Generally, there are three types of particles:
• Inert organic
• Viable organic
• Inert inorganic
Inert organic particles come from non-reactive organic material, which is material derived from
living organisms and includes carbon-based compounds. Viable organic particles are capable of
living, developing, or germinating under favorable conditions; bacteria and fungi are examples
of viable organic compounds. Inert inorganic particles are non-reactive materials such as sand,
salt, iron, calcium salts, and other mineral-based materials