Biodegradable lubricants rapidly decompose to water, carbon dioxide, and minerals due to the action of naturally-occurring microorganisms or enzymes present in soil or groundwater. Readily biodegradable lubricants undergo ≥60% decomposition by mass, and inherently biodegradable lubricants undergo somewhat less (between 20 and 60%), in OECD 301 testing. They are typically used in environmentally sensitive applications.