Biogenic substance

A biogenic substance is a substance produced by life processes. It may be either constituents, or secretions, of plants or animals. A more specific name for these substances is biomolecules.

Examples

• Coal and oil are possible examples of constituents which may have undergone changes over geologic time periods.
• Chalk and limestone are examples of secretions (marine animal shells) which are of geologic age.
• Cotton and wood are biogenic constituents of contemporary origin.
• Pearls, silk and ambergris are examples of secretions of contemporary origin.

The issue of biogenic vs. non-biogenic carbon has implications for estimating the efficiency and environmental benefits of waste-to-energy incineration processes.