What type of bacteria are denitrifying bacteria?

Denitrifying bacteria are primarily known for their role in the nitrogen cycle, particularly in converting nitrates and nitrites into nitrogen gas, which is then released into the atmosphere. These bacteria can survive in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, but they generally thrive in environments where oxygen levels are low or absent. This characteristic aligns with facultative anaerobes, which can utilize oxygen when it is available but can also switch to anaerobic metabolism when oxygen is scarce.

The ability of denitrifying bacteria to adapt to varying oxygen levels allows them to efficiently carry out the denitrification process in diverse environments, such as waterlogged soils or anaerobic sediments. This versatility makes them crucial for maintaining nitrogen balance in ecosystems and preventing the accumulation of excess nitrates in the environment.