What is microbial degradation?

Microbial degradation refers specifically to the breakdown of chemicals by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. This process is crucial in the environment as it helps in the detoxification of hazardous substances, including pesticides and other pollutants. Microorganisms play a key role in the bioremediation of contaminated sites by utilizing these chemicals as a food source, transforming them into less harmful or harmless substances.

While the other options mention related processes, they do not accurately describe microbial degradation. For instance, the breakdown of a pesticide by insects pertains to a different mechanism involving physical consumption rather than microbial action. The decomposition of organic matter involves the breakdown of dead plants and animals, primarily carried out by a broader range of organisms beyond just microorganisms. Bioaccumulation refers to the accumulation of substances in an organism, rather than their breakdown, highlighting a different environmental process. Hence, the focus on microorganisms in the context of chemical breakdown makes the correct answer clear and precise.