What does it mean when a material is described as biodegradable?

When a material is described as biodegradable, it means that it can be broken down naturally by the action of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and other biological processes. This breakdown typically leads to the material being decomposed into natural substances like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, which can then be reabsorbed into the environment without causing harm.

Biodegradable materials are important for reducing environmental pollution because they do not persist indefinitely in the environment, unlike synthetic materials that may take hundreds of years to decompose. This natural breakdown process helps in soil formation and nutrient cycling, contributing positively to ecosystems.

Recycling, while beneficial, refers to the reprocessing of materials to be used again and does not necessarily imply that the materials will decompose naturally. Similarly, a material that lasts forever or is synthetic would imply that it is non-biodegradable, which is contrary to the definition of biodegradability.