Bacteria : Microscopic living organisms usually consisting of a single cell. Bacteria can aid in pollution control by consuming or breaking down organic matter in sewage. Some bacteria in soil, water or air may also cause human, animal and plant health problems.
Bio-Concentration: The build-up of a chemical in plants and animals to levels higher than found in the surroundings.
Biodegradable : Waste material composed primarily of naturally occurring elements that are able to be broken down and absorbed naturally into the ecosystem.
Biodiversity : The number and variety of different organisms in the ecological areas in which they naturally occur. Organisms are organized at many levels, ranging from complete ecosystems to the microscopic biochemical structures that are the molecular basis of heredity.
Biological Oxidation: The way that bacteria and microorganisms feed on and decompose complex organic materials. The process is used in self-purification of water and activated sludge wastewater treatment.
Biological Pesticides: Microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa that are effective in controlling target pests. These agents usually do not have toxic effects on animals and people and do not leave toxic or chemical residues in the environment.
Biological Treatment : A technology that uses bacteria to consume organic waste.
Biomass : At present, there is no single definition of this term that is federally recognized. Many states also lack a clear definition of the term. In general, the term is applied in two broad ways: (1) living matter in an area, including plants, large animals and insects which absorb sunlight and store it as chemical energy; (2) plant materials and animal waste used as fuel.
Bioremediation : Use of living organisms to clean oil spills or remove other pollutants from soil, water, or wastewater; use of organisms such as non-harmful insects to remove agricultural pests or counteract diseases of trees, plants, and garden soil.
Biosphere : The portion of Earth and its atmosphere that can support life
Biotechnology : Techniques that use living organisms or parts of organisms to produce products to improve plants or animals; or to develop microorganisms that remove toxics from bodies of water.
Bog : Type of wetland that accumulates peat deposits. Bogs depend primarily on rain for their water source, and are usually acidic and rich in plant residue with a visible mat of living green moss.
By-Product: Materials other than the intended product, generated as a result of an industrial process.
Wilson Community College | P.O. Box 4305 • 902 Herring Avenue | Wilson, NC 27893 | Phone: (252) 291-1195 | Fax: (252) 243-7148