Nitrosomonas

bacteria genus

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July 1, 2026

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Nitrosomonas is a genus of bacteria crucial to the nitrogen cycle. These microorganisms are important in soil and water environments. They are chemoautotrophic, meaning they obtain energy from inorganic chemicals. Specifically, Nitrosomonas bacteria convert ammonia into nitrites. This process is vital because nitrites are then further converted into nitrates by other bacteria, and nitrates are compounds that plants can readily use for growth. Without Nitrosomonas, the availability of usable nitrogen for plant life would be significantly reduced.12

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nitrifying bacterium
…convert ammonia to nitrites (Nitrosomonas, Nitrosospira, Nitrosococcus, and Nitrosolobus) and bacteria that convert nitrites (toxic to plants) to nitrates (Nitrobacter, Nitrospina, and Nitrococcus). In agriculture, irrigation with dilute solutions of ammonia results in an increase in soil nitrates
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…convert ammonia to nitrites (Nitrosomonas, Nitrosospira, Nitrosococcus, and Nitrosolobus) and bacteria that convert nitrites (toxic to plants) to nitrates (Nitrobacter, Nitrospina, and Nitrococcus). In agriculture, irrigation with dilute solutions of ammonia results in an increase in soil nitrates
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bacteria
Distribution in nature
…activities of the aerobic organisms Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter, which use ammonia as an electron donor.
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…activities of the aerobic organisms Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter, which use ammonia as an electron donor.
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