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biodegradability

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Medical, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.03 sec.

biodegradability

Capacity of a material to decompose by biological action. The term usually refers to the environmental breakdown of waste by microorganisms. Generally, plant and animal products are biodegradable, whereas mineral substances (e.g., metals, glass, plastics) are not. Local conditions, especially the presence or absence of oxygen, affect biodegradability. Disposal of nonbiodegradable waste is a primary source of pollution. Surgical materials made to be absorbed by the body are also called biodegradable.


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In Europe, where biodegradability is a big selling point, some countries, like Holland, have extensive industrial composting infrastructure.
Made of plant-derived substances and offered in 29% solution in water, the new material excels in biodegradability.
Mats made from such fibers might be fine for applications in which biodegradability is desirable, says Long.
 
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