Nitrogen may exist as both nitrate & ammonia forms in water. What are the factors involved in converting one form into other or make one dominant over other?
Bacteria converts ammonia to nitrite (using nitrosomonas) then from nitrite to nitrate (using nitrobacter). Each of these nitrogen sources are present in most systems at varying levels as fish & plant waste constantly produce ammonia. An increase in ammonia generally leads to an increase in the amount of nitrosomonas which convert it. After all the ammonia is converted, the nitrosomonas reduce in number and, in tank systems, can die out completely. This occurs with nirtobacter also. Ideal conditions include high oxygen concentration, warm temperatures (20-26C) and low water exchange.
pH and pe, otherwise known as acidity and redox conditions control the speciation of nitrogen compounds in natural waters.
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