Oxidative and hydrolytic biodegradation are the two main ways in which biodegradable products are degraded, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
Oxidative Biodegradation (Oxo-biodegradable): This process involves the initial chemical decomposition of the material through oxidation, followed by biological decomposition. It releases carbon dioxide as the primary by-product. A significant advantage of this method is that the materials can potentially be recycled, enhancing their sustainability.
Hydrolytic Biodegradation (Hydro-biodegradable): In this method, the material undergoes chemical decomposition via hydrolysis before biological degradation takes place. Besides carbon dioxide, methane (CH4) is also produced as a by-product. However, this method tends to be more expensive compared to oxidative biodegradation.
Both these methods are environmentally friendly as they ultimately convert the biodegradable products into harmless substances, such as carbon dioxide, water, and biomass, which can be integrated back into the natural cycle.
Additionally, the degradation process is influenced by various environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, and the presence of microorganisms. Therefore, the actual degradation rates and effectiveness can vary depending on the specific conditions.
