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Questions and Answers
What are the six requirements for biodegradation?
What are the six requirements for biodegradation?
- Presence of metals, minerals, and organic matter
- Presence of chemicals, high temperature, and oxygen
- Presence of sunlight, water, air, and soil
- Presence of appropriate microorganisms, energy source, carbon source, electron acceptor, etc. (correct)
What happens in the biotransformation process?
What happens in the biotransformation process?
- Organic matter is absorbed by microorganisms
- Organic matter is fully degraded to inorganic material
- Organic matter is partially degraded and some part is converted into smaller chain organic compounds (correct)
- Organic matter is converted into inorganic matter
What is mineralisation in the context of biodegradation?
What is mineralisation in the context of biodegradation?
- Partial degradation of organic matter to smaller chain organic compounds
- Absorption of inorganic material by microorganisms
- Total degradation of organic matter to inorganic material like water and carbon dioxide (correct)
- Conversion of inorganic material to organic matter
What is an example of biodegradation of a xenobiotic compound?
What is an example of biodegradation of a xenobiotic compound?
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What is the role of an electron acceptor in biodegradation?
What is the role of an electron acceptor in biodegradation?
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Study Notes
Biodegradation Requirements
- Six key requirements for biodegradation: availability of oxygen, suitable temperature, adequate moisture, suitable pH, presence of microorganisms, and availability of nutrients
- All these requirements must be met for biodegradation to occur
Biotransformation Process
- Biotransformation: process by which microorganisms convert a compound into a more water-soluble or toxic form
- Involves enzymatic reactions that modify the chemical structure of the compound
- Results in a change in the compound's physical and chemical properties
Mineralisation
- Mineralisation: complete breakdown of an organic compound into inorganic minerals such as carbon dioxide, water, and salts
- Ultimate goal of biodegradation, resulting in the release of inorganic compounds
Biodegradation of Xenobiotic Compounds
- Xenobiotic compounds: man-made substances not found in nature, such as pesticides and pharmaceuticals
- Example: biodegradation of DDT, a xenobiotic pesticide, by microorganisms that break it down into harmless compounds
Role of Electron Acceptors
- Electron acceptors: compounds that receive electrons during biodegradation, such as oxygen, nitrate, and sulfate
- Play a crucial role in biodegradation by facilitating the transfer of electrons during microbial metabolism
- Enable microorganisms to generate energy and sustain life during biodegradation
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