Which one of the following is NOT decomposed by bacterial action ?

Decomposition is a biological process where microorganisms, primarily bacteria and fungi, break down organic matter into simpler substances [4]. Biodegradable materials include vegetable remains, animal carcasses, and flower wastes, which are naturally decomposed by microbial action to recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem [4]. In contrast, plastic materials are synthetic polymers characterized by an impervious nature and stable chemical bonds that resist natural bacterial action [3]. While emerging research explores specific bacterial enzymes capable of degrading certain polymers, conventional plastics are classified as non-biodegradable pollutants because they are not decomposed by standard microbial processes in the environment [3]. These materials persist for years, often causing soil infertility and harming wildlife [3]. Therefore, among the given options, plastic is the material that is not decomposed by bacterial action.

Sources

1. [4] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > S.ro.3. Effects > p. 84
2. [2] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > 5.12.2. Plastics as a Waste Material in Land Environment > p. 97
3. [3] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 1: Ecology > ii) Micro consumers - Saprotrophs (decomposers or osmotrophs) > p. 7