Category: Chemistry Notes PPT

The process of centrifugation has a wide range of modern and laboratory-scale applications. Centrifugation is a technique that can be utilized to separate the broken particles in a solution dependent on their density, size, consistency, or shape. In this technique, a radiating power is applied to the solution to separate the exceptionally thick segments of the solution for the segments that have generally low densities. 

A couple of significant utilization of centrifugation are recorded underneath. In this article, we will learn about the application of centrifugation, centrifugation principle types, and applications, the centrifuge uses in the laboratory, and centrifuge machine uses.

Principle of Centrifugation

Let us now discuss the centrifuge principle and application.

1. In a solution, particles whose density is higher than that of the dissolvable sink (silt), and particles that are lighter than it buoy to the top. 

2. The more noteworthy the distinction in density, the quicker they move. If there is no distinction in density (isopycnic conditions), the particles remain consistent. 

3. To exploit even little contrasts in density to separate different particles in a solution, gravity can be supplanted with the significantly more impressive “diffusive power” given by a centrifuge. 

4. A centrifuge is a bit of gear that places an article in pivot around a fixed hub (turns it all around), applying a possibly solid power opposite to the hub of turn (outward). 

5. The centrifuge works utilizing the sedimentation guideline, where the centripetal speeding up makes denser substances and particles move outward the outspread way. 

6. Simultaneously, less thick objects are dislodged and move to the middle. 

7. In the laboratory centrifuge which uses sample tubes, the outspread speeding up tends to make denser particles settle down to the lower portion of the cylinder, whereas the low-density substances ascend to the top.

Applications of Centrifugation 

Let us now discuss the centrifuge machine uses and the centrifuge uses in the laboratory. Below are some of the centrifuge uses.

1. Centrifugation can be utilized to separate a mixture of two distinctive miscible fluids. 

2. This technique can likewise be utilized to contemplate and examine macromolecules and their hydrodynamic properties. 

3. Mammalian cells can be filtered with the assistance of an extraordinary sort of centrifuge. 

4. Centrifugation is known to have an essential part in the fractionation of numerous subcellular organelles. Moreover, centrifugation is likewise valuable in the fractionation of layer portions and films. 

5. Centrifugation additionally has applications in the fractionation of layer vesicles. 

6. Chalk can be separated from water with the assistance of a centrifuge. 

7. Skimmed milk is a type of milk that has a lower measure of broken fat. Skimmed milk can be gotten from ordinary milk with the assistance of the process of centrifugation. Here, the centrifuge tends to separate the fat from the milk and leaves the necessary skimmed milk behind. 

8. The cyclonic division is a significant process that has fundamental applications in the detachment of particles from wind currents. 

9. Another significant use of this technique is in the stabilization and explanation of wine. 

10. This technique, in a mix with other purification techniques, is very useful while separating proteins. Different techniques that are utilized incorporate salting-out techniques, for example, ammonium sulfate precipitation. 

11. Centrifuges are broadly utilized in the field of forensic chemistry. In this field, the technique is utilized for the partition of blood segments from blood samples. Besides, the technique is likewise utilized in specific laboratories for the detachment of urine parts from urine samples. 

12. Differential centrifugation, a particular kind of centrifugation, is known to have applications in the recognizable proof of organelles.

13. Centrifugation can be used to separate a mixture of two different miscible liquids.

14. This technique can also be used to study and analyze macromolecules and their hydrodynamic properties. 

15. Centrifugation is known to play an important role in the fractionation of many  organelles. In addition, centrifugation is useful for membrane fractions and membrane fractions. 

16. With the help of a centrifuge, the chalk or clay debris can be separated from  the water. 

17. Skim milk is a type of milk with a low percentage of dissolved fat. Skim milk can be obtained from regular milk using a centrifugation process. Here, the centrifuge helps separate the fat from the milk, leaving the necessary skim milk.

18. Cyclone separation is an important process that has important uses in separating particles from airflow. 

19. Another important use of this technology is wine stabilization and clarification.

20. Combining this technique with other purification techniques can be very helpful in separating proteins. 

21. Other techniques that have been used include salting-out techniques such as ammonium sulfate precipitation. 

22. Centrifuges are widely used in forensic chemistry. This is an area where techniques for separating blood components from blood samples are used. 

