An example of a non-bio degrable pollutants is

1. Analyze the question The question asks which option is a non-biodegradable pollutant. That means a substance that microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) cannot break down into simpler substances.

2. Explain the concept

• Biodegradable substances are mostly organic materials from living things. Decomposers such as bacteria and fungi break them down. Examples are dung, bones, wood, paper, food waste and dead plants and animals.
• Non-biodegradable substances cannot be broken down by living organisms, or they break down only over a very long time. Examples are plastics, glass, metals, rubber, ceramics, DDT and polythene bags.

3. Solve step by step

• A. Dung is animal waste. It is organic and quickly decomposed, so it is biodegradable.
• B. Bones come from animals. They decay slowly but are still organic and are eventually broken down, so they are biodegradable.
• C. Ceramics are made from fired clay. They are inorganic, and microorganisms cannot decompose them, so they are non-biodegradable.
• D. Woods are plant material (cellulose and lignin). Fungi and bacteria decompose them, so they are biodegradable.

4. Answer The correct option is C. ceramics.

5. Exam tip Ask yourself: "Did this come from a living thing?" If yes, it is usually biodegradable. If it is manufactured or inorganic (plastic, glass, metal, ceramics), it is usually non-biodegradable. Remember "Living =Ligible to rot".