When nitrate is reduced to dinitrogen gas (N₂),nitrogen is removed from the ecosystem and returned to the atmosphere through a series of reactions collectively known as ______.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Denitrification is the process by which nitrate (NO3-) is reduced to dinitrogen gas (N2), which is then returned to the atmosphere. This process involves a series of reactions that occur in anaerobic conditions, and is a critical step in the nitrogen cycle. Nitrogen fixation is the process by which atmospheric nitrogen is converted into a form that can be used by plants, while the anammox reaction is a type of anaerobic ammonium oxidation that occurs in marine environments. Therefore, the correct answer is B, denitrification.

When Nitrate Is Reduced to Dinitrogen Gas (N2),nitrogen Is Removed

When Nitrate Is Reduced to Dinitrogen Gas (N₂),nitrogen Is Removed