Biodegradable

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-003157",
  "term": "Biodegradable",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. The ability of a substance to be broken down physically and/or chemically by microorganisms. For example, many chemicals, food scraps, cotton, wool, and paper are bio-degradable; plastics and polyester generally are not.\n\n2. Capable of decomposing rapidly under natural conditions.\n\n3. Capable of decomposing under natural conditions.\n\n4. Material that can be broken down into simpler substances (elements and compounds) by bacteria or other decomposers. Paper and most organic wastes such as animal manure are biodegradable. See nonbiodegradable.\n\n5. Able to break down or decompose rapidly under natural conditions.",
  "subject": "General environmental",
  "references": [
    "Environmental Issues Terms & Acronyms",
    "Aquatic Biodiversity Glossary",
    "Terms of Environment",
    "Greenhouse Gas Emissions",
    "I-BEAM Glossary of Terms"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/biodegradable/"
}