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Microbial degradation of nitrates in to atmospheric nitrogen is known as :
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- Ammonification
- Nitrification
- Denitrification
- Putrefaction
Correct Option: C
Denitrification is the biological conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas, nitric oxide or nitrous oxide. It refers to nitrate reduction by bacterial species such as Pseudomonas and Clostridium, usually in anaerobic conditions that ultimately produces molecular nitrogen (N2). These bacteria use nitrate as an electron acceptor instead of oxygen during respiration.