23. In addition, this technique is also used in certain laboratories to separate urine components from urine samples. 

24. Fractional centrifugation, a particular type of centrifugation, is known to be useful for the identification of organelles.

Various separation processes are used to separ
ate the individual components from the mixture. Separation allows the individual components of the mixture to be evaluated and used. Hand-picking, sieving, and filtration are common physical methods for separating heterogeneous mixtures into their constituents. Special techniques may be required to separate the components of the mixture. Solvents, filtration, sublimation, magnets, centrifugation, evaporation, crystallization, distillation, fractional distillation, chromatography, and separation funnels are some of the commonly used physical methods for separating the components of a mixture. In some cases, multiple of these methods are used to separate the mixture. 

There can be three cases of separation of mixtures- 

1. Separation of a mixture of two solids

2. Separation of a mixture of a solid and a liquid

3. Separation of a mixture of two liquids 

Separation of components of a mixture of solid and liquid 

The mixture of solids and liquids are separated in one of the following ways: 

• By centrifugation 

• By distillation 

• By chromatography 

• By filtration 

• By crystallization 

• By evaporation

Centrifugation 

Centrifugation is a method of separating suspended solids from a liquid by rotating the mixture at high speed with a centrifuge or separating light substances from heavy substances by quick stirring or rotating. Centrifugation involves placing a mixture of fine particles suspended in a liquid in a test tube. Place the tube in the centrifuge and rotate it rapidly for a while. When the mixture is spinning fast, the force is acting on the heavier mixture. The particles floating in it are attracted to the bottom of the test tube. A light liquid remains on top of the clear liquid. At home, it is common practice to separate butter and cream. Stir the cream at high speed. When stirred, the butter particles separate and are light, and stick to the liquid. 

Types of Centrifugation and Centrifuges 

Types of Centrifugation 

1. Preparative centrifugation

2. Analytical Centrifugation

3. Differential centrifugation 

4. Density Gradient Centrifugation 

Types of Centrifuges 

1. Industrial Centrifuges

2. Ultracentrifugation

3. Pusher Centrifuges

4. Refrigerated Centrifuges 

5. Benchtop Centrifuges

6. Hematocrit Centrifuges

7. PRP Centrifuges

8. High speed and low-speed centrifuges

We discussed the step-by-step method for performing an experiment to prepare Arsenious Sulphide sol in this article. To understand the objective, procedure, and materials needed to conduct the experiment, carefully read the content on this page. Try to run the experiment and balance this with your outcome.

Aim

The aim of this experiment- Sulphide Colloidal Solution Preparation, Arsenic sulphide -As2S3 sol.

Theory

Arsenic Sulphide-

The inorganic compound with the formula As2S3  is Arsenic trisulfide. It is a dark yellow solid which is water-insoluble. It also occurs as the mineral orpiment, which has been used as a pigment called King’s yellow. It is developed in the field of arsenic compound analysis. It is an intrinsic p-type semiconductor of group V/VI and exhibits phase-change properties that are photo-induced. As4S4, a red-orange solid known as the mineral realgar, is the other principal arsenic sulfide.

In both crystalline and amorphous forms, As2S3 occurs. Both types feature polymeric structures consisting of centres of trigonal pyramidal As(III) connected by centres of sulfide. The centres of the sulfide are double-coordinated with two arsenic atoms. The compound adopts a ruffled sheet structure in the crystalline form. Van der Waals forces consist of the bonding between the sheets. In geological samples, the crystalline form is commonly found. Amorphous As2S3 does not have a structure with layers but is more strongly cross-linked. There is no medium or long-range order, like other lenses, but the first co-ordination sphere is well defined. As2S3  is a strong former glass and has a broad glass-forming shape.

As2S3 (Arsenious sulphide) is a colloid that is lyophobic. It is formed in boiled distilled water due to the hydrolysis of As₂O₃ (Arsenious oxide). Additional H2S gas is transferred through the solution. The reaction takes place as follows: 

As2O3+ 3H2O · 2As(OH)3 

2As(OH)3 + 3H2S → As2S3 + 6H2O

The particles in the colloidal solution of Arsenious sulphide are surrounded by ions of HS that are formed due to H2S dissociation. H+ ions surround the sulfide ion sheet.

