Page 19 - Simplified Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals_BNR

Biological Nutrient Reduction (BNR)

Denitrification

Is the final step which occurs in the nitrogen cycle. Denitrifying species include Pseudomonas, and Bacillus. These

specialized organisms utilize nitrate (NO3) as a food source, converting it to nitrogen gas.

Denitrification can be seen during the summer months when clarifier blankets can invert and float to the surface. The

blankets become buoyant because of trapped bubbles of nitrogen gas.