Question

A biodegradable pollutant is:

• A. DDT
• B. Polythene
• C. Paint industry effluent
• D. Municipal sewage

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Municipal waste often contains a significant proportion of organic matter, making it biodegradable. Through methods such as composting with the aid of microorganisms, this waste can undergo processing and decomposition into simpler substances via microbial degradation.

Other Options:
(A) DDT: DDT, an abbreviation for dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, functions as a pesticide. However, it is non-biodegradable, persisting in the environment and causing pollution, thus classifying it as a non-biodegradable pollutant.
(B) Polythene: Also known as polyethylene, polythene is a commonly used plastic due to its cost-effectiveness. Its chemical composition renders it highly resistant to natural biodegradation processes, leading to its accumulation over time and resistance to dissolution in soil, consequently contributing to pollution.
(C) Paint Industry Effluent: Effluent from the paint industry can contain various chemicals and compounds, many of which are either non-biodegradable or biodegrade at a very slow rate.

Consequently, municipal sewage is recognized as a biodegradable pollutant.

So, the correct option is (D): Municipal sewage.