[1] This process differs from anaerobic denitrification not only in its insensitivity to the presence of oxygen, but also in its higher potential to form nitrous oxide (N2O) as a byproduct.
[2] The pathway ultimately yields reduced molecular nitrogen (N2), as well as, when the reaction does not reach completion, the intermediate species nitrous oxide (N2O).
[6][7] Some hazards include, carcinogenic nitrite ions in drinking water, or eutrophication caused by oxidized nitrogen seeding algal blooms.
[5] For instance, many aerobically denitrifying bacteria from the genus Pseudomonas (P. stutzeri, P. mendocina and P. putida) were shown to be isolated from the Lingshui River in China, and could be further used in bioaugmentation to clear contaminated water.
[10] Some solutions to combat the release of nitrous oxide from wastewater treatment could be to use aerobically denitrifying organisms with the capacity to fully reduce nitrogen.