Factors affecting nitrification in situ in a heated stream

Abstract

Nitrification, previously shown to occur in the stream under study, ensued only when the stream received heated (28 degree C or above) discharges and was negligible when water temperatures were 17 degree C or lower. The most probable number os ammonium oxidizer in stream bed sediments exceeded intrite oxidizers by ratios of 43:1 to 1,113:1, and the average rate of ammonium oxidation in this stream, 0.50 mg of NH4-N/liter per h exceeded the rate of nitrite oxidation, 0.29 mg of NO2-N/liter per h, resulting in an accumulation of nitrite. Nitrification rates were influenced by the dissolved oxygen concentration, increasing during daylight hours and exhibiting maximum rates during the summer months.