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🧪 Chemistry  ·  Environmental Chemistry  ·  NEET & JEE

A pollutant that cannot be degraded by natural processes and persists in the environment is termed:

Answer: Non-biodegradable.

  • A Biodegradable
  • B Secondary
  • C Primary
  • D Non-biodegradable

Correct answer: D. Non-biodegradable

Explanation: Non-biodegradable pollutants such as DDT, plastics and heavy metals are not broken down by microorganisms and accumulate in the environment.

Classical (London) SmogSources: coal burningSO₂ + particulates + fogReducing typeConditions: cold, humid,early morning, winterVisibility: very low (fog)London, 1952 - ~4000 deathsHarms: eyes, lungs, bronchitisPhotochemical (LA) SmogSources: vehicles, industriesNOx + hydrocarbons + UVOxidising typeConditions: warm, sunny,afternoon, summerProducts: O₃, PAN, acroleinLos Angeles (common in cities)Harms: eyes, rubber cracking

Classical smog is a reducing mixture of SO₂ and fog, while photochemical smog is an oxidising mixture generated by UV-driven reactions of NOx and hydrocarbons.

Concept context

Understand how human activities alter the atmosphere, water, and soil. Covers air pollutants, smog types, ozone depletion, acid rain, greenhouse effect, water and soil pollution, and the principles of green chemistry.

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