Bacteria Nitrifying

Nitrifying bacteria - see Nitrifying microorganisms.

Nitrifying bacteria are a group of bacteria that carry out the process of nitrification, that is, the oxidation of ammonia (NH3) or ammonium (NH4+) to nitrites (NO2-) and then to nitrates (NO3-). This process is part of the nitrogen cycle and is of great importance for maintaining soil fertility.

Nitrifying bacteria include representatives of such genera as Nitrosomonas, Nitrosococcus, Nitrosospira, Nitrosolobus, Nitrosovibrio, Nitrobacter, Nitrococcus, Nitrospira and others. They are widely distributed in soils, water bodies, and wastewater treatment plants. Nitrification provides plants with accessible forms of nitrogen nutrition and prevents the loss of this element.