Biodegradable Chemicals

Good day All

The general ​definition of ​biodegradable ​is anything ​that biologically ​degrades with ​time. This time ​can be 1000 ​years, 2days or ​any amount of ​time. So ​looking at this ​definition, ​then everything ​is technically ​biodegradable. ​

Some ​chemicals used ​for cleaning ​and disinfection ​(especially in ​food industry) ​has also been ​termed ​biodegradable.​ The WHO ​said Sodium-​diChloro-​Isocyanurate is ​a biodegradable ​chemical.  ​

So if certain ​chemicals are ​stamped ​biodegradable ​then this ​deviates from ​the general ​definition of ​biodegradability.​  ​

So what is ​actually the ​meaning of ​biodegradability ​when it is ​being used to ​stamp products ​as biodegradable.​ Is there a ​time to degrade ​which is used ​as reference. ​Example, ​anything taking ​>5 years is ​termed un-​biodegradable. ​Or what is the ​criteria to ​stamp a ​chemical as ​biodegradable? ​

Same as with ​labs that terms ​all parameters ​going through a ​0.45um filter ​as "soluble". ​But the same ​parameters ​termed soluble ​passing through ​a 0.45um filter ​is not soluble ​passing though ​a 0.03um filter.​ So the 0.45um ​size was used ​as reference to ​create the ​universal ​definition of ​soluble. ​

Taxonomy

• Biogeochemistry
• Bioremediation
• Biochemicals
• Fluidised Aerobic Bio-Reactor
• Biodegradable Products

5 Answers

1. It sounds as if you want us to help you write your high school paper.  How sad.  Your question sounds plagiaristic: from Latin plagiarius ‘kidnapper’ (from plagium ‘a kidnapping’, from Greek plagion). During the 50's, the attempt to claim work, from the work of others, was an automatic F in any class.  Students werer required to write a paper, on their own, to develope their own understanding.  We now have the internet that limits a student's ability to understand the topic. Regurgitation is easier than understanding. 

2. As defined for various substances, materials and media in pertinent standards and codes, e.g. see here: https://www.en-standard.eu/search/?q=biodegradable

3. I agree with the previous comments completely I also want to assign my contribution to this topic.
   Biodegradability depends on many factors such as the material to be degraded, the size of the molecule to be degraded, the bacteria used to degrade the biodegradable material, the bacterial environment that leads to their life, growth, reproduction, etc. In our case we are talking about time. In the past, no enzymes were added to the wastewater, but the enzymes were secreted by bacteria, which took time to call retention time. , in newer plants and technologies, ready-made enzymes are already added that break down large molecules into smaller and smaller ones so that bacteria can use them as food, which has caused a reduction in time - retention time, and thus a reduction in tanks, reactors and the like. So today we have small reactors, large capacity, less time for biodegradation and the like.

4. IMHO, the biodegradable material is one which is amenable to degrading through enzymatic biochemical reactions, which is primarily brought about by the action of bacteria.

   Normally, a 5-day period is desirable as based on the initial experiments, they specified 5-day Biochemical Oxygen Demand. In a treatment plant, however, it is desirable to reduce this time to less that one day by increasing the concentration of bacteria and other parameters fine tuNing. WWTP are designed to enhanced the natural process of bydegradable, which is generally slow process. All ETP does is increase the speed of process.

   Some chemicals ss mentioned by you may be amenable to oxidation by enzymatic biochemical processes. WHO is better equipped to answer that question as to why these are biodegradable.

   Looking at it, given enough time water dissolves material, and that is why it is called a Universal Solvent. 

   Based on my little experience with Water and Wastewater Management issues.

   Regard and Best.

   Jagdish Kumar Bassin

   Former Chief Scientist & Head

   CSIR-NEERI Delhi Center

   New Delhi

   Chief Advisor, India Water Foundation.

   Freelance Consultant for Air and Water quality Modelling and Design of wastewater treatment plant.

   1 Comment

   1. Sir what is the Indian standard to be followed to check the given compound is  bio degradable or not ? is any procedure for testing ?

       

5. Fascinating, thanks for the Clarifications Dr Darries, we are confident  that this clarification shall help this Platform Members and beyond.