Materials Required

The apparatus and materials required for coagulation of arsenious sulphide sol are as follows:

1. Beaker 250 mL

2. Round bottom flask 500 mL

3. Glass tubing

4. Conical flask of 250 mL volume

5. Filter paper

6. Funnel

7. Glass rod

8. Wire gauze

9. Burner

10. Tripod stand

11. Iron stand with clamp

12. Distilled water

13. H2S gas

14. Solid arsenious oxide

Procedure:

1. Take and clean 250 mL of the conical flask by steaming out the process. 

2. Add 0.2 g of solid arsenic oxide and distilled water for  100 mL. 

3. Boil the solution for 10 minutes.

4. Separate the hot solution with the help of filter paper.

5. As2O3 using Kipps apparatus pass H2S  through As2O3 as shown below.

6. The solution’s colour shifts to yellow, which is resulting in the As2S3 formation. 

7. By slowly heating, expelling hydrogen sulfide gas from the sol. 

8. Mark the filter as ‘arsenic sol sulfide.

Precautions: 

1. Using clean equipment for the experiment affects As2S3  if there are even traces of impurities. 

2. As2S3 is extremely toxic, so treat it carefully.

Did You Know?

Arsenic groundwater contamination is a form of groundwater pollution that is mostly due to high concentrations of arsenic in deeper groundwater levels that occur naturally. Due to the use of deep tube wells for water supply in the Ganges Delta, it is a high-profile epidemic, causing large numbers of people to have extreme arsenic poisoning. A 2007 study found that arsenic toxicity from drinking water is likely to affect over 137 million people in more than 70 countries. After mass water poisoning in Bangladesh, the problem became a major health issue.

A major issue is arsenic pollution of the groundwater in Bangladesh. Bangladesh had one of the highest child mortality rates in the world prior to the 1970s. These problems have been compounded by inadequate water purification and drainage systems, as well as frequent monsoons and flooding. UNICEF and the World Bank have promoted the use of wells to tap into deeper groundwater as a solution. As a result, millions of wells were installed. Infant death and diarrheal disease have been decreased by fifty percent due to this intervention. With over 8 million wells installed, however, approximately one in five of these wells are now polluted
with arsenic above the drinking water level of the government.

Atomic number and mass number both are main characteristics of an atom of the element. If you know the atomic and mass number of an atom of the element, then you can easily calculate the number of neutrons present in the nucleus of the atom. A neutral atom consists of the same number of protons and electrons. By knowing the atomic number and mass number of an element we can predict many properties of the element. 

 

Both the atomic number and the mass number are important features of an element’s atom. You can simply compute the number of neutrons contained in the nucleus of an atom if you know the atomic and mass number of the atom. The number of protons and electrons in a neutral atom is the same. We can predict several qualities of an element by knowing its atomic number and mass number. We’ve already talked about atomic structure in other articles, you already know that an atom is made up of electrons, protons, and neutrons.

 

What is the Atomic Number of an Element?

As we have already discussed atomic structure in other articles, you would be knowing that now an atom is composed of electrons, protons and neutrons. Electrons revolve around the nucleus of an atom while protons and neutrons are present in the nucleus of an atom. The number of protons present in an atom of an element determines its atomic number. All atoms of the same element consist of the same number of protons or we can say all atoms of the same element have the same atomic number. Atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom. The atomic number is a characteristic property of an element. Elements are defined by the number of protons they have. By knowing the number of protons in an element we can predict its various properties. This is the reason all elements are arranged according to their atomic number (or several protons) in the periodic table.

 

We can understand the importance of atomic numbers by Modern Periodic Law which was given by H.G.J. Moseley around 1913. The modern periodic table is based on this rule. Modern periodic law states that “Physical and Chemical properties of an element are periodic functions of their atomic numbers.” An atomic number of an element is denoted by ‘Z’.

