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The secret of biodegradation: How do microorganisms quietly break down organic matter?
With the rise of environmental awareness, biodegradation has become a hot topic today. As the global plastic pollution problem becomes increasingly serious, the scientific community and environmental groups have conducted in-depth research on biodegradation technology.
Biodegradation is the process by which microorganisms (such as bacteria and fungi) break down organic matter. Unlike composting, which is a human-driven process that occurs under specific conditions, biodegradation is a natural process. This process can be divided into three stages: biological degradation, biological fragmentation and assimilation. First, in the biodegradation stage, materials face structural mechanical deterioration; then, the biofragmentation stage occurs, and microorganisms begin to break down the materials; and finally, these materials enter the assimilation stage and are integrated into microbial cells.
Almost all chemical compounds and materials can biodegrade, the key is time. Some vegetables may degrade within a few days, while glass and some plastics take thousands of years to break down.
During the first stage of biodegradation, the material is exposed to abiotic factors in the environment. These factors such as light, temperature, mechanical stress and environmental chemicals will affect the mechanical properties of the material. This process provides conditions for further degradation. Parallel to biodegradation is biofragmentation, which is the process of fragmentation of polymers by microorganisms in an aerobic or anoxic environment. When there is oxygen, it is aerobic digestion, and when there is no oxygen, it is anaerobic digestion. The main difference between the two processes is the difference in the products - anaerobic reactions produce methane, while aerobic reactions do not.
Anaerobic digestion is better at reducing material volume and mass, while aerobic digestion usually occurs faster.
During the assimilation stage, products from biological fragmentation are integrated into microbial cells. Some fragmented products are transported into cells through membranes and enter various metabolic pathways in the cells to generate energy or cell structural elements.
However, the rate of biodegradation is affected by many factors, including light, water, oxygen and temperature. In real environments, the bioavailability of materials determines the rate of degradation of organic compounds. Studies have shown that some materials tested in laboratory settings show rapid biodegradation properties, but they may not achieve the same degradation efficiency after being buried in landfills due to the lack of necessary light and moisture.
In view of the impact of plastics on the environment, the European Union has set a standard that requires more than 90% of raw materials to be converted into carbon dioxide, water and minerals within six months.
Biodegradable plastics are materials that can be broken down by microorganisms into low molecular weight compounds and non-toxic by-products after use. Of course, the rate of degradation of these materials is highly variable. Plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are chosen for use in sewer pipes because of their inertness, while some packaging materials degrade rapidly upon contact with the environment.
For example, researchers have found that a bacterium called Ideonella sakaiensis can resist the degradation of PET plastic. Such progress allows us to see that microorganisms not only decompose decaying organic matter, they also play an important role in technological innovation.
However, the boundaries between biodegradation and composting are not clear and the two are often confused. The secular understanding of "biodegradable" is often superficial and fails to reflect its potential impact on the environment. In fact, the names of biodegradable materials are often just marketing jargon rather than a guarantee that they are truly environmentally friendly.
It is critical for businesses and consumers alike to understand the difference between biodegradation and composting so they can properly dispose of waste and protect our environment.
The environmental impact is even more prominent. Plastic pollution not only affects the health of wildlife, but also poses a threat to human health. With the continuous evolution of policies and technological innovation, biodegradable technology is gradually showing its potential in fields such as medical care, packaging and waste management. However, it all ultimately relies on human action and a shift in consciousness to reduce harm to the environment. As this process deepens, in the future we need to think about how to use the power of microorganisms more effectively to clean up the environment around us?
