Case: Read the passage and answer the following questions

A large number of polymers are quite resistant to the environmental degradation processes and are thus responsible for the accumulation of polymeric solid waste materials. These solid wastes cause acute environmental problems and remain undegraded for quite a long time. In view of the general awareness and concern for the problems created by the polymeric solid wastes, certain new biodegradable synthetic polymers have been designed and developed. These polymers contain functional groups similar to the functional groups present in bio-polymers. Aliphatic polyesters are one of the important classes of biodegradable polymers.

Select the incorrect statement from the following option.

Biodegradable polymers are easily available

The correct answer is option 4. Biodegradable polymers are easily available.

Biodegradable polymers are materials that can be broken down by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide (or methane), and biomass under specific conditions. Here’s an analysis of each statement:

1. Biodegradable polymers are not suitable candidates in the recycling of commingled plastics.

This is a correct statement. Commingled plastics refer to a mixture of different types of plastics. Recycling processes for these mixed plastics often require sorting and specific recycling methods. Biodegradable polymers can contaminate the recycling streams of non-biodegradable plastics, making them unsuitable for recycling with commingled plastics.

2. Biodegradable polymers are very expensive.

This is also a correct statement. Currently, biodegradable polymers tend to be more expensive to produce than traditional plastics due to higher raw material costs and more complex manufacturing processes.

3. Biodegradable polymers are an attractive option for addressing the solid waste and marine pollution.

This is a correct statement. Biodegradable polymers can reduce the persistence of plastic waste in the environment, addressing issues of solid waste accumulation and marine pollution by breaking down more quickly than conventional plastics.

4. Biodegradable polymers are easily available.

This is an incorrect statement. While there is growing interest and development in biodegradable polymers, they are not yet as widely available as traditional plastics. Their availability is limited by production capacity, higher costs, and less established supply chains compared to conventional plastics.

Biodegradable polymers are not as widely available as traditional plastics, making the statement "Biodegradable polymers are easily available" incorrect. This reflects the current market situation where biodegradable options are still emerging and are not as prevalent or easily accessible as conventional plastics.