Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

The primary consequence of poor nitrification occurs in which biochemical context?

1. Nutrient deficiency

2. Hydrogen ion accumulation

3. Oxygen consumption

4. Excessive nutrient loading

The correct answer is: Hydrogen ion accumulation

The primary consequence of poor nitrification is hydrogen ion accumulation, which occurs during the biochemical process of converting ammonia into nitrite and then into nitrate. Nitrification is an important step in the nitrogen cycle and is typically facilitated by specific bacteria. During this process, hydrogen ions are released as intermediates, leading to a reduction in pH levels in the system if nitrification is deficient. When nitrification does not occur efficiently, the ammonia and ammonium compounds can build up, causing an increase in hydrogen ions in the environment. This accumulation can lead to acidification of the water body, which can adversely affect aquatic life by disrupting the normal pH balance necessary for supporting various biological processes. Therefore, the resulting hydrogen ion accumulation is a key indicator of impaired nitrification and highlights the importance of maintaining effective nitrifying bacteria in wastewater treatment systems to prevent negative biochemical imbalances.