Question

Nitrifying bacteria:

• A. Convert free nitrogen to nitrogen compounds
• B. Oxidize ammonia to nitrates
• C. Convert proteins into ammonia
• D. Reduce nitrates to free nitrogen

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Oxidize ammonia to nitrates

The correct option is B:

Explanation for the correct option:

1. Reduced nitrogen molecules (mainly ammonia) are successively oxidized to nitrite and nitrate by a microbial process called nitrification.
2. Ammonia can be found in drinking water due to natural processes or through the addition of ammonia during secondary disinfection to generate chloramines.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

Option A:

The process of converting free nitrogen to nitrogenous compounds like as nitrate, nitrite, or ammonia is known as nitrogen fixation.

Option C:

Ammonification is the process of converting proteins to ammonia.

Option D:

Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrate to nitrogen gas, which is then released back into the atmosphere.

Nitrogen from fertilizers runoff into the ocean, where it feeds the marine food chain.

Final answer: Nitrifying bacteria oxidize ammonia to nitrates.