Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable

Thekey differencebetween biodegradable and compostable is thatbiodegradable is a term that refers to material likeorganic matterthat can be broken down by the action ofmicroorganismsand other living organisms while compostable is a term that refers to material that can be used to makecompost.

环境是一个复杂的系统，包括生命和非生命问题。环境资源的分类是一个广泛的主题，因为它取决于各种因素。退化是一种关键因素，对于对环境资源及其可回收性分类至关重要。降解可以进一步分为几类，例如可生物降解和不可生物降解，快速降解和缓慢的降解等。大多数可生物降解的废物都是可堆肥的。

内容

1.Overview and Key Difference
2.什么是可生物降解的
3.What is Compostable
4.Similarities Between Biodegradable and Compostable
5.Side by Side Comparison – Biodegradable vs Compostable in Tabular Form
6。概括

什么是可生物降解的?

Biodegradable, as the name implies, refers to the materials that can be broken down by the reactions of living organisms. Bacteria and fungi mainly carry out biodegradation in the environment. Generally, these material have plant or animal origin. Some common examples of biodegradable materials are food waste, green waste (plant materials), manure and municipal solid waste. Some plastics are also biodegradable, but most plastics are not biodegradable.

Bacteria and fungi have the natural ability to degrade, convert or accumulate a huge range of organic substances. Some organisms degrade organic matter aerobically while some organisms carry out it under anaerobic conditions. However, the final product after the process heavily depends on the reaction conditions.

生物降解是一个在环境和经济上重要的过程。生物降解过程有许多优势。生物燃料的准备已成为一种替代能源需求的新技术。此外，堆肥是生物降解的另一种应用。但是，生物降解有时会产生一些环境问题，例如在厌氧条件下释放异味。

What is Compostable?

堆肥是现代农业的新趋势。堆肥是材料转化为堆肥的能力。这取决于给定材料的特征和所提供的条件。内部特征，例如碳：氮比，水含量和其他化学物质会影响堆肥过程。此外，外部环境条件（例如温度，曝气和土壤微生物）也会影响堆肥。可堆肥的材料类似于可生物降解的有机物，但通常会成为肥料或其他一些土壤修正案。

The composting process consists of several steps. There are different methods involving compost preparation based on the steps used. Some methods pile up wastes until decay while some other methods facilitate the same process by keeping them inside a pit made in the ground or compost barrels. Generally, it will take about four to five weeks or even more to make composts. The compostable materials have to be watered, shaded, mixed, aerated and closely monitored. Moreover, the carbon-nitrogen ratio of the mixture can be adjusted by fortifying with those nutrients. The breakdown of materials mainly occurs due to the activities of bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, and other microorganisms. Furthermore, some macro-organisms such as earthworms are also involved in the composting process.

Compost contains a high content of nutrients. Hence, it is useful as an organic fertilizer in agriculture. It can improve soil fertility and texture. Furthermore, it enhances the soil microbial population and aeration.

What are the Similarities Between Biodegradable and Compostable?

• Biodegradable and compostable materials are environmental friendly materials.
• The action of microorganisms and some other living organism is beneficial in both processes.
• These substances recycle organic matter and return nutrients back to the environment.
• Moreover, these are highly useful in agriculture.

What is the Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable?

术语可生物降解是指可以通过微生物和其他生物体作用分解的材料，而术语可堆肥术语是指可在特殊堆肥条件下用于堆肥的材料。因此，这是可生物降解和堆肥之间的关键区别。此外，在正常环境条件下发生生物降解，而堆肥则在受控条件下发生。

The below infographic summarizes the difference between biodegradable and compostable in tabular form.

摘要 - 可生物降解与可堆肥

Biodegradable materials have the ability to break down by the action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, etc. while compostable materials have the ability to break down under special composting conditions in composting piles in order to make compost. Compostable materials are similar to biodegradable materials. Both involve the action of microorganisms. However, biodegradation occurs within landfills, while composting occurs in compost piles. This is a summary of the difference between biodegradable and compostable.

Reference:

1.“Compost.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 30 Aug. 2019,Available here.
2. “Biodegradability & Compostability: Ecozema – English.” Italiano,Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. WPSOPO的“有机物1” - 自己的工作(CC BY-SA 3.0)viaCommons Wikimedia
2. “513609” (CC0) viaPixabay