Final answer:
Nitrification and denitrification processes impact the alkalinity of wastewater in wastewater treatment. Nitrification increases alkalinity by converting ammonium ions to nitrites and nitrates, while denitrification decreases alkalinity by converting nitrates back into nitrogen gas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The processes of nitrification and denitrification play important roles in wastewater treatment and can impact the alkalinity of wastewater.
Nitrification is the process by which nitrates and nitrites are converted from ammonium ions in wastewater, resulting in an increase in alkalinity. This process is performed by nitrifying bacteria, such as Nitrosomonas, through two steps: converting ammonium ions to nitrites and then converting nitrites to nitrates.
Denitrification, on the other hand, decreases the alkalinity of wastewater by converting nitrates back into nitrogen gas. This process is performed by denitrifying bacteria, such as Pseudomonas and Clostridium, in anaerobic conditions.