In wastewater treatment, what occurs during Denitrification?

During denitrification, nitrate, which is a form of nitrogen, is biologically reduced to nitrogen gas, allowing it to be released back into the atmosphere. This process is crucial in the nitrogen cycle as it helps to remove excess nitrogen from the environment, particularly in wastewater treatment systems. This reduction typically occurs under anaerobic conditions, where specific bacteria facilitate the conversion of nitrate into nitrogen gas, thereby mitigating problems associated with nitrogen pollution, such as eutrophication in water bodies.

The process is essential for maintaining the balance of nitrogen in ecosystems and contributes to the overall efficiency of wastewater treatment by reducing the concentration of nitrogenous compounds in treated effluent.