Question

What is Nitrification and Denitrification?

Answer 1

Nitrification:

1. The process of conversion of ammonia or reduced nitrogen compounds into the easily absorbable form of nitrogen that is nitrates and nitrites.
2. It is an aerobic process.
3. Chemoautotrophic bacteria play a major role in this process.
4. First, the ammonia is converted into nitrite by the process of oxidation.
5. Nitrococcus and Nitrosomonas take part in this process.
6. Nitrite is oxidised to nitrate with the help of Nitrobacter.
7. Then, nitrate is taken up by the root of the plant.

Denitrification:

1. The process of conversion of nitrates and nitrites into the gaseous form of nitrogen is called denitrification.
2. It is mostly converted to nitrogen and nitrous oxide.
3. Bacteria participating in this reaction are Pseudomonas and Thiobacillus.