Thus, the atomic number of an element is the number of protons present in the nucleus of its one atom. In short, it can be represented as –

 

 

For example, a hydrogen atom has one proton in its nucleus, so its atomic number is 1 while an oxygen atom has eight protons in its nucleus, so its atomic number is 8. The first eighteen elements are given below with their atomic number, symbol, and several protons for your better understanding –

 

 

What is the Mass Number of Elements?

As we know, the mass of an atom of any element is concentrated at its nucleus. So, the mass number of an atom depends on the composition of its nucleus. It means the mass number of an atom depends on the number of protons and neutrons present in the nucleus of that atom. Protons and neutrons together are known as nucleons. Thus, the mass number can be defined as the sum of the total number of protons and neutrons present in the nucleus of an atom. For example, oxygen has 8 protons and 8 neutrons, so its mass number is 16u. while aluminium has 13 protons and 14 neutrons, so its mass number is 27u. The mass number of an atom is denoted by ‘A’. In short, it can be written as –

 

 

First eighteen elements are given below with their symbol, number of protons, number of neutrons and mass number for your better understanding –

 

 

Most of the students make mistakes while writing the notation of an atom. So, as we are discussing mass number and an atomic number of atoms, let us give you a brief about how to write the notation of an atom correctly. While writing the notation of an atom of an element, its mass number and atomic number are written on the left of the symbol of the element. More precisely, the mass number should be written at the top left and the atomic number at the bottom left of the symbol of the element. The notation of an atom is represented below –

 

 

Or 

 

 

Where X = Symbol of element 

A = Mass number 

Z = Atomic number, 

For example, oxygen is written as 168O. 

 

Isotopes and Isobars

The term isotope is formed from the two Greek words – isos and topos. Isos means equal and topos means place, thus isotope means ‘the same place’. The same place has been assigned to all isotopes of an element in the periodic table. On the other hand, the term isobar is made up of two Greek words – isos and bars. Isos means equal and bars means weight. Thus, isobar means ‘The equal weight’. 

 

Let us discuss isotopes and isobars separately in detail.  

 

What are Isotopes?

Those atoms of an element which have the same atomic number, but different mass numbers are called isotopes of that element. Thus, we can say isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. For example, hydrogen has three isotopes, namely, protium, deuterium and tritium. Their atomic number, mass number, number of protons and neutrons are given below with their atomic notation in tabular form –

 

 

Many elements have various isotopes such as carbon also has two isotopes 14C and 12C. Each isotope of an element is a pure substance. Isotopes of an element possess the same chemical properties but different physical properties. Thus, isotopes can be defined as the atoms of the same element, having the same atomic number but different mass numbers.

 

What are Isobars?

Atoms of different elements with different atomic numbers but the same mass number are called isobars. For example, atoms of calcium and argon possess the same mass number which is 40u while different atomic numbers are 20 and 18 respectively. Thus, we can say in isobars the number of nucleons is the same but the number of protons is different. 

 

This ends our coverage on the topic “An introduction to Atomic number and Mass number, Isotopes and Isobars”. We hope you enjoyed learning and were able to grasp the concepts. We hope after reading this article you will be able to solve problems based on the topic. If you are looking for solutions to NCERT Textbook problems based on this topic, then log on to the website or download Learning App. By doing so, you will be able to access free PDFs of NCERT Solutions as well as Revision notes, Mock Tests and much more.

What is Barium?

Barium is a soft, silvery alkaline earth metal which is highly reactive in nature, due to its high reactivity it is never found in nature as a free element. Barium has atomic number 56 and is represented by the symbol Ba. Barium is the fifth element in Group 2 of the periodic table. The most common compounds of Barium are Barite and Witherite. Barium is never found in the free state but combines with sulfur, carbon, or oxygen.

Properties of Barium

Let us discuss the physical and chemical properties of Barium.

Physical Properties of Barium

Barium is a soft, silvery-white metal with a pale yellow shade and has Ba as its symbol. It has a medium specific-weight and is a very good conductor of electricity. It is difficult to purify Barium so, most of its properties are yet to be determined.

When Barium is kept at room temperature, it forms a cubic structure, It is a very soft metal and expands rapidly on heating. Barium element has a melting point of 1000 K or 730 °C or 1,340 °F whereas the boiling point of Barium is 2170 K or 1900 °C or 3450 °F.

