The final product in the biochemical oxidation of ammonia yields which compound?

The biochemical oxidation of ammonia primarily occurs through a process known as nitrification, which is carried out by specific types of bacteria in an aerobic environment. During this process, ammonia (NH₃) is first oxidized to nitrite (NO₂⁻) by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. Subsequently, nitrite is further oxidized to nitrate (NO₃⁻) by nitrite-oxidizing bacteria.

The end product of this two-step oxidation process is nitrate, which is the most stable form of nitrogen in the aquatic environment and readily available for plant uptake. The conversion from ammonia to nitrate is crucial in the nitrogen cycle, contributing to soil fertility and supporting plant growth.

This biochemical pathway highlights the importance of nitrate as a final product, making it essential for understanding nitrogen cycling in ecological systems and the role of sanitarians in managing water quality and ecosystems.