What is one key role of denitrification in wastewater treatment?

Denitrification plays a crucial role in wastewater treatment by converting nitrates (NO3) into nitrogen gas (N2), which is then released into the atmosphere. This biological process is essential for managing nitrogen levels in wastewater. Excessive nitrates can lead to water quality issues, such as eutrophication, which causes algal blooms in water bodies, depleting oxygen and harming aquatic life. By removing nitrates through denitrification, the treatment process contributes to the overall health of receiving waters and helps in meeting regulatory standards for nitrogen discharge in treated effluent.

The other options do not accurately represent the function of denitrification. While reducing oxygen levels in the water can occur for various reasons, it is not a primary role of denitrification. Eliminating pathogens is a function typically associated with disinfection processes, such as chlorination or ultraviolet treatment, not denitrification. Similarly, enhancing pH levels is not a direct outcome of the denitrification process, as this process focuses primarily on nitrogen removal rather than altering pH.