Biodegrading: meaning, definitions and examples

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biodegrading

 

[ ˌbaɪoʊdɪˈɡreɪdɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

environmental process

Biodegrading refers to the process by which organic substances are broken down by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, into simpler, non-toxic substances. This process is essential in nature as it helps in the decomposition of organic matter, thus recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. Biodegrading is a key component of waste management, particularly for biodegradable materials like food waste, paper, and certain plastics. The efficiency of biodegrading can be influenced by various factors, including temperature, moisture, and the presence of oxygen.

Synonyms

break down, decay, decompose

Examples of usage

  • Plastic bottles take years to biodegrade.
  • Composting helps biodegrade organic waste efficiently.
  • Certain packaging materials are designed to biodegrade quickly.
  • Microorganisms are crucial for biodegrading pollutants.

Translations

Translations of the word "biodegrading" in other languages:

🇵🇹 biodegradável

🇮🇳 जैव अपघटन

🇩🇪 biologisch abbaubar

🇮🇩 biodegradable

🇺🇦 біодеградування

🇵🇱 biodegradowalny

🇯🇵 生分解性の

🇫🇷 biodégradable

🇪🇸 biodegradable

🇹🇷 biyolojik olarak parçalanabilir

🇰🇷 생분해성의

🇸🇦 قابل للتحلل البيولوجي

🇨🇿 biologicky rozložitelný

🇸🇰 biologicky rozložiteľný

🇨🇳 生物降解的

🇸🇮 biološko razgradljiv

🇮🇸 lífrænt niðurbrot

🇰🇿 биологиялық ыдырайтын

🇬🇪 ბიოდეგრადირებადი

🇦🇿 bioloji parçalanan

🇲🇽 biodegradable

Etymology

The term 'biodegrade' derives from the prefix 'bio-', meaning life, and the root 'degrade', which originates from the Latin word 'degradare'. The concept emerged alongside greater environmental awareness in the late 20th century, particularly during the rise of the environmental movement in the 1960s and 1970s. As concerns about pollution, waste, and the longevity of synthetic materials grew, the understanding of biodegradation's role became critical. The term reflects scientific advancements in biology and environmental sciences, as researchers began to explore the capabilities of certain microorganisms in breaking down various materials. The focus on sustainable practices and materials has heightened interest in biodegrading, making it a vital element of discussions surrounding waste management and environmental conservation.