Fiveable
Fiveable

Aerobic Decomposition

Definition

Aerobic decomposition is the natural process where microorganisms break down organic matter in the presence of oxygen, releasing carbon dioxide and nutrients back into the environment.

Related terms

Anaerobic Decomposition: This refers to the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen, resulting in the production of methane gas instead of carbon dioxide.

Eutrophication: This term describes excessive nutrient runoff (such as from fertilizers) that leads to an overgrowth of algae and depletes oxygen levels in water bodies, disrupting aerobic decomposition processes.

Landfills: These are engineered sites where waste is deposited and typically covered with soil. Landfills can disrupt aerobic decomposition because they limit oxygen availability for microorganisms.

"Aerobic Decomposition" appears in:

Practice Questions (1)

  • Which human activities can disrupt the natural process of aerobic decomposition?

collegeable - rocket pep

Are you a college student?

  • Study guides for the entire semester

  • 200k practice questions

  • Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab


Fiveable
About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

Stay Connected


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.