Distinguish between biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances. List two effects of each of them in our environment.

Solution:
 

Biodegradable Substances	Non-biodegradable Substances
1. Decompose naturally in the environment.	Do not decompose naturally.
2. They are safe for the environment.	They are harmful to the environment and create pollution.
3. Made up of natural ingredients.	Made up of synthetic materials.
4. They can be constantly reused.	They cannot be recycled.
Example – Kitchen wastes, paper waste, wood crumbles, etc	Example – Plastic bags, cans, disposable bottles.

Two ways in which non-biodegradable substances would affect the environment are
1. Non-biodegradable substances can create soil pollution which may deplete the quality of soil, which will ultimately effect vegetation. Example-plastics.
2. Non-biodegradable substances such as DDT and other pesticides may enter the food chain and can cause toxicity.

Two ways in which biodegradable substances would affect the environment are
1. The release foul smell on decomposition.
2. They release gases like CH₄ on decomposition.