Degradation

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-007533",
  "term": "Degradation",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. Conversion of an organic compound to one containing a smaller number of carbon atoms.\n\n2. Chemical or biological breakdown of a complex compound into simpler compounds.\n\n3. The sum of natural processes which cause a decrease in PCB mass (weight, not quantity) by either dechlorination or outright destruction of PCB molecules.\n\n4. The reduction of a chemical compound to one less complex, as by splitting off one or more groups.\n\n5. The loss of or change in a fabric's chemical resistance or physical properties due to exposure to chemicals, use, or ambient conditions (e.g., sunlight).",
  "subject": "Water",
  "references": [
    "Waste and Cleanup Risk Assessment Glossary",
    "Drinking Water Technical & Legal Terms",
    "Hudson River PCBs Glossary of Terms",
    "National Cancer Institute Thesaurus",
    "EPA Emergency Responder Health and Safety Manual - Chapter 5: Personal Protective Equipment Program"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/degradation/"
}