Why does the disposal of non-biodegradable synthetic plastic packaging in open landfills pose severe long-term environmental hazards?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Synthetic polymers resist biological decomposition by microbes, persisting for centuries

  1. Step 1: Examine polymer persistence in ecosystems: synthetic plastics possess strong carbon-carbon and carbon-halogen covalent backbones.
  2. Step 2: Natural decomposers (bacteria and fungi) lack the enzymes needed to break down these synthetic linkages, causing plastic waste to persist for hundreds of years, causing blockage of drainage systems and generating microplastics.
Answer
Synthetic polymers resist biological decomposition by microbes, persisting for centuries.
Why not the others: 'Plastic polymers decompose within hours, releasing acidic gases that sterilize soil' contradicts their non-biodegradable nature; 'Plastics emit ionizing gamma radiation that causes spontaneous genetic mutations in wildlife' is scientifically false; 'Plastic debris dissolves instantly in rainwater, creating highly caustic alkaline floods' is untrue as plastics are insoluble in water.

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