Question

What are nitrification and denitrification in wastewater treatment?

Answer 1

Nitrification in wastewater treatment:

1. The conversion of ammonia into nitrates and nitrites by the process of oxidation is called nitrification.
2. This is a biochemical process.
3. It involves bacteria such as Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter and Nitrococcus.
4. Ammonia available in the wastewater is oxidised to nitrites by Nitrococcus and Nitrosomonas.
5. The nitrite is later converted to nitrates with the help of Nitrobacter.
6. The nitrate is not harmful to the plants and can get absorbed in the plant's roots.

Denitrification in wastewater treatment:

1. The conversion of nitrates and nitrites into atmospheric nitrogen or gaseous form of nitrogen like nitrous oxide is called denitrification.
2. This process is carried out with the help of facultative anaerobes.
3. The nitrite and nitrate found in wastewater are converted to gaseous nitrogen.
4. This form is nitrogen escapes from the treatment plant, leaving the less contaminated water.