Disposal of addition polymers
2 marks · NormalAddition polymers are often disposed of by either landfill or incineration.
Explain why addition polymers are difficult to break down in the environment, and state one environmental problem caused by their accumulation.
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Also accept: They are chemically inert and cannot be broken down by bacteria, so they persist for a long time in the environment. Their accumulation can lead to pollution of land or harm to wildlife.
Common mistakes: Saying addition polymers are biodegradable.; Omitting the reason for persistence.
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States that addition polymers are difficult to break down because of their strong covalent bonds OR that they are non-biodegradable (cannot be broken down by bacteria).
B2 · 1 mark · States one environmental problem caused by accumulation, e.g., land pollution, harm to wildlife, or take up space in landfill.
Worked solution
Addition polymers are difficult to break down because they have strong covalent bonds, making them non-biodegradable (cannot be broken down by bacteria).
As a result, they build up in the environment and can cause land or water pollution, or harm wildlife that may ingest or become tangled in the plastic.