Nitrification process

Nitrification is the biological oxidation of ammonia to nitrite followed by the oxidation of the nitrite to nitrate.

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2. Content.. Objective Introduction about Nitrogen and Nitrogen cycle. Nitrification. Major steps of Nitrification. Denitrification . Importance of Nitrification and Denitrification . Key difference between Nitrification and Denitrification. Conclusion. References. 2

3. Objective To identify the import ant rol es and the differences of nitrification and denitrification in the nitrogen cycle. 3

4. 4 Introduction about Nitrogen and Nitrogen cycle. What is Nitrogen ? Nitrogen is , T he largest single source in the atmosphere . ( N 2 - 78% ) A n element used to build DNA,RNA and proteins, this is the building block of life. Most living organisms are unable to use nitrogen as it exists in the atmosphere. ( Why ??? ) It can be used by most living organism by travelling through one of the four processes in the nitrogen cycle .

5. Nitrogen cycle 5 Nitrogen fixation Ammonification Nitrification Denitrification

6. Plant absorb nitrates and grow Ammonium (NH + 4 ) Nitrosomonas Ammonia change to nitrites(NO 2 - ) Nitrobacter Nitrifying bacteria in soil convert nitrites to nitrates (NO 3 - ) 6 N itrif i cati o n

7. 7 The bacteria are autotrophic and the reaction is performed under aerobic condition. The importance of this step in the nitrogen cycle is the conversion of ammonia in to nitrate. As nitrate is the primary nitrogen source present in the soil for the plant.

8. Nitrification is a two steps process. 1 st step Ammonium oxidation 8 Ammonia – oxidizing bacteria are involved, Ex:- chemoautotrophs sp. These microorganisms are growing with ammonia as the energy and co 2 as the main carbon source.

9. These species are distributed in a great variety of , soil oceans rivers lakes Brackish envi r onment Sewage disposal systems 9

10. 10 2 nd Step - Nitrite oxidation Nitrite oxidizing bacteria are found in aerobic, but occasionally in anaerobic environments where organic matter is mineralized. They are found in the area where the ammonia oxidizing bacteria are living other than that, Inside stones and historical buildings Inside corroded bricks On concrete surfaces Cooling towers and high way tunnels

11. How does nitrogen re enter the atmosphere in the nitrogen cycle? This process called “ D enitrification ’’ 11

12. What is Denitrification (Important) Denitrification is convert Nitrate (N0 3 - ) in the soil to atmospheric Nitrogen (N 2 ) replenishing the atmosphere. Many soil microorganisms are involving.( mostly heterotrophic bacteria species) Denitrifying microbes require very low O 2 concentration of less than 10% . Examples: Pesudomonas Ach r omobacter Micrococcus 12

13. After Nitrification process Nitrogen in atmosphere closes the N itrogen cycle (N 2 ) Process of Denitrification Nitr ite (NO 2 - ) Nit rate (N0 3 - ) Nitric Oxide ( NO) Nitrous oxide (N 2 O ) 13

14. Importance of Nitrification and Denitrification Nitrification Denitrifation Preferred chemical form of nitrogen uptake from soil or water. Produces accessible plant forms of nitrogen Removes fixed from the ecosystem Enhance the greenhouse effect Provides nitrate to the plant, which acts as the important nitrogen source Denitrification is used in waste water treatment and is beneficial for aquati c habitats 14

15. Key Difference Between Nitrification And Denitrification Nitrification Denitrification Meaning The part of nitrogen cycle where ammonium is convert into nitrate . The level where reduction of nitrate is made in to nitrogen gas . The process involves Nitrifying bacteria like N itrobacter , N itrosomonas Aerobatic . Grow slowly . Denitrifying bacteria like spirillum, lactobacillus . A naerobic . Grows rapidly . PH and temperature The process occurs at the p H between 6.5 to 8.5 and tem perature between 16 to 35 degree C . The process occurs at the p H between 7.0to 8.5 and tem perature between 26 to 38 degree C . End product Nitrate Nitrogen 15

16. 15 Conclusion Nitrogen is the substantial part of the atmosphere, as well as plants and animals also. As nitrogen cannot be used directly and so is transferred in through various sources. Nitrification and denitrification are two major steps in the nitrogen cycle and found variations in their products and need ed . 16

17. 16 T A H N K Y O U 17