Nitrogen form animal waste can be stored in bodies of water as
nitrogen gas
nitrites
ammonia
nitrates
Nitrogen from animal waste can be transformed into various chemical forms within bodies of water. The presence of animal waste introduces organic nitrogen compounds, which can undergo a series of microbial transformations. Here is how nitrogen from animal waste can exist in bodies of water:
1. **Ammonia (NH3)** - Animal waste contains nitrogen in the form of organic compounds. When this waste is broken down by bacteria, it can be released as ammonia through a process called ammonification. Ammonia can also exist as the ammonium ion (NH4+) in water, depending on the pH level.
2. **Nitrites (NO2-)** - Ammonia can be further oxidized by bacteria in a process known as nitrification. The first step of nitrification converts ammonia to nitrite, which is carried out by nitrosifying bacteria.
3. **Nitrates (NO3-)** - The second step of nitrification involves the oxidation of nitrites to nitrates, which is performed by different types of bacteria known as nitrifying bacteria or nitrobacteria. Nitrates are a more stable form of nitrogen in the water and can be taken up by plants.
4. **Nitrogen gas (N2)** - In anoxic (low-oxygen) conditions, some bacteria can perform a process called denitrification, where nitrates are converted back into nitrogen gas, which then escapes into the atmosphere. This process effectively closes the nitrogen cycle by returning nitrogen to the air.
In summary, nitrogen from animal waste in bodies of water can exist mainly as ammonia (NH3/NH4+), nitrites (NO2-), and nitrates (NO3-). It can also be transformed back into nitrogen gas (N2) through the process of denitrification.