Abstract
Considering only net free energy change for the dissimilatory reduction of nitrate ion, the most efficient reaction with limited organic substrate is that resulting in the production of N2. Under conditions of abundant organic substrate and limited electron acceptor the reduction of nitrate to the level of ammonium would be more efficient.
Thus the appearance of N2O in denitrification must reflect a metabolic accident or some reaction barrier (e.g., the activation energy of some intermediate) which prevents the full utilization of this energy.
Laboratory studies with microaerophylic systems indicate that under these reducing conditions both nitrate ion and N2O can be reduced to the level of ammonium. The quantitative significance of these processes under natural conditions has not been evaluated but they may provide a significant sink for atmospheric N2O.
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Delwiche, C.C. Biological production and utilization of N2O. PAGEOPH 116, 414–422 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01636896
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01636896