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biodegradable
(redirected from biodegradability)

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biodegradable

Capable of being broken down by living organisms, principally bacteria and fungi. In biodegradable substances, such as food and sewage, the natural processes of decay lead to compaction and liquefaction, and to the release of nutrients that are then recycled by the ecosystem.

This process can have some disadvantageous side effects, such as the release of methane, an explosive greenhouse gas. However, the technology now exists for waste tips to collect methane in underground pipes, drawing it off and using it as a cheap source of energy. Nonbiodegradable substances, such as glass, heavy metals, and most types of plastic, present serious problems of disposal.


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? Mentioned in ? References in periodicals archive
 
In Europe, where biodegradability is a big selling point, some countries, like Holland, have extensive industrial composting infrastructure.
Made of plant-derived substances and offered in 29% solution in water, the new material excels in biodegradability.
Mats made from such fibers might be fine for applications in which biodegradability is desirable, says Long.
 
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