Decomposition

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-007458",
  "term": "Decomposition",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. Metabolic breakdown of organic materials; the formation of by-products of decomposition releases energy and simple organic and inorganic compounds. (See also, Respiration.)\n\n2. The conversion of chemically unstable materials to more stable forms by chemical or biological action. If organic matter decays when there is no oxygen present (anaerobic conditions or putrefaction), undesirable tastes and odors are produced. Decay of organic matter when oxygen is present (aerobic conditions) tends to produce much less objectionable tastes and odors.\n\n3. The breakdown of matter by bacteria and fungi, changing the chemical makeup and physical appearance of materials.\n\n4. The breakdown of matter by bacteria and fungi. Decomposition changes the chemical makeup and physical appearance of materials.\n\n5. The breakdown of matter by bacteria and fungi. It changes the chemical composition and physical appearance of the materials.\n\n6. The process by which organic matter breaks down into simpler forms.\n\n7. The breakdown of matter by bacteria and fungi.\n\n8. The biochemical breakdown of organic matter into its original compounds.\n\n9. The breakdown of matter by bacteria and fungi. It changes the chemical makeup and physical appearance of materials.\n\n10. The process of breaking down organic material; reduction of the net energy level and change in physical and chemical composition of organic material.\n\n11. The biochemical breakdown of organic matter into organic compounds and nutrients, and ultimately into its original components.",
  "subject": "Water",
  "references": [
    "Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) Glossary",
    "Drinking Water Technical & Legal Terms",
    "Terms of Environment",
    "Student's Guide to Global Climate Change",
    "Greenhouse Gas Emissions",
    "Chesapeake Bay Glossary; Chesapeake Bay Program Glossary",
    "I-BEAM Glossary of Terms",
    "DOI Bureau of Land Management Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health: Glossary at http://www.blm.gov/nstc/library/pdf/1734-6.pdf",
    "NASA Earth Observatory Glossary",
    "DOE Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Glossary of Energy-Related Terms",
    "USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services Soil Ecology Terms Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/decomposition/"
}