microbes, they will decompose and act as compost for cultivation. Consequently, there will be less waste in landfills.

NCERT Chemistry Notes :

• NCERT notes Class 11 Chemistry
• NCERT notes Class 12 Chemistry
• NCERT Notes For All Subjects

What is biodegradable waste?

An organic waste that may decompose by other living organisms, including plants and animals, is termed biological waste. Usually, organic materials are present in municipal solid waste such as green waste, food waste, paper waste, and biodegradable plastic. There are several sources of contamination, including human waste, sewage, slaughterhouse waste, etc.

Non-Biodegradable:

Definition: "Non-biodegradable waste" is waste that cannot be converted into a biodegradable form by biological processes. There is a large amount of non-biodegradable inorganic waste in most of them.

What does non-biodegradable mean?

A non-biodegradable material is any material that is incapable of being broken down by natural organisms. Non-biodegradable wastes cannot easily be gotten rid of, unlike biodegradable wastes. Non-biodegradable wastes are those that are incapable of decomposition or degradation by natural agents. Despite thousands of years without degradation or breakdown, they remain on earth. They are also more dangerous, so the threat they cause is also much broader. Plastics can be spotted in almost every industry to provide an example of biodegradable and non- biodegradable. Better quality plastics can be applied to give these plastics a long-term outcome. It made them more resistant to temperature changes and harder after being used. Metals, cans, metal products, and chemicals for agricultural and industrial uses are also common causes.

Non-biodegradable waste materials are not eco-friendly and should be removed or substituted. Science has contributed many innovative ideas with regards to the development of alternatives, such as biodegradable plastics. The Companies combined biodegradable material with plastic to create a material that degrades rapidly. It is a rather costly procedure. There are biodegradable wastes that can be recycled and reused again, and there are non-biodegradable wastes that are not recyclable.

Difference Between Biodegradable and Non- biodegradable:

Effects of Waste Material on Environment:

Around the world, waste quantities are commonly grown in all countries. There are billions of tons of waste produced each year. Our homes, businesses, and industry generate waste and dispose of it in large amounts, which creates a vast environmental problem. Large-scale pollution of both land and water occurs by agriculture, municipal & industrial solid waste, and biomass deposits on biodegradable and non- biodegradable waste. Waste production damages materials and energy and raises environmental costs for society due to the collection, treatment, and disposal of waste. Due to greenhouse gas emissions (methane and carbon dioxide) and transboundary movements of organic micropollutants (dioxins and furans) and heavy metals, landfills and incinerators have a significant impact, Humans have struggled with waste since the dawn of time.

They found that waste is a source of illnesses, diseases, and infections, so they dumped their waste, which was entirely biological, all the way out to sea. Municipal dumps were first conceived in 500 BC outside ancient Greece, where regulations required waste to be dumped for at least a mile outside the city limits. Before the industrial revolution, most wastes Was organic, meaning it could decompose or degrade naturally. Due to industrialization, urbanization, and the growth of society, the amount of waste increased significantly.

Treatment:

A non-biodegradable or one which is biodegradable can be harmful to humans and the environment. So, it is necessary to treat wastes correctly. To reduce waste, we have to work together as a society. We all have a role to play. Each of us can take simple steps to combat the three "Rs"- Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce. As well as saving energy, this can also protect other resources. Another step is to separate biodegradable and non- biodegradable garbage at home and dispose of it separately.

Also check-

• NCERT Exemplar Class 11th Chemistry Solutions
• NCERT Exemplar Class 12th Chemistry Solutions
• NCERT Exemplar Solutions for All Subjects