Question

The process that releases free nitrogen back into the air is known as

• A. ammonification
• B. nitrification
• C. denitrification
• D. purification

Answer 1

The correct option is C

denitrification

The correct option is (C):
Explanation for the correct option:

1. Denitrification is the conversion of nitrates to free nitrogen gas utilizing denitrifying microorganisms such as Pseudomonas.

Explanation for the incorrect option:

Option (A):

1. Ammonification is the process of bacteria and fungi converting complex organic substances like proteins into ammonia and ammonium compounds.
2. Ammonifying bacteria and fungi include Bacillus ramosus, Bacillus vulgaris, and Actinomycetes.

Option (B):

1. The conversion of ammonia to nitrates by nitrifying bacteria such as Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter is called nitrification.

Final answer: The process that releases free nitrogen back into the air is known as denitrification.