What process follows nitrification for effective nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment?

Denitrification is the correct process that follows nitrification in the context of effective nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment.

During nitrification, ammonia in the wastewater is converted to nitrites and then to nitrates through the activity of bacteria. This process primarily serves to oxidize ammonium, making it less toxic and more manageable in the treatment system. However, simply converting ammonia to nitrates does not remove nitrogen from the wastewater; instead, it transforms it into a different form.

Denitrification is the subsequent step where specific bacteria use nitrates as an electron acceptor in the absence of oxygen, converting nitrates into nitrogen gas (N2) or, to a lesser extent, nitrous oxide (N2O). This nitrogen gas is then released into the atmosphere, effectively removing nitrogen from the wastewater and completing the nitrogen removal process.

This sequence is crucial because it ensures that nitrogen, which can lead to environmental issues such as eutrophication if left in the water, is effectively eliminated from the treated effluent. Understanding this sequence enhances knowledge about the biological processes involved in wastewater treatment, illustrating the importance of both nitrification and denitrification in maintaining a balance in nitrogen levels within the ecosystem.