Biodegradability

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-003156",
  "term": "Biodegradability",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. Biodegradability is the capability of a substance to break down into simpler substances, especially into innocuous products, by the actions of living organisms (that is, microorganisms).\n\n2. The ability of an organic material to break down or change into a natural substance such as water or carbon dioxide.\n\n3. The relative ease with which petroleum hydrocarbons will degrade as the result of biological metabolism. Although virtually all petroleum hydrocarbons are biodegradable, biodegradability is highly variable and dependent somewhat on the type of hydrocarbon. In general, biodegradability increases with increasing solubility; solubility is inversely proportional to molecular weight.\n\n4. Capability of organic matter to be decomposed by biological processes. Both the rate and the completeness of decomposition are factors in biodegradability.",
  "subject": "Land, waste and cleanup",
  "references": [
    "Waste and Cleanup Risk Assessment Glossary",
    "I-BEAM Glossary of Terms",
    "Office of Underground Storage Tanks Technical Terms; Glossary of Technical Terms: Office of Underground Storage Tanks",
    "EPA's Safer Choice Standard (February 2015) https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2013-12/documents/standard-for-safer-products.pdf"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/biodegradability/"
}