OXO BIODEGRADABLE Meaning and
Definition
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Oxo biodegradable refers to a type of material or packaging that undergoes degradation through an oxidative process, facilitated by the presence of oxygen. The term "oxo" refers to oxidation, which involves breaking down the molecular structure of a substance, typically through the addition of oxygen.
In the context of biodegradable materials, oxo biodegradable implies that the material can undergo decomposition when exposed to air and sunlight. This process occurs due to the presence of metal salts, typically cobalt, that act as catalysts, accelerating the oxidation reaction. The oxidative degradation of the material leads to the fragmentation of its molecular structure into smaller pieces, making it more susceptible to microbial activity and, consequently, biodegradation.
Oxo biodegradable materials are designed to break down into smaller components, such as carbon dioxide, water, and biomass, over a relatively short period of time when exposed to the elements. The resulting fragments can then be further metabolized and assimilated by microorganisms and natural processes in the environment.
Advocates of oxo biodegradable materials argue that they provide a solution to the problem of plastic waste by promoting the breakdown and recycling of plastics in a more rapid and environmentally friendly manner. However, debates exist regarding the actual effectiveness and consequences of oxo biodegradable materials, with some concerns raised about potential microplastic pollution and the long-term impacts of the additives used in their production.
Etymology of OXO BIODEGRADABLE
The term "oxo biodegradable" is derived from two components: "oxo" and "biodegradable".
1. "Oxo": In this context, "oxo" refers to the inclusion of oxygen (O) in the composition. It originated from the word "oxygen", representing the presence of oxygen atoms in the material. It is used as a prefix to indicate materials or processes that involve or utilize oxygen.
2. "Biodegradable": "Biodegradable" is a compound word combining "bio" (meaning life, living organisms) and "degradable" (capable of being broken down or decomposed). It refers to a substance's ability to naturally break down or be consumed by microorganisms, fungi, or other natural processes over time, without causing harm to the environment.
