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Biodegradable: IB Environmental Systems & Societies Definition

Alistair Marjot

Written by: Alistair Marjot

Reviewed by: Jacque Cartwright

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Contents

  1. 1. What does biodegradable mean?
  2. 2. Biodegradable Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

What does biodegradable mean?

In IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS), biodegradable refers to substances or objects that can be broken down naturally by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and other biological processes into water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter.

Understanding biodegradability is crucial for assessing the environmental impact of materials and waste. Biodegradable materials decompose relatively quickly and reduce the accumulation of waste, thereby minimising pollution and conserving ecosystems.

This concept is vital for evaluating sustainability practices and developing environmental management strategies that align with ecological health and resource conservation.

Biodegradable Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Save My Exams has a great range of resources to explore the topic of biodegradability in more detail and master other key related terms and concepts such as sustainability, non-biodegradable pollutants and waste management.

Explore our IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS) resources.

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Author
Reviewer
Alistair Marjot

Author: Alistair Marjot

Expertise: Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.

Jacque Cartwright

Author: Jacque Cartwright

Expertise: Geography Content Creator

Jacque graduated from the Open University with a BSc in Environmental Science and Geography before doing her PGCE with the University of St David’s, Swansea. Teaching is her passion and has taught across a wide range of specifications – GCSE/IGCSE and IB but particularly loves teaching the A-level Geography. For the past 5 years Jacque has been teaching online for international schools, and she knows what is needed to get the top scores on those pesky geography exams.

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