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GCSE Chemistry · key term
Able to be broken down naturally by microorganisms.
Used by Edexcel and OCR
Specification 9.23C, 9.24C · Paper 2
Revise: Problems with PolymersMany common synthetic polymers are non-biodegradable because microorganisms and their enzymes cannot readily break their structures down. They consequently decompose extremely slowly and persist for a long time.
Able to be decomposed by microorganisms.
Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher), Paper 4 (Higher)
Able to be broken down by microorganisms into simpler substances.
Revise: Life-cycle assessment principlesLandfill stores refuse by burying it. It uses land, and non-biodegradable materials can remain there for long periods.
For each problem, give both the feature of the polymer or disposal method and its consequence: for example, non-biodegradable polymers decompose very slowly, so they remain in landfill.
Do not assume that biodegradable means environmentally harmless, or that recycled material must have the lowest overall impact. Use the whole LCA.
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