What is the process called where organic nitrogen converts into ammonia?

The process where organic nitrogen converts into ammonia is commonly referred to as degradation, or more specifically as part of the broader decomposition process. During degradation, microorganisms break down organic matter, which includes proteins and nucleic acids containing organic nitrogen. As these compounds are broken down, nitrogen is released and eventually converted into ammonia through processes involving the enzymatic activity of various microorganisms. This conversion is a critical step in the nitrogen cycle.

While denitrification is the process whereby nitrate is reduced to nitrogen gas, and nitrification involves the oxidation of ammonia to nitrate, neither of these processes directly refers to the conversion of organic nitrogen into ammonia. Thus, understanding degradation as the process of breaking down organic materials to release ammonia allows for a clear comprehension of nitrogen transformations in wastewater treatment.