Chemical Properties of Barium

The following table depicts the chemical properties of Barium.

 

History and Discovery of Barium

During the early middle ages, scientists knew about a few Barium minerals and were attracted to them as Barium minerals would glow for years on exposure to light. As the stones of Barium minerals were found near Bologna, Italy, they were named as “Bologna stones.” Later in the year 1774, a scientist named Carl Wilhelm Scheele discovered that Barium minerals contain an element, but he was not able to isolate Barium.

Occurrence of Barium

Barium never occurs in the free state on earth, and it is always found in a combined form with sulfur, carbon or oxygen. Barium is found 0.0425% on earth’s crust, and 13 μg/L in seawater. The only commercial source for obtaining Barium is Baryte which is Barium sulphate. Other sources for obtaining barium is witherite which is Barium carbonate.

Production of Barium

Barium is produced in various parts of the world such as China, India, Morocco, US, Turkey etc. In the year, 2011, China was the leading producer of Barium. Barium is produced using various methods and processes.

The barium ore is mined, washed, crushed and is separated from quartz then it is reduced to barium sulfide using carbon. The water-soluble barium sulfide is used to make various compounds of barium such as Barium sulphate, barium nitrate or barium carbonate. These compounds can be used to obtain oxides of barium. These oxides are then heated with aluminium at 1,100ᐤC to form BaAl4. This BaAl4 then reacts with BaO to form Barium metal.

Uses of Barium  

Barium is a soft metal which has a wide usage in many fields, the following are some general application and uses of barium.

• Barium is often used in the form of alloys such as barium-nickel alloy or barium-aluminium alloy in order to reduce unwanted gases from vacuum tubes. It is also used as a drying agent.

• Barium is used in fluorescent lamps as impure barium sulfide glows when exposed to light.

• Barium is extensively used by oil and gas industries to make drilling mud which makes it easy to drill through rocks by lubricating the drill.

• Barium compounds are used to make various house building and decorating materials such as paints, glass, tiles, bricks and rubber etc. 

• Barium Nitrate is used in fireworks because it provides the fireworks with a green colour.

• Barium oxide is used for coating hot cathode such as in cathode ray tubes that facilitate the release of electrons.

• Barium peroxide is used in welding works.

• Barium as in barium fluoride is used in optic glasses because of its wide transparency range.

Benedict’s test is a simple chemistry test that is used to detect reducing sugars. Reducing sugars are carbohydrates that have a free aldehyde or ketone functional group in their molecular structure. These include monosaccharides such as glucose and fructose and disaccharides such as lactose and maltose. Benedict’s reagent, also known as benedict’s solution is used in Benedict’s test for detecting simple sugars such as glucose. It is a bright blue solution that is prepared by mixing copper sulfate pentahydrate, sodium carbonate, and sodium citrate in distilled water. In this article, we will learn about the benedict’s test in detail that includes the benedict test principle, benedict’s test procedure, benedict test reaction, and the benedict’s solution formula.

 

What is Benedict’s Test?

Benedict’s test is a chemical test that is used to check for the presence of reducing sugars in an analyte. Hence, simple carbohydrates that contain a free ketone or aldehyde functional group can be identified using this test. The benedict’s test for reducing sugars is based on the benedict’s reagent, which is also known as Benedict’s solution and is a complex mixture of sodium citrate, pentahydrate of copper(II) sulfate, and sodium carbonate.

 

When it is exposed to the reducing sugars, the reactions undergone through Benedict’s reagent form a brick-red precipitate that indicates a positive reducing sugar test. Take a look at the image of the benedict’s test colours of Benedict’s reagent that change from clear blue to brick-red and which are triggered by the exposure to reducing sugars.

 

 

Benedict’s test can also be used for checking the presence of glucose in a sample of urine. Since this benedict test for urine detects the presence of any aldehydes and α-hydroxy ketones and given that glucose is an aldose that has an open chain that forms an aldehyde group, the test gives a positive result if glucose is present in the analyte. However, a positive reaction is also given in the presence of homogentisic acid, ascorbic acid and several other reducing substances. Hence, a positive Benedict’s test does not always mean that the test subject is having diabetes.

