Why are non-biodegradable substances harmful for the environment?

The correct answer is: Needs heat and temperature for breakdown, releases harmful chemicals

Step-by-step Explanation:

1. Understanding Non-biodegradable Substances:
Non-biodegradable substances are materials that cannot be easily broken down by biological processes or microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. Examples include plastics, synthetic fibers, and heavy metals.

2. Environmental Harm and Degradation Challenges:
Because biological organisms cannot decompose these materials naturally, they require extreme conditions such as high heat and temperature over very long periods to break down. During this prolonged degradation process or when incinerated, they release toxic and harmful chemicals into the air, soil, and water systems.

3. Evaluating the Options:
• Can be broken down by bacteria: Incorrect, as this describes biodegradable substances.
• Needs heat and temperature for breakdown, releases harmful chemicals: Correct, as non-biodegradable substances persist in the environment and emit toxic pollutants during degradation.
• Causes no pollution in water: Incorrect, they severely contaminate aquatic environments.
• Easily mixes with soil: Incorrect, they linger as persistent pollutants in soil rather than integrating naturally.