denitrification
(noun)
process of converting nitrates into nitrogen gas, especially by the action of bacteria
Examples of denitrification in the following topics:
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The Nitrogen Cycle
- This process occurs in three steps in terrestrial systems: ammonification, nitrification, and denitrification.
- Third, the process of denitrification occurs, whereby bacteria, such as Pseudomonas and Clostridium, convert the nitrates into nitrogen gas, allowing it to re-enter the atmosphere.
- A similar process occurs in the marine nitrogen cycle, where the ammonification, nitrification, and denitrification processes are performed by marine bacteria.
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The Role of Prokaryotes in Ecosystems
- The bacteria perform the reverse process, the reduction of nitrate from the soils to gaseous compounds such as N2O, NO, and N2, a process called denitrification.