The heterotrophic organisms are responsible for denitrification or the reduction of nitrate, NO3−, to nitrogen gas, N2. They use carbon from complex organic compounds, prefer low to zero dissolved oxygen, and use nitrate as the electron acceptor.
Heterotrophic organisms are responsible for denitrification, converting nitrate (NO3−) into nitrogen gas (N2). They derive their carbon from complex organic compounds, thrive in environments with low or no dissolved oxygen, and use nitrate as an electron acceptor.