Which statement correctly describes nitrification's effect on alkalinity?

Which statement correctly describes nitrification's effect on alkalinity?

• A. Nitrification consumes bicarbonate alkalinity
• B. Nitrification increases alkalinity
• C. Nitrification has no effect on alkalinity
• D. Nitrification occurs only in anaerobic conditions

Answer: (A)

Nitrification releases acidity as it oxidizes ammonia to nitrate. Those hydrogen ions must be buffered, and bicarbonate in the water acts as that buffer. When bicarbonate neutralizes the added acidity, it is consumed, converting to CO2 and water and reducing the system’s alkalinity. So nitrification decreases alkalinity by consuming bicarbonate. It’s an aerobic process, not anaerobic, and it does affect alkalinity, not increase it or leave it unchanged.

Nitrification releases acidity as it oxidizes ammonia to nitrate. Those hydrogen ions must be buffered, and bicarbonate in the water acts as that buffer. When bicarbonate neutralizes the added acidity, it is consumed, converting to CO2 and water and reducing the system’s alkalinity. So nitrification decreases alkalinity by consuming bicarbonate. It’s an aerobic process, not anaerobic, and it does affect alkalinity, not increase it or leave it unchanged.