What are Biodegradable Substances? Explain with Examples

BY Team Aakash Byju's

Biodegradable substances can be degraded by microorganisms into harmless and non-toxic substances.

Examples:  Agricultural, Human and Animal wastes like dung, hay, leaves, twigs, vegetable peels, leftover food, human excreta and animal excreta.

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Degradation or decomposition is the process of materials being digested and broken down into simple substances by microbes.

 All these nutrients are more available to plants. Plants absorb these nutrients from the soil.

Biodegradable substances contribute directly to the fertility of the soil.

Harmful effects of biodegradable wastes: 1. But the amount of biodegradable materials that exceeds it creates negative impacts.

2. An excessive amount of biodegradable wastes may increase the risk of contagious diseases.

3. If biodegradable wastes are present in water, they increase microbial activity in water. It reduces oxygen levels in the water

Biodegradable waste management Decomposition of biodegradable wastes is also being done and gives organic manure.

Cow dung and other agricultural wastes should be processed to produce biogas.

- The pyrolysis process can be applied to any biodegradable substance.  - In this process, products like tar methyl alcohol, acetic acid acetone etc can be obtained.