Biodegradable substances decompose naturally in the environment, breaking down into simpler substances by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, while non-biodegradable substances do not decompose easily and persist in the environment for extended periods. Biodegradable substances are generally composed of natural materials and can be recycled or reused, whereas non-biodegradable substances are often synthetic and difficult to recycle.
Biodegradable Substances:
Definition:
Materials that can be broken down by natural processes, primarily by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi.
Examples:
Organic waste (fruits, vegetables, food scraps).
Paper and wood.
Plant and animal remains.
Characteristics:
Decompose quickly and easily.
Can be used as compost, manure, or biogas.
Generally safe for the environment.
Non-Biodegradable Substances:
Definition:
Materials that resist decomposition by natural processes and persist in the environment for a long time.
Examples:
Plastic (bags, bottles, containers).
Glass.
Metals (aluminum cans, tin foil).
Styrofoam (polystyrene).
Chemicals (paints, pesticides).
Characteristics:
Do not decompose easily or at all.
Can cause pollution and harm the environment.
May take hundreds or thousands of years to break down.