Part 4: Biodegradation

Question 1

What factors limit the ability of microorganisms to break down matter?

Answer 1

O2 availability
Time
pH
Lack of nutrients
Inhibitory components
Concentration of compounds
Water availability

Question 2

What are xenobiotics?

Answer 2

Compound produced by humans and released into nature -e.g. herbicides, polyarmoatic hydrocarbons.