Final answer:
Synthetic plastics, such as polyethylene, are extremely recalcitrant to microbial degradation and tend to persist in the environment for long periods of time. Recycling is an important way to minimize the environmental impact of plastics and reduce the demand for non-renewable resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Synthetic plastics, such as polyethylene, are extremely recalcitrant to microbial degradation. They are derived from petrochemicals and have high molecular masses, making them resistant to decomposition by microorganisms. Most plastics are not readily biodegradable, especially under anaerobic conditions, and tend to persist in the environment for very long periods of time.
For example, when plastics enter the oceans, they tend to remain there indefinitely due to their low density. Plastics can also break down into tiny fragments through photodecomposition when exposed to sunlight.
These characteristics of synthetic plastics make them challenging to dispose of safely and sustainably, which is why recycling is an important way to minimize their environmental impact and reduce the demand for non-renewable resources.