The breakdown of organic matter in wastewater by bacterial action, either aerobic or anaerobic. Expenditures not chargeable to the period in which made, but carried on the asset side of the balance sheet, pending amortization or other disposition. They include such items as discount on bond issues. Deferred charges usually involve expenses which are not to be spread over a relatively long period of time and which do not recur regularly in the operation of the enterprise. They are to be distinguished from other prepaid expenses which are usually spread over a short period of time and which recur more or less regularly in the operation of the enterprise.
Payments made in advance represent an example of the latter.
Liabilities not elsewhere provided for which are not current in nature and on which payment or other disposition is deferred to a future accounting period. Examples are user's or customer's advances for construction and accrued compensated absences. In geology, a process by which wind and water wear down and carry away parts of the surface of the earth, reducing the general elevation. The breakdown of substances by biological action. The process of removing greases and oils from waste, wastewater, sludge or solid wastes.