Read the following passage and answer the following questions.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are a special type of waste that are found throughout the world in water, sediments, bird tissues, and fish tissue. They are made by substituting 1 to 10 chlorine atoms onto the biphenyl aryl structure. They have very high chemical, thermal, and biological stability, low vapour pressure, and high dielectric constants. These properties have led to the use of PCBs as coolant insulation fluids in transformers and capacitors; for the impregnation of cotton and asbestos; as plasticizers; and as additives to some epoxy paints. However, the very same properties have contributed to their widespread dispersion and accumulation in the environment. But, some degree of biodegradation of PCBs in the environment does occur. Substitutes of PCBs for electrical applications have been developed. Disposal of PCBs from discarded electrical equipment and other sources have caused problems, particularly since PCBs can survive ordinary incineration by escaping as vapours through the smokestack. However, they can be destroyed by special incineration processes.

PCBs tend to accumulate in the environment as they have high:
(A) Chemical stability
(B) Thermal stability
(C) Biological stability
(D) Vapour pressure
(E) Dielectric constants
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are known for their persistence in the environment due to the following properties:
1. Chemical Stability (A): PCBs resist chemical degradation, which allows them to persist for long periods in the environment.
2. Thermal Stability (B): PCBs are stable at high temperatures, contributing to their usage in industrial applications and persistence.
3. Biological Stability (C): They are resistant to microbial degradation, leading to bioaccumulation in ecosystems.
4. Dielectric Constants (E): High dielectric constants make PCBs ideal for use in electrical applications.
Vapour Pressure (D): PCBs have low vapour pressure, which reduces their volatility. This property does not significantly contribute to their accumulation in the environment.
Thus, the correct factors contributing to the accumulation of PCBs are (A), (B), (C), and (E).
Key Points (Information Booster):
1. Persistence: PCBs are part of the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), characterized by high resistance to natural degradation.
2. Bioaccumulation: PCBs tend to accumulate in fatty tissues, leading to magnification in higher trophic levels.
3. Toxic Effects: PCB exposure has been linked to cancer, immune system damage, and hormonal imbalances in humans and wildlife.
4. Usage: Despite bans, PCBs were widely used in industrial applications like coolants, capacitors, and transformers.
5. Environmental Impact: Improper disposal and accidental releases have led to widespread contamination.