Nitrogen and Its Importance in Natural Waters

Abstract

Abstract: Nitrogen is an essential element for the growth of microorganisms. Nitrogen is one of the intermediate nutrients. It participates to the plant structure and indirectly has an important role as a macronutrient in human and animal life. Nitrogen is the most needed element in the development of plants because it participates in the structure of organic compounds such as chlorophyll, nucleic acid, amino acid, protein and amide in the plant structure. Low levels of nitrogen have a limiting effect on plant growth. Nitrogen is also the basic element for the synthesis of proteins also it is necessary to know the nitrogen balance in the biological treatment of wastewater. For example, if the nitrogen content of the water is low, external addition may be required for treatment. Generally, nitrogen is found in waters mainly due to proteinaceous substances. With the decomposition of these substances, nitrogen turns into ammonia. The pollution of water is measured by the amount of ammonia. Nitrogen and nitrogenous substances are of great importance in the evaluation of water quality. By measuring various organic and inorganic nitrogenous compounds contained in drinking and utility waters, surface waters and polluted water can give an idea about the quality of the water.