What process was discovered in the early 1990s that is currently used to remove ammonia from wastewater and contributes significantly to the loss of fixed nitrogen from the oceans?

Correct option is B

·  Anammox (Anaerobic Ammonium Oxidation) is a process that was discovered in the early 1990s and is used to remove ammonia from wastewater.

· This process involves the oxidation of ammonium (NH₄⁺) in the absence of oxygen by specific bacteria, which convert ammonia to nitrogen gas (N₂). It is highly efficient in wastewater treatment as it reduces the need for oxygen and external carbon sources.

· Anammox plays a significant role in the nitrogen cycle, both in wastewater treatment and in the natural environment. In the oceans, it contributes to the loss of fixed nitrogen by converting ammonium into nitrogen gas, which is then released into the atmosphere.

Additional Information:

• Anammox is considered an important process in modern wastewater treatment because it can significantly reduce the energy and chemicals required for removing nitrogen, compared to traditional methods such as nitrification and denitrification.
• The process is carried out by specialized bacteria such as Brocadia and Kuenenia, which thrive in anaerobic conditions.

Other Options:

• Pervasion: This term refers to the process of something spreading throughout a substance, but it is not related to the removal of ammonia.
• Coalescence: Coalescence refers to the merging or coming together of particles, not ammonia removal.
• Volatilisation: Volatilisation refers to the process by which a substance changes from a liquid to a gas, but it is not specifically related to ammonia removal in wastewater. It is involved in the release of ammonia to the atmosphere, not in its removal.