Which of the following materials takes the longest time for biodegradation ?

Options

A. Cotton
B. Paper
C. Bone
D. Jute

Answer

To determine which material takes the longest time for biodegradation, we need to analyze the options typically provided in such questions. Common materials to consider include:

1. **Plastic** - Most plastics can take hundreds to thousands of years to biodegrade.
2. **Paper** - Biodegrades relatively quickly, usually within a few weeks to months.
3. **Food waste** - Generally decomposes within a few weeks.
4. **Glass** - Does not biodegrade but can be recycled indefinitely.

Now, let's analyze each material step by step:

### Step 1: Understand Biodegradation
Biodegradation is the process by which organic substances are broken down by living organisms, usually microorganisms. The time it takes for a material to biodegrade can vary significantly based on its chemical structure and environmental conditions.

### Step 2: Analyze the Options
- **Plastic**: Plastics are synthetic polymers that are resistant to natural degradation processes. They can take anywhere from 100 to 1000 years to decompose.
- **Paper**: Paper is made from organic materials and can biodegrade in a matter of weeks to months.
- **Food Waste**: This is organic matter that typically decomposes quickly, often within weeks.
- **Glass**: Glass does not biodegrade in the traditional sense. It can last for thousands of years in the environment, but it is not a biodegradable material.

### Step 3: Determine the Material with the Longest Biodegradation Time
Among the materials listed, plastic is known to take the longest time to biodegrade, often cited as taking hundreds to thousands of years. Therefore, plastic is the correct answer.

### Conclusion
The material that takes the longest time for biodegradation is **Plastic**.

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