[Nitrogen transformation as a result of Pseudomonas denitrificans denitrification]

The energy process of nitrate reduction was studied in the typical soil denitrifying cultures of Pseudomonas denitrificans by mass spectrometry. These microorganisms differed in certain characteristics of the process from the cultures of sporogenic soil denitrifying bacteria belonging to the Bacillus genus. The rate of denitrification by Ps. denitrificans was very high; as the result, losses of 15N from the medium exceeded 80--90%. Ammonia was not produced as the final product of nitrate reduction in the course of denitrification. Apparently, hydroxylamine, hyponitrite or an organic intermediate product of nitrate reduction is produced in the process of its assimilation by the cultures.