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Nonmicrobial Nitrite-to-Nitrate Transformation in Soils¹

ABSTRACT

Nitrate formation in soils equilibrated with nitrite at 0.5° C was directly related to soil level of reactive managanese (Mn) oxides. It was demonstrated that synthetic Mn oxides can oxidize nitrite to nitrate and become reduced in the process. Nitrite oxidation, nitrate formation, and MnO₂ reduction were stoichiometrically related reactions in the presence or absence of atmospheric O₂. Nitrite reduced Mn(IV) to either Mn(II) or Mn(III), but when MnO₂/nitrite ratios were high, reduction to Mn(III) appeared to predominate. This mechanism of nonmicrobial conversion of nitrite to nitrate may explain why nitrite seldom accumulates in soils, even when Nitrobacter numbers are low and conditions for their growth are unfavorable.

¹ Vermont Agric. Exp. Stn., J. Article no. 477. Contribution to Northeast Regional Project no. 96. Presented before Div. S-2, Soil Sci. Soc. of Am., 2 Dec. 1980, Detroit.

² Professor, Dep. of Plant and Soil Sci., Univ. of Vermont and Vermont Agric. Exp. Stn., Burlington, VT 05405.

Received for publication March 17, 1981. Accepted for publication July 7, 1981.

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