Correct answer: (b) Non-biodegradable pollutant
Explanation
- A
Non-pollutant
Option (a) claims that DDT is a non-pollutant. This is incorrect because DDT is a synthetic chemical compound that causes severe environmental contamination.
- B
Non-biodegradable pollutant
Option (b) claims that DDT is a non-biodegradable pollutant. This is the official key because DDT persists in the environment for extremely long periods, resisting natural decomposition by microorganisms and accumulating in the food chain through biomagnification.
- C
Biodegradable pollutant
Option (c) claims that DDT is a biodegradable pollutant. This is incorrect because natural organisms and enzymes cannot easily break down its stable chemical structure.
- D
Biochemical pollutant
Option (d) claims that DDT is a biochemical pollutant. This is incorrect as it does not accurately classify the persistence and synthetic nature of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides like DDT.
Summary. Official key is (b) Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) is classified as a non-biodegradable pollutant. It remains in ecosystems for decades without breaking down naturally. This persistence leads to bioaccumulation in fatty tissues of living organisms. Consequently, higher trophic levels suffer severe ecological consequences. Therefore, option (b) is the correct choice.