How does temperature affect nitrification rates according to the notes?

• A. Increases
• B. Decreases
• C. No effect
• D. Varies with conditions

Answer: (A)

Nitrification is driven by specialized bacteria whose enzyme systems are temperature sensitive. When temperature rises within typical wastewater ranges, these enzymes work more efficiently and the microbes metabolize faster, so nitrification rates increase. This up to an optimum temperature where performance may level off or decline if temperatures get too high. The notes emphasize that, in general, higher temperatures boost nitrification, making the increases the best fit. Lower temperatures slow the process, since microbial activity and enzyme function diminish with cold.