Nitrate (NO₃^-) is an inorganic nitrogen compound. It is formed as a product of complete nitrification: NH₄⁺ + 2O₂ -> NO₃^- + H₂ + 2H⁺ + energy. The nitrite produced in the first part of the nitrification is further oxidized by means of autotrophic microorganisms (Nitrobacter) to the end product (nitrate): NO₂^- + 0.5 O₂ -> NO₃^-.
Denitrification converts nitrate to gaseous, elemental nitrogen and thus eliminates it from the wastewater.
In excess, the nitrate in water leads to over-fertilization and eutrophication.


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