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 converting nitrate into nitrogen gas during denitrification. They obtain their carbon from complex organic compounds, thrive in low to no dissolved oxygen environments, and use nitrate as the electron acceptor.