International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation publishes original research papers and reviews on the biological causes of deterioration or degradation.
– The causes may be macro– or microbiological, whose origins may be aerial, aquatic, or terrestrial.
– The effects may include corrosion, fouling, rotting, decay, infection, disfigurement, toxification, weakening or processes that liquefy, detoxify, or mineralize.
– The materials affected may include natural, synthetic or refined materials [such as metals, hydrocarbons and oils, foodstuffs and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cellulose and wood, plastics and polymers, fibres, paper, leather, waste materials or any other material of commercial importance]; and structures or systems [such as buildings, works of art, processing equipment, etc.] as well as hazardous wastes, and includes environmental and occupational health aspects resulting from the activities of the biological agents described above.