Biodegradation

Biodegradation is the breakdown of substances by living organisms, especially microorganisms, into simpler compounds. It can occur in natural environments or engineered systems.

Microbial metabolism: The chemical reactions microorganisms use to obtain energy and build cellular material. Microorganisms drive much biodegradation by using compounds in their metabolism.
Bioremediation: The use of organisms to remove, contain, or detoxify environmental pollutants. Bioremediation deliberately applies biodegradation to polluted sites and materials.
Photodegradation: The breakdown of substances caused by light, especially ultraviolet radiation. Sunlight can fragment pollutants without organisms performing the breakdown.
Biodegradability testing: Laboratory methods that assess whether and how extensively a substance undergoes biological breakdown. Test outcomes depend on the chosen method, duration, and environmental conditions.
Enzymes: Biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions without being consumed. Microbial enzymes catalyze reactions that break down complex substances.
Wastewater treatment: Processes that remove contaminants from used water before discharge or reuse. Treatment plants rely on microbial breakdown of many organic pollutants.
Hydrolysis: A chemical reaction that breaks bonds through the addition of water. Hydrolysis can degrade compounds abiotically, unlike organism-driven biodegradation.
Environmental microbiology: The study of microorganisms and their activities in natural and human-made environments. It investigates which microbial communities can degrade compounds in real ecosystems.
Aerobic respiration: A metabolic process that uses oxygen to release energy from organic molecules. Oxygen can enable efficient oxidation of biodegradable organic matter.
Composting: The managed aerobic decomposition of organic materials into a soil amendment. Composting harnesses biodegradation to turn organic waste into stable material.

Linked from 31 pages