Correct Option
The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
Environmental waste management distinguishes between biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials. Biodegradable waste can be decomposed by biological processes, whereas non-biodegradable waste persists in the environment and requires specific disposal methods like recycling.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. Manure is an organic fertilizer formed by the decomposition of biodegradable waste, such as plant residues and animal excreta. Plastic is a non-biodegradable material; it cannot be broken down by microorganisms to form manure and persists in the environment for long periods.
- Statement 2 is Correct. Burning plastic waste releases toxic fumes and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, causing severe air pollution and health hazards. Recycling is a sustainable alternative as it reprocesses waste material into new products, thereby conserving resources and reducing environmental pollution.
- Statement 3 is Correct. Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, play a crucial role in the ecosystem as decomposers. They degrade complex organic substances, including harmful and foul-smelling waste, into simpler, harmless inorganic substances, effectively cleaning the environment.
Key Takeaway: Microorganisms degrade biodegradable organic waste into manure, whereas non-biodegradable waste like plastic cannot be biologically decomposed and should be managed through recycling rather than burning.