The nitrogenous cycle converts toxic nitrogenous waste into relatively non-toxic compounds and is carried out by a mixed population of bacteria present in the biological filter and in surface biofilms. Ammonia is oxidised first to nitrite then to nitrate. | The nitrogenous cycle converts toxic nitrogenous waste into relatively non-toxic compounds and is carried out by a mixed population of bacteria present in the biological filter and in surface biofilms. Ammonia is oxidised first to nitrite then to nitrate. |