The lower layers of the atmosphere are known to contain some volatile organic substances, formed as a result of the activity of various organisms, industrial activity of man, and geochemical processes. Though usually the amount of these substances in the air is insignificant, their presence is, nevertheless, a practically constant factor affecting in some manner, directly or indirectly, vital a...

The biodegradation of organic substances is a natural yet poorly understood process. Given that biodegradation assessments form an integral part of chemical regulations to assess the persistent of substances this lack of knowledge needs to be addressed. Official references define the biodegradation process as "The biologically mediated degradation or transformation of chemicals usually carried ...