 

Principle of Benedict Test

Benedict’s test is performed when the reducing sugar is heated with Benedict‘s reagent. The alkaline sodium carbonate present converts the sugar into a strong reducing agent called enediols. During the occurrence of the reduction reaction, the mixture changes its colour from blue to brick-red precipitate because of the formation of cuprous oxide Cu2o. Copper which is in its cupric Cu2+ or copper (I) form is then reduced to cuprous Cu+ or copper (II) form. Since the red-coloured cuprous oxide is insoluble in water, it is separated. If the concentration of the sugar is high, the colour of the resultant solution becomes more reddish, and, in turn, the volume of the precipitate increases.

 

 

Benedict’s Test Procedure

A mixture that contains the reducing sugar (about 8 drops of urine) and Benedict’s solution (approximately 5 ml) is heated in a test tube for around two minutes and is then allowed to cool. The colour of the mixture changes accordingly and results in precipitates. This indicates positive results. The results of the benedict’s reagent test are summarized in the table below.

 

Benedict’s Reagent Test Result

 

Benedict’s Test Results

The test results for benedict’s test for glucose is shown below.

 

 

Limitation of Benedict’s Test

The limitations of Benedict’s test are as follows:

1. False-positive reactions in the test can also be obtained if there are certain drugs present for example, salicylates, isoniazid, streptomycin, penicillin, and p-aminosalicylic acid.

2. The chemicals present in the concentrated urine may reduce Benedict’s reaction which includes urate, creatinine, and ascorbic acid (the reduction is slight).

 

Tips:- 

• This chapter is covered with the experiment in this topic. Students can always look into the process and can experiment but in the presence of a teacher or guidance so that everything is done properly. 

• Students can always make their notes by reading the above topic without any problem. They can always download the notes for free from .

• If any student chooses this topic for their project then they can also rely on the above table given because it is tested properly. They can make the report by doing the experiments and they can interpret accordingly. 

• Students should always keep in mind to study every day so that the topics are revised and it will be easy for them to remember the name of the chemical and the formula of it.

• Everything which is taught in the institutions will help but studying and maintaining the study material by oneself can help a student to grow more in the process. For this helps the students to understand the topics very easily because everything is explained in a very general language. 

• Students should always try to remember the principles of the topic which will be easy to remember. 

• Always make a timetable for studying different subjects because this will help the students to cover every subject and topic accordingly.

•  After studying the topic students always revise the study matter so that it will be cleared and will help them to remember the topic.

• also helps students to prepare for higher studies in the subject matter which helps them to understand the given topic. It also offers tutoring for the preparation of any competitive exams too.

• Every topic is discussed in different notes so that the topics will be explained in a way that everybody will be able to get the topic very well. 

• Students can always refer to for the exams and projects because every topic is covered according to the needs of the students.

• can be a very reliable source because every topic is covered by professionals who have the best knowledge of the topic. 

• If any student still has any problem regarding the topic then also gives online classes in which they can be resolved.

We produce a lot of wastes on a daily routine and throw them away or discard them. These substances include kitchen waste like vegetables and fruit peels, empty cartons, used tea leaves, and so many expendable items like juices, plastic bags, paper, old clothes, old footwear etc. Many of these materials like paper, vegetable and fruit peels can be easily broken down by the action of bacteria or other decomposers. Such substances which can be easily broken down by the action of bacteria are named biodegradable substances. Other substances or materials like plastics, metallic cans and pesticides which cannot be broken down easily by biological processes are named non-biodegradable substances.

 

Technology has enhanced the quality of life and given birth to an innovative form of life. This has an erratic impact on the environment and other lives on the earth. For example, water bottles are made of plastic, which is convenient to use and carry but their disposal is a test for nature.

There are tons of waste materials that are degradable and non-degradable. Therefore, classification and proper disposal of wastes are necessary. Waste materials are therefore categorized as biodegradable and non-biodegradable. 

What is the Meaning of Biodegradable?

Definition

A biodegradable material or substance can be defined as a material that can be decomposed easily by bacteria or any other natural organisms and not become part of pollution.

