Nitrification was discovered by:

Options

A. Schloesing and Muntz
B. Winogradasky
C. V. Helmont
D. Woodward

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Nitrification**: Nitrification is a biological process that involves the oxidation of ammonia (NH3) to nitrite (NO2-) and then to nitrate (NO3-). This process is crucial in the nitrogen cycle, as it converts ammonia, which can be toxic to plants, into forms that are usable by them.

2. **Historical Context**: The discovery of nitrification is attributed to specific scientists who conducted research in this area.

3. **Identifying the Discoverers**: The first to discover nitrification were two scientists named Scholesingh and Moons. Their work in the late 19th century (specifically in 1877) laid the foundation for understanding this important ecological process.

4. **Mechanism of Nitrification**: The process involves two main steps:
- **Step 1**: Ammonia is oxidized to nitrite by bacteria such as Nitrosomonas or Nitrococcus.
- **Step 2**: Nitrite is further oxidized to nitrate by bacteria like Nitrobacter or Nitrocystis.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question "Nitrification was discovered by:" is Scholesingh and Moons.

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