Why are non-biodegradable wastes considered more dangerous than biodegradable wastes?
They persist in the environment
Non-biodegradable wastes are materials such as plastics, polythene, glass, aluminium cans and synthetic fibres that microbes and decomposers cannot break down into simple, harmless substances.
Because decomposers lack the enzymes to attack their chemical bonds, these wastes remain in soil, water bodies and landfills for decades to centuries, releasing toxins, blocking drainage, choking animals and entering food chains through bioaccumulation.
They do not release oxygen, do not boost microbial activity, and certainly do not decompose rapidly - biodegradable wastes like fruit peels and paper do that. Their real danger is long-term persistence in the environment.
Hence, non-biodegradable wastes are more dangerous because they persist in the environment.
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