Question

What are the problems caused by the non-biodegradable waste that we generate?

Answer 1

Non-biodegradable substances are D.D.T (Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane), arsenic salts of heavy metals, glass or tin containers, radioactive materials, and plastics are the pollutants generated by us. These are not degraded or are degraded very slowly in nature.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Dumping of the discarded materials makes the land under and around them barren.
The organic solid waste decomposes and befoul the air. Others do not decompose and have aggregated the problem of solid waste being disposed of.
The basic composition of the soil is altered by chemicals and pesticides.
This may kill the essential soil organisms which contribute to the structure and fertility of the soil.
These harmful non-biodegradable chemicals and pesticides may also make the soil toxic for plant growth.
Many pesticides or their degradation products are observed by plants and may reach animals and humans via food chains and prove harmful, that is biomagnification.
The use of inorganic fertilisers spoils the quality of the soil in the long run.
Landscape pollution is a serious problem in large cities and in advanced countries where disposable containers are used for packing almost everything .
Radioactive dust can enter the food chain from the soil into crops, livestock and humans.
If this waste is burnt, the smoke produced will pollute the air, if they're left as such they create unhygienic conditions for living. plastic containers give off noxious fumes when burnt.

Note: The three R's – reduce, reuse and recycle can all help to minimise the amount of waste we throw. They can preserve natural resources, landfill space and energy. Also, the three R's can save the land, communities and the economic cost.