Biodegradation Process

Decomposing Systems

Biodegradation

• Definition: The process by which organic materials are broken down into simpler substances by living organisms, such as microorganisms, fungi, or enzymes.
• Types:
  • Aerobic biodegradation: Occurs in the presence of oxygen, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide and water.
  • Anaerobic biodegradation: Occurs in the absence of oxygen, resulting in the release of methane and carbon dioxide.
• Factors influencing biodegradation:
  • Temperature
  • pH
  • Moisture
  • Oxygen availability
  • Nutrient availability
• Examples of biodegradable materials:
  • Organic waste (food waste, sewage)
  • Bioplastics
  • Cellulose-based materials

Chemical Decomposition

• Definition: The process by which a single substance breaks down into two or more simpler substances, often through chemical reactions.
• Types:
  • Thermal decomposition: Occurs through heat, resulting in the breakdown of a substance into its constituent elements.
  • Photolytic decomposition: Occurs through light, resulting in the breakdown of a substance into its constituent elements.
  • Hydrolytic decomposition: Occurs through water, resulting in the breakdown of a substance into its constituent elements.
• Examples of chemical decomposition:
  • Decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water and oxygen
  • Decomposition of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide
  • Decomposition of ammonia (NH3) into nitrogen and hydrogen

Decomposing Systems

Biodegradation

• Biodegradation is the process by which organic materials are broken down into simpler substances by living organisms, such as microorganisms, fungi, or enzymes.
• There are two main types of biodegradation: aerobic and anaerobic.
• Aerobic biodegradation occurs in the presence of oxygen, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide and water.
• Anaerobic biodegradation occurs in the absence of oxygen, resulting in the release of methane and carbon dioxide.
• Biodegradation is influenced by factors such as temperature, pH, moisture, oxygen availability, and nutrient availability.
• Examples of biodegradable materials include organic waste (food waste, sewage), bioplastics, and cellulose-based materials.

Chemical Decomposition

• Chemical decomposition is the process by which a single substance breaks down into two or more simpler substances, often through chemical reactions.
• There are three main types of chemical decomposition: thermal, photolytic, and hydrolytic.
• Thermal decomposition occurs through heat, resulting in the breakdown of a substance into its constituent elements.
• Photolytic decomposition occurs through light, resulting in the breakdown of a substance into its constituent elements.
• Hydrolytic decomposition occurs through water, resulting in the breakdown of a substance into its constituent elements.
• Examples of chemical decomposition include the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water and oxygen, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide, and ammonia (NH3) into nitrogen and hydrogen.