The use of microorganisms to degrade, or break down, compounds found in the environment
Transformation of a substance into new compounds through biochemical reactions or the actions of microorganisms such as bacteria
The chemical breakdown of materials by living organisms in the environment The process depends on certain microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeast, and fungi, which break down molecules for sustenance Certain chemical structures are more susceptible to microbial breakdown than others; vegetable oils, for example, will biodegrade more rapidly than petroleum oils Most petroleum products typically will completely biodegrade in the environment within two months to two years
1) The reduction in concentration of a chemical or physical agent through naturally occurring microbial activity 2) The process of an organic molecule becoming transformed by biological means