Inorganic matter is any matter that is not organic. This includes all minerals, metals, and gases, as well as many synthetic substances. Inorganic matter does not contain carbon atoms, except in the form of carbon dioxide.

Organic matter, on the other hand, is any matter that contains carbon atoms. This includes all living things, as well as many man-made materials, such as plastics, fuels, and pharmaceuticals. Organic matter can be broken down by microorganisms into simpler substances, such as carbon dioxide and water.