14
QuizMultiple Choice

The Cycles of Matter

Question 14 • 26-27 - C - RUSD Environmental Science S1

Biogeochemical cycles recycle water and natural elements throughout the biosphere to ensure that organisms do not run out of these substances. Thiobacillus denitrificans is a specialized species of bacteria that obtains its energy from carbon dioxide and inorganic nitrogen-containing compounds such as nitrates in its environment. It is used in the bioremediation of groundwater that contains excess nitrate. How does Thiobacillus denitrificans help bioremediate groundwater?

Answer
A
nitrification
B
denitrification
C
nitrogen fixation
D
decomposition

Explanation

Denitrification converts nitrate in groundwater into nitrogen gas, removing excess nitrate from the water. Thiobacillus denitrificans carries out this process, so the correct choice is denitrification. Nitrification converts ammonia into nitrate, while nitrogen fixation converts atmospheric nitrogen into forms organisms can use; neither removes nitrate from groundwater.

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