nitrify
/ˈnʌɪtrɪfʌɪ
/verb (nitrifies, nitrifying, nitrified) [with object] Chemistry
Convert (ammonia or another nitrogen compound) into nitrites or nitrates: a considerable amount of the ammonia so formed is nitrified
Derivatives
nitrifiable
nitrification
/ noun ...- Other reactions unique to life, except at extremely high temperatures and pressures, include nitrogen fixation, nitrification and denitrification, sulphate and sulphur reduction, and methane formation.
- Oxygen production by benthic microalgae enhanced rates of, and coupling between, nitrification and denitrification when ammonium was not limiting, resulting in significant loss of nitrogen from sediments as dinitrogen gas.
- Current research has shown an increase in soil acidification through anthropogenic effects including acid precipitation and nitrification of ammoniacal fertilizers.
Origin
Early 19th century: from French nitrifier.