Nitrifikációt

Nitrifikációt is the Hungarian term for nitrification, a key biological process in the nitrogen cycle. It is the microbial oxidation of ammonia (NH3) to nitrite (NO2-) followed by the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate (NO3-). This process is primarily carried out by aerobic bacteria.

The first step, the conversion of ammonia to nitrite, is performed by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) such as *Nitrosomonas* species. This reaction is represented as NH3 + 1.5 O2 -> NO2- + H2O + H+. The second step, the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate, is carried out by nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) such as *Nitrobacter* species. This reaction is represented as NO2- + 0.5 O2 -> NO3-. Both steps require oxygen.

Nitrification plays a crucial role in natural ecosystems, as it converts ammonia, which can be toxic to aquatic life, into nitrate, a form of nitrogen readily available for plant uptake. It is also an essential process in wastewater treatment plants, where it helps remove nitrogen from effluent before discharge, preventing eutrophication of receiving water bodies. Conversely, in some agricultural settings, excessive nitrification can lead to nitrate leaching into groundwater, causing environmental concerns. The process is sensitive to environmental conditions such as temperature, pH, and oxygen availability.