denitrification

[ dee-nahy-truh-fi-key-shuhn ]

noun

, Chemistry, Biology.

1. the bacterial or other microbial process in which nitrates and nitrites are reduced or removed from soil, water, or air by their conversion into nitrogenous gases: This process is environmentally significant, as in the treatment of wastewater, which depends on denitrification to eliminate toxic levels of nitrogen, making the water safe for plants and animals:

   We’re observing the nitrogen activity in salt marsh soil, with a particular interest in the last step of the nitrogen cycle—that is, denitrification.

Word History and Origins

Origin of denitrification¹

First recorded in 1880–85; de- + nitrification

Example Sentences

This loss of nitrogen by denitrification can be checked by keeping the soil well ventilated.

From Project Gutenberg

The conditions which favour denitrification are exactly the opposite of those which favour nitrification.

From Project Gutenberg

There will be some loss of nitrogen through leaching and denitrification.

From Project Gutenberg