Nitrátosodás

Nitrátosodás refers to the process of converting ammonia or ammonium into nitrite (NO2-) and then further into nitrate (NO3-). This is a crucial step in the nitrogen cycle, a biogeochemical process that describes the transformation of nitrogen and nitrogen-containing compounds in nature. Nitrátosodás is primarily carried out by a group of microorganisms known as nitrifying bacteria.

The process typically occurs in two main stages. The first stage, nitrification, involves the oxidation of ammonia (NH3) or ammonium (NH4+) to nitrite (NO2-). This is achieved by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, such as *Nitrosomonas* species. The general reaction is: 2NH3 + 3O2 -> 2NO2- + 2H+ + 2H2O.

The second stage involves the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate (NO3-). This is performed by nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, such as *Nitrobacter* species. The reaction for this stage is: 2NO2- + O2 -> 2NO3-. Together, these two steps are collectively referred to as nitrátosodás.

This biological process is vital for many ecosystems. It makes nitrogen available in a form that plants can readily absorb, thus supporting plant growth. In aquatic environments, nitrátosodás helps to remove excess ammonia, which can be toxic to aquatic life. It is also a key process in wastewater treatment, where it is used to remove nitrogenous pollutants. Conversely, excessive nitrate accumulation can lead to eutrophication in water bodies.