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Everything about Biodegradation

Decomposition by living organisms

Biodegradation is the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. In contrast to biodegradation, phytodegradation, which has few applications, relies on green plants to effect the degradation. Wikipedia →

🧭 Start here: a 6-step reading path

  1. Read the overview: BiodegradationA 5-minute orientation
  2. Skim a recent paper: Injectable, self-healing hydrogel adhesives with firm tissue adhesion and on-demand biodegradation for sutureless wound closureInfluential work since 2022
  3. Pick up a classic book: At the WaterworksThe most-reprinted book on the subject
  4. Read the landmark paper: Biodegradation aspects of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): A reviewCited 2,726 times
  5. Go sideways: Biodegradable polymerA closely related topic
  6. Go sideways: BioplasticA closely related topic

📖 Definitions

Noun The decomposition of any material by microorganisms.

🗂️ The subject at a glance

  1. Mechanisms
  2. Factors affecting biodegradation rate
  3. Individual material classes
  4. Biodegradable technology
  5. Biodegradation vs. composting
  6. Environmental and social effects
  7. Etymology of "biodegradable"

🏆 Landmark papers (most cited)

🆕 Influential since 2022

📚 Books worth reading

Ranked by number of editions on Open Library, a rough measure of how lasting a book is.

🔗 Related topics