What is biodegradation?
The materials can be transformed into simpler and harmless substances called biodegradable products. In nature there are microorganisms that synthesize a variety of enzymes capable of degrading numerous chemical compounds. The property of being biodegradable depends on the chemical structure of the product. For example, plastics, certain detergents, insecticides and medical waste are compounds chemically resistant to microbial action and, therefore, are highly polluting. Generally, this waste must be submitted, prior to disposal, a number of processes that allow its degradation.
Industrial development in recent decades had a great impact on the environment and accelerated its contamination as enzymatic compositions can not degrade the waste products of some industries. Also, the river water was polluted by these wastes.
How do non-biodegradable substances in the environment?
Substances that do not degrade in the environment remain for several days, months and even years causing pollution. In contrast, biodegradable products disappear quickly.
Certain materials used in industry, such as rubber tires, do not degrade quickly and are highly polluting. Others, such as paper, recycled easily.
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