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Questions and Answers
What is biodegradation?
What is biodegradation?
- A chemically catalyzed process by which inorganic substances are broken down into smaller compounds by non-living organisms
- A biologically catalyzed process by which organic substances are broken down into smaller compounds by living organisms (correct)
- A process by which organic substances are synthesized by living organisms
- A process by which inorganic substances are broken down into larger compounds by living organisms
What is the difference between composting and biodegradation?
What is the difference between composting and biodegradation?
- Composting is a chemically catalyzed process, while biodegradation is a biologically catalyzed process
- Biodegradation is a controlled process, while composting is a natural process
- Composting involves inorganic waste, while biodegradation involves organic waste
- Composting is a natural breaking down process of organic wastes by microorganisms under controlled conditions, while biodegradation is a natural breaking down process of organic waste by microorganisms (correct)
What is the term used when biodegradation is complete?
What is the term used when biodegradation is complete?
- Oxidation
- Decomposition
- Fermentation
- Mineralization (correct)
What is a compostable product required to do in a composting system?
What is a compostable product required to do in a composting system?
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What are the degradative abilities employed in biodegradation used for?
What are the degradative abilities employed in biodegradation used for?
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Study Notes
Biodegradation
- Biodegradation is the process of breaking down organic materials by microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and yeast, into simpler compounds.
Composting vs Biodegradation
- Composting is a specific type of biodegradation that involves the aerobic decomposition of organic matter, typically in a controlled environment, to produce a stable humus-like product.
- Biodegradation is a broader term that encompasses various types of decomposition, including anaerobic decomposition, which occurs in the absence of oxygen.
Completion of Biodegradation
- The term used when biodegradation is complete is "mineralization", which refers to the conversion of organic matter into inorganic compounds, such as carbon dioxide, water, and minerals.
Compostable Products
- A compostable product is required to break down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass at a rate consistent with known compostable materials, and leave no toxic residues, in a composting system.
Applications of Biodegradation
- The degradative abilities employed in biodegradation are used for various purposes, including waste management, environmental remediation, and the production of biofuels and biochemicals.
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