 

Biodegradable wastes are the waste materials that are and can be easily degraded by natural factors like microbes (e.g. bacteria, fungi and a few others), abiotic components like temperature, UV, oxygen, etc. few examples of such wastes are kitchen wastes, food materials, and other natural wastes. Microorganisms and other abiotic elements work together to break down complex substances into simple organic matters which finally suspend and disappear into the soil. The whole process is natural which can be fast or slow. So, the environmental issues and risks caused by biodegradable wastes are very low.

Examples of Biodegradable

But the giant dumping of waste can increase some threats to life sooner or later. To prevent this, some people practice composting. In composting, the biodegradable wastes are dumped into a big pit and covered for a time period. During this action of microbes, they will decompose and will be used as compost for cultivation purposes. This will reduce the quantity of waste at landfills. 

What is Biodegradable Waste?

Biodegradable waste is a form of waste, originating naturally from plant or animal sources, which may be degraded by other living organisms.

 

Biodegradable waste can be usually found in municipal solid waste such as green waste, food waste, paper waste, and biodegradable plastics. Some of the sources contain human waste, sewage, slaughterhouse waste etc.

What is the meaning of non-biodegradable? 

Definition

Waste that cannot be decomposed or degraded by the biological process is known as “Non-biodegradable wastes”. Most of them include the inorganic waste that is non-biodegradable

 

What Does Non-biodegradable Mean?

A Non-Biodegradable material can be defined as a type of material that cannot be broken down by natural organisms and serve as a source of pollution.

 

Unlike biodegradable wastes, non-biodegradable wastes cannot be easily taken care of. Non-biodegradable wastes are those which cannot be decomposed or degraded by natural agents. They remain on earth for thousands of years without any degradation or decomposition. Therefore, the threat caused by them is also more dangerous. An example is a plastic which is usually used in almost every area. To give these plastics a long-lasting outcome, better quality plastics are being used. This made them more temperature resilient and tougher even after the use. Other cases are cans, metals, and chemicals for agricultural and industrial uses. They are the chief causes of air, water and soil pollution and diseases like cancer.

 

Since non-biodegradable wastes are not at all Eco-friendly, they need to be replaced or substituted. As a part of the growth of alternatives, scientists have brought forward many innovative ideas like biodegradable plastics, etc. They combined some biodegradable materials with plastics and made them easily and speedily degradable. But this is quite a costly procedure. Non-biodegradable wastes which can be recycled and can be used again are known as “Recyclable waste” and those which cannot be used again are known as “Non-recyclable waste”.

Effects of Waste Material on Environment

Waste quantities are commonly grown in all countries all around the world. Every year billions of tons of waste are produced. These wastes are the outcomes of activities in our homes, businesses and industries and disposal of these wastes in huge amounts is a vast environmental problem. Agriculture, Municipal & industrial solid waste and biomass deposits are huge sources of large scale pollution of both land and water. The production of waste causes damage to materials and energy and a rise in environmental costs for the society for its collection, treatment, and disposal. The impressions of landfill and incineration are significant because of their greenhouse gas emissions like (methane, carbon dioxide) and transboundary movement of organic micropollutants such as (dioxins and furans) and volatile heavy metals. Difficulties with waste are as old as humans.

 

Very soon humans realized that waste is a potential source of illness, diseases, and infections, so they dump their waste, which was totally in a biological manner, away from there. The first planned municipal dump is in 500 BC outside ancient Greece, where regulations mandate waste to be dumped at least a mile from the city boundaries and covered with soil. Until the industrialization of civilization waste was mostly organic, so it can decompose or degrade naturally. Later, mainly because of industrialization, urbanization, and the development of society, the amount of waste increased very quickly.

Treatments 

Whether it is biodegradable or non-biodegradable, they are harmful to human life and loss other organisms and their environment. Thus, the correct treatment of wastes must be done. This is not only the duty of the Government, and each can contribute in helping to reduce waste. The three “Rs”- Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce are simple steps that can take by each person. This can save a lot of energy and other resources as well. Another step is to separate biodegradable from non-biodegradable waste at home and dispose of them individually.

Difference Between Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable