Difference between nitrification and denitrification

CBSE Class 8
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Difference between nitrification and denitrification

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Nitrification

  1. Process of conversion of ammonia to nitrites and to nitrates
  2. First step of nitrogen cycle followed by conversion of nitrogen by Nitosomonas
  3. It is a oxidation reaction
  4. Two –step process: Conversion of ammonium to nitrite, then conversion of nitrite to nitrate

Denitrification

  1. Process of reducing back into free nitrates atmospheric nitrogen.
  2. Last step of nitrogen cycle which is released back into atmosphere.
  3. It is a reduction reaction
  4. Steps: Conversion of nitrate to nitrite, then to nitric oxide, then to nitrous oxide and finally to nitrogen