biodegradation

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-003160",
  "term": "biodegradation",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. A process by which microbial organisms transform or alter (through metabolic or enzymatic action) the structure of chemicals introduced into the environment.\n\n2. A subset of biotransformation, it is the biologically mediated conversion of a compound to more simple products.\n\n3. Decomposition of a substance into more elementary compounds by the action of microorganisms such as bacteria.\n\n4. Decomposition or breakdown of a substance through the action of microorganisms (such as bacteria or fungi) or other natural physical processes (such as sunlight).\n\n5. The chemical breakdown of materials under natural conditions.\n\n6. Chemical reaction of a substance induced by enzymatic activity of microorganisms.\n\n7. The breakdown of a chemical that occurs by a biotic organism, such as bacteria.",
  "subject": "Land, waste and cleanup",
  "references": [
    "Underground Storage Tank Sites Guide Glossary; Office of Underground Storage Tanks Technical Terms; Glossary of Technical Terms: Office of Underground Storage Tanks",
    "Leaking Underground Storage Tanks Sites Glossary",
    "Drinking Water Technical & Legal Terms",
    "CDC Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Glossary",
    "EPA Draft Plan to Study the Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources: Glossary at www.yosemite.epa.gov/sab",
    "40 CFR Appendix A to Part 300",
    "ExpoBox Terminology; EPA ExpoBox Terminology"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/biodegradation/"
}