biodegraded

Biodegraded is an adjective describing a material that has undergone biodegradation, a biological process in which microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi enzymatically break down complex organic substances into simpler compounds, typically carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. In some cases, especially under anaerobic conditions, other end products such as methane may form.

The biodegradation process often includes disintegration (physical fragmentation) followed by mineralization (conversion to inorganic substances). A material may disintegrate without fully mineralizing, leaving residues or microfragments. The rate and extent of biodegradation depend on factors such as the community of microorganisms, environmental conditions (temperature, moisture, pH, oxygen), nutrient availability, and the chemical structure and accessibility of the material (surface area, crystallinity, additives).

Biodegradation occurs in various environments, including soil, compost, freshwater, and marine settings. Natural materials like food waste, paper, and untreated wood typically biodegrade readily, whereas many conventional plastics require specific industrial composting conditions to biodegrade, and may persist in home composting, soil, or marine environments. Some products labeled biodegradable are designed to degrade under particular conditions and time frames, not universally in all environments.

Standards and testing exist to assess biodegradability and compostability, often involving measurements such as carbon dioxide evolution or oxygen demand. Labels and certifications aim to indicate the conditions under which biodegradation is expected. It is important to note that biodegraded does not guarantee complete remediation or absence of residuals, and incomplete degradation can contribute to microplastic formation in some cases.