Denitrification is a biological process in which nitrates (NO3-) are converted into nitrogen gas (N2) or nitrous oxide (N2O) by bacteria. This process occurs in soil, water, and sediments where oxygen levels are low or absent. Denitrification is an important part of the nitrogen cycle, as it helps to return nitrogen to the atmosphere, completing the cycle.
Several factors can affect the rate of denitrification, including:
Denitrification is important for several reasons:
To understand denitrification, consider the following study tips: