Give any two ways in which non-biodegradable substances would affect the environment.
Non-biodegradable substances affect the environment in the following ways:
Firstly, these substances are inert and simply persist in the environment for a long time. Because they are not broken down by biological processes, they accumulate and cause serious environmental problems related to waste disposal.
Secondly, they may harm the various members of the eco-system. The presence of such persistent waste materials can negatively impact the health of the ecosystem's members and disrupt the natural balance.
Explanation
The answer is derived directly from the textbook context which states that non-biodegradable substances 'may be inert and simply persist in the environment for a long time or may harm the various members of the eco-system.' The answer expands on these two specific points: persistence/accumulation and harm to ecosystem members.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the definition and properties of non-biodegradable substances from the text (not broken down by biological processes, inert).
Step 2: Extract the specific effects mentioned: 'persist in the environment for a long time' and 'harm the various members of the eco-system'.
Step 3: Formulate these two points into a coherent answer explaining the environmental impact.