Are biodegradable wastes automatically conservative?

Nonbiodegradable wastes, on the other hand, must be conserved. This means that no reaction takes place (no radioactive decay, bacterial decomposition, biochemical decay, or chemical decay). Examples of materials that are commonly accepted as conservatives are heavy metals in soil (like batteries), carbon dioxide in the air, and total dissolved solids in a body of water (like a lake or river).

Salt (NaCl) is completely dissolved in the water you prepare to wash your feet, for example, and it is conservative in the system. You pour that salty water into the sink.

Not every human waste decomposes naturally.

No, biodegradable wastes are not automatically conservative. Conservation depends on proper waste management practices to ensure minimal environmental impact.

No, biodegradable wastes are not automatically conservative. The term "conservative" in environmental science refers to substances or materials that do not undergo significant chemical changes or breakdown over time. While biodegradable wastes can break down naturally through biological processes, their breakdown may release substances that can impact the environment, such as nutrients or gases like methane. Therefore, biodegradable wastes are not considered conservative as they can contribute to environmental changes during their decomposition process.