This process is carried out by two bacteria known as Nitrosomonas . But first, ammonia must be formed. Once nitrification begins, an accelerating cycle develops. And as nitrates accumulate, algae bloom and the water turns greener and greener. As the Nitrogen Cycle progresses, more and more plant life becomes available for further bacterial decomposition into more and more ammonia.
Nitrification leads to water conditions that range from slight odor to major algae bloom.
These conditions have been observed in both swimming pools and in municipal waste water treatment systems. The color can range from a light green tint to an emerald or dark green, or even a black. Water clarity can range from a hazy deep end to almost solid color at a depth of a few inches. The primary influence is the level of ammonia present. And this level, in turn, depends on the level of decomposing plant and animal life, and certain fertilizers.