Nitrification by Heterotrophic Denitrifiers and Its Relationship to AutotrophicNitrification

摘要

One of the factors associated with pollution is the introduction of excessiveamounts of nitrogen compounds into the environment. The work presented in the thesis describes laboratory-based research into the (eco)physiology of Thiosphaera pantotropha and other bacteria whose activity within the nitrogen cycle promotes the return of fixed nitrogen to the atmosphere (i.e. nitrifiers and denitrifiers). As well as obtaining data on which to base a potential single-stage nitrogen removal system, the research also aimed to determine the fundamental principles underlying the selection of the different physiological types of bacteria involved in nitrification.