What is photodegradation?

Photodegradation refers specifically to the process through which a substance breaks down as a result of exposure to sunlight, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This process is significant in various ecological contexts, as it affects the persistence and breakdown of pollutants and organic materials in the environment.

When materials, such as plastics or organic compounds, are exposed to sunlight, the energy from the light can cause chemical changes, leading to the degradation of these materials. This is crucial for understanding how pollutants can be removed from ecosystems over time or how certain materials become less harmful as they undergo photodegradation.

This process is particularly different from the decay mechanisms involving microbial action, water saturation, or temperature changes, which are distinct pathways for the breakdown of organic materials. Each of these processes plays a role in the broader context of decomposition and material cycles in ecosystems but does not involve the specific action of sunlight as photodegradation does.