The breakdown of putrescible (organic) material by biological processes.
Changes caused by micro-organisms (bacteria, algae, fungi): viscosity loss, odor spoilage, delamination, discoloration...
1) The reduction in concentration of a chemical or physical agent through naturally occurring microbial activity. 2) The process of an organic molecule becoming transformed by biological means.
The transformation by microorganisms of organic materials, such as fallen leaves, into stable humus. See decomposition.
The degradation of plastics by microorganisms when buried in the soil. Some plastics can be modified to become biodegradable by the incorporation of a biodegradable additive such as corn starch.
Biodegradation is the process whereby organic chemicals are broken down into progressively simpler molecules, largely by the action of various bacteria.
Biologically mediated conversion of one compound to another; no extent is necessarily implied. Biodegradation need not have a benign outcome. For example, it could convert an innocuous chemical into a toxic one, or change a readily metabolizable compound into one difficult to destroy. Nevertheless, note that when scientists and engineers state that a chemical is biodegradable, they usually mean that it can be mineralized (see mineralization).
The breakdown of organic substances by microorganisms.
(or Biodegrade)—the breaking down of substances by microorganisms, like bacteria, which use the substances for food and generally release harmless by-products such as carbon dioxide and water.
The breakdown of a substance by biological activity.
The breakdown of organic materials into simple chemicals commonly found in the body.
Natural decomposition of a substance via biological processes.
Decomposition by natural biological processes
Breakdown of organic matter by micro-organisms into carbon dioxide and water or into less harmful compounds
The breakdown by living organisms of a compound to its chemical constituents. Materials that can be easily biodegraded are colloquially termed biodegradable.
Breaking down of natural or synthetic organic materials by microorganisms in soils, natural bodies of water, or wastewater treatment systems.
Decomposition of material by microorganisms.
Breakdown (digestion) by biological organisms.
"Degradation" means decay, and the "bio-" prefix means that the decay is carried out by a huge assortment of bacteria, fungi, insects, worms, and other organisms that eat dead material and recycle it into new forms.
helps break down and decompose dead plants and/or animals
the breaking down of organic (carbon-containing) ingredients into carbon dioxide, water and minerals by the action of microorganisms, such as bacteria.
Breakdown of a substance catalysed by enzymes in vitro or in vivo. This may be characterized for purposes of hazard assessment as: Primary. Alteration of the chemical structure of a substance resulting in loss of a specific property of that substance. Environmentally acceptable. Biodegradation to such an extent as to remove undesirable properties of the compound. This often corresponds to primary biodegradation but it depends on the circumstances under which the products are discharged into the environment. Ultimate. Complete breakdown of a compound to either fully oxidised or reduced simple molecules (such as carbon dioxide/methane, nitrate/ammonium, and water. It should be noted that the products of biodegradation can be more harmful than the substance degraded. RT biotransformation.
The digestion of organic substances by biological action, a process usually involving microbes, particularly bacteria.
Using aerobic bacteria to decompose organic wastes.
the natural process of contaminant breakdown by microorganisms in the environment, often forming non or less harmful byproducts
Decomposition of organic matter by micro-organisms and other living things.
to decay or degrade and become absorbed by the environment
Decomposition of a substance into more elementary compounds by the action of microorganisms such as bacteria.
Biodegradation is the process by which organic substances are broken down by other living organisms. The term is often used in relation to ecology, waste management, environmental remediation (bioremediation) and to plastic materials, due to their long life span. Organic material can be degraded aerobically, with oxygen, or anaerobically, without oxygen.