Biodegradable vs Non-biodegradable MCQs Quiz | Class 10
This quiz for Class X Science (Code 086) from Unit V: Natural Resources focuses on ‘Biodegradable vs Non-biodegradable’ materials. It covers their comparison and environmental impact. Test your understanding by attempting all 10 multiple-choice questions, then submit to see your score and download a detailed answer PDF.
Understanding Biodegradable vs Non-biodegradable Materials
The materials we use and discard daily can be broadly classified into two categories: biodegradable and non-biodegradable. This distinction is crucial for understanding their impact on our environment and for developing effective waste management strategies.
What are Biodegradable Materials?
Biodegradable materials are substances that can be broken down, or decomposed, by natural processes through the action of microorganisms (like bacteria and fungi) and other living organisms. This decomposition returns the materials to the earth in simpler forms, enriching the soil and completing natural cycles. Examples include food scraps, paper, cotton, wood, and human/animal waste.
What are Non-biodegradable Materials?
Non-biodegradable materials are substances that cannot be decomposed by natural processes within a reasonable timeframe. They remain in the environment for hundreds, thousands, or even millions of years, accumulating and causing long-term pollution. These materials often include synthetic substances or natural materials that are chemically altered to be resistant to natural decay. Examples include plastics, glass, metals, and certain chemicals.
Comparison: Key Differences
| Feature | Biodegradable | Non-biodegradable |
|---|---|---|
| Decomposition | Breaks down naturally by microorganisms. | Does not break down naturally or takes a very long time. |
| Timeframe | Relatively short (days to years). | Very long (hundreds to thousands of years, or indefinitely). |
| Environmental Impact | Less harmful; integrates back into nature. | Causes pollution, fills landfills, harms wildlife. |
| Examples | Food waste, paper, leaves, cotton. | Plastics, glass, metals, Styrofoam. |
| Management | Composting, biodegradation. | Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3Rs). |
Environmental Impact of Non-biodegradable Waste
The accumulation of non-biodegradable waste poses significant threats to our planet:
- Landfill Burden: It takes up vast amounts of space in landfills, which are rapidly filling up.
- Soil and Water Pollution: Toxins from these materials can leach into soil and groundwater, contaminating ecosystems.
- Harm to Wildlife: Animals can ingest plastic or get entangled in it, leading to injury or death.
- Ocean Pollution: A significant amount of plastic waste ends up in oceans, forming ‘garbage patches’ and harming marine life.
- Microplastic Formation: Over time, plastics break down into microplastics, which enter the food chain and pose health risks.
Managing Waste: A Sustainable Approach
Effective waste management is essential. For biodegradable waste, composting is an excellent method, turning waste into nutrient-rich soil. For non-biodegradable waste, the “3 Rs” principle is vital:
- Reduce: Decrease the amount of waste generated (e.g., using reusable bags).
- Reuse: Find new uses for items instead of discarding them (e.g., refilling bottles).
- Recycle: Process used materials into new products (e.g., plastic bottles into new plastic items).
Quick Revision Points
- Biodegradable materials break down naturally.
- Non-biodegradable materials persist in the environment.
- Microorganisms are key to biodegradable decomposition.
- Plastics, glass, metals are major non-biodegradable pollutants.
- Non-biodegradable waste contributes to landfill, pollution, and harms wildlife.
- The 3 Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) are crucial for managing non-biodegradable waste.
- Composting is ideal for biodegradable organic waste.
Extra Practice Questions
- Which of the following would decompose fastest in a compost pit?
(a) Plastic wrapper (b) Banana peel (c) Glass shard (d) Aluminum foil - What is the primary reason plastics are environmentally harmful?
(a) They are very heavy (b) They are highly flammable (c) They are non-biodegradable (d) They are very colorful - Which process converts organic waste into nutrient-rich soil?
(a) Incineration (b) Landfilling (c) Composting (d) Recycling - An old newspaper left in the garden will eventually disappear. This is because it is:
(a) Non-biodegradable (b) Biodegradable (c) Recyclable (d) Synthetic - Which of these is NOT a principle of sustainable waste management for non-biodegradable waste?
(a) Reduce (b) Reuse (c) Recycle (d) Release into environment
Content created and reviewed by the CBSE Quiz Editorial Team based on the latest NCERT textbooks and CBSE syllabus. Our goal is to help students practice concepts clearly, confidently, and exam-ready through well-structured MCQs and revision content.