Optimum pH values for denitrification are between 7.0 and 8.5. Denitrification is an alkalinityproducing process. Approximately 3.0 to 3.6 pounds of alkalinity (as CaCO3) is produced perpound of nitrate, thus partially mitigating the lowering of pH caused by nitrification in the mixedliquor.Since denitrifying bacteria are facultative organisms, they can use either dissolved oxygen or nitrateas an oxygen source for metabolism and oxidation of organic matter. If dissolved oxygen andnitrate are present, bacteria will use the dissolved oxygen first. That is, the bacteria will not lowerthe nitrate concentration. Denitrification occurs only under anaerobic or anoxic conditions.Another important aspect of denitrification is the requirement for carbon; that is, the presence ofsufficient organic matter to drive the denitrification reaction. Organic matter may be in the formof raw wastewater, or supplemental carbon. Conditions that affect the efficiency of denitrificationinclude nitrate concentration, anoxic conditions, presence of organic matter, pH, temperature,alkalinity and the effects of trace metals. Denitrifying organisms are generally less sensitive to toxicchemicals than nitrifiers, and recover from toxic shock loads quicker than nitrifiers.Temperature affects the growth rate of denitrifying organisms, with greater growth rate at highertemperatures. Denitrification can occur between 5 and 30oC (41oF to 86oF), and these rates increasewith temperature and type of organic source present. The highest growth rate can be found whenusing methanol or acetic acid. A slightly lower rate using raw wastewater will occur, and the lowestgrowth rates are found when relying on endogenous carbon sources at low water temperatures.Wastewater cannot be denitrified unless it is first nitrified.