Which among the following products are nonbiodegradable?

RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-1)

Non Nursing Subjects

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Polythene bags are a type of plastic, which is a synthetic polymer derived from petroleum.
The strong carbon-carbon bonds in the polymer chain of plastic are not recognized by the enzymes of decomposer microorganisms like bacteria and fungi.
Consequently, polythene bags do not break down through natural biological processes and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, causing land and water pollution.

Option A: Food wastage is organic matter. It is readily decomposed by microorganisms into simpler substances like compost, making it biodegradable.
Option B: Dead animals consist of organic tissues (proteins, fats) that are naturally broken down by decomposers. In biomedical waste management, this is considered 'anatomical waste' and is biodegradable.
Option D: Paper is manufactured from wood pulp, which contains cellulose. Cellulose is a natural organic polymer from plants and is easily broken down by microorganisms.

Visual 1: Infographic: A visual chart separating common household and hospital items into two columns: 'Biodegradable' (e.g., food scraps, paper, cotton, anatomical waste) and 'Non-biodegradable' (e.g., plastic bags, IV sets, glass, metal sharps).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of waste as biodegradable or non-biodegradable as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste is fundamental to proper Biomedical Waste (BMW) Management in healthcare settings, as mandated by the BMW Management Rules, 2016.
Nurses are responsible for segregating waste at the point of generation. Non-biodegradable plastics (like IV bags, catheters, and gloves) go into the Red bag for recycling, while biodegradable anatomical waste goes into the Yellow bag for incineration or deep burial.
Improper segregation can lead to environmental pollution, harm to waste handlers, and legal penalties for the healthcare facility.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'non-biodegradable'. This means a substance that cannot be broken down by natural biological processes.
Next, evaluate each option based on its origin and composition.
Analyze 'Food wastage', 'Dead animals', and 'Paper'. Recognize that all three are organic in origin (from plants or animals) and are known to decompose.
Analyze 'Polythene bags'. Identify this as a type of plastic, which is a synthetic, man-made material.
Conclude that synthetic plastics are resistant to natural decomposition, making them the correct non-biodegradable option.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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