ultimate biodegradation

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.13923
Complete breakdown of a compound to either fully oxidized or reduced simple molecules (such as carbon dioxide/methane, nitrate/ammonium, and water).
Notes:
  1. This term reflects the end-products of biodegradation. As such, it differs from the theoretical degree of biodegradation, which depends on the presence of non-biodegradable components.
  2. The use of this expression is not recommended.
Source:
PAC, 2012, 84, 377. (Terminology for biorelated polymers and applications (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)) on page 397 [Terms] [Paper]
Citation: 'ultimate biodegradation' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.13923 RIS BibTex EndNote
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