Question

What is the meaning of denitrification?

Answer 1

Denitrification:

1. Denitrification is the process during which the nitrogen compound is released back into the atmosphere by converting nitrate (${\mathrm{NO}}_3^{-}$) into gaseous nitrogen (N).
2. The process of denitrification is carried out during the absence of oxygen by Thiobacillus species such as Clostridium and Pseudomonas bacteria present in the soil.
3. In this process, the genus of gram-negative bacteria degrades nitrate compounds present in the soil and aquatic systems into nitrous oxide (N₂O)and nitrogen gas, which are released into the atmosphere.
4. It is used to treat sewage water to eliminate excess nitrogen from the water.
5. It can also produce nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas.
6. Facultative anaerobes perform denitrification when oxygen is limited and they utilize nitrates and nitrites as an electron acceptor for anaerobic respiration.