NITRIFICATION Meaning and
Definition
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Nitrification is a process in the nitrogen cycle, specifically in the biological oxidation of ammonia (NH3) to nitrite (NO2-) and the subsequent oxidation of nitrite to nitrate (NO3-), predominantly carried out by bacteria. It is an essential step in the conversion of nitrogen compounds in the environment, both in natural and engineered systems.
During nitrification, the first step involves the conversion of ammonia to nitrite, which is facilitated by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) belonging to the genus Nitrosomonas. These bacteria obtain energy from the oxidation of ammonia, while simultaneously releasing energy-rich chemical compounds. This reaction produces nitrite as a byproduct.
The second step of nitrification involves the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate, which is facilitated by nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), such as Nitrobacter. These bacteria derive energy from the conversion of nitrite to nitrate, serving as the final product of nitrification.
Nitrification is crucial in the nitrogen cycle as it converts ammonia, a toxic compound for many organisms, into nitrate, which is more readily used by plants and other organisms. Nitrate serves as a vital source of nitrogen for plants and is involved in key biological processes like protein synthesis.
Nitrification also plays a significant role in wastewater treatment, as it helps convert toxic ammonia generated from wastewater into less harmful nitrate. This process helps reduce the environmental impact of ammonia-containing effluents on aquatic ecosystems.
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The oxidation of nitrogen to form nitric acid and nitrates, effected by certain bacteria, nitrifying bacteria, in the soil.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The process of converting into nitre.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for NITRIFICATION
Etymology of NITRIFICATION
The word "nitrification" comes from the combination of two Latin roots:
1) "Nitri-" comes from the Latin word "nitrum", which refers to natron or soda. It ultimately derives from the Greek word "nitron", meaning the same thing.
2) "-Fication" is a suffix that comes from the Latin word "facere", which means "to make" or "to do".
Therefore, when combined, "nitri-" and "-fication" create "nitrification", which describes the process of converting nitrogen compounds into nitrates through the action of microorganisms.
