NO2− + 4 H+ + 2 e− → 2 NO + 2 H2O Nitric oxide reductase (Nor) then converts nitric oxide into nitrous oxide 2 NO + 2 H+ + 2 e− → N2O + H2O Nitrous oxide reductase (Nos) terminates the reaction by converting nitrous oxide into dinitrogen N2O + 2 H+ + 2 e− → N2 + H2O It is important to note that any of the products produced at any step can be exchanged with the soil environment. Oxidation of methane and denitrification Anaerobic oxidation of methane coupled to denitrification Anaerobic denitrification coupled to methane oxidation was first observed in 2008, with the isolation of a methane-oxidizing bacterial strain found to oxidize methane independently. This process uses the excess electrons from methane oxidation to reduce nitrates, effectively removing both fixed nitrogen and methane from aquatic systems in habitats ranging from sediment to peat bogs to stratified water columns. The process of anaerobic denitrification may contribute significantly to the global methane and nitrogen cycles, especially in light of the recent influx of both due to anthropogenic changes. The extent to which anthropogenic methane affects the atmosphere is known to be a significant driver of climate change, and considering it is multiple times more potent than carbon dioxide. Removing methane is widely considered to be beneficial to the environment, although the extent of the role that denitrification plays in the global flux of methane is not well understood. Anaerobic denitrification as a mechanism has been shown to be capable of removing the excess nitrate caused by fertilizer runoff, even in hypoxic conditions. Additionally, microorganisms which employ this type of metabolism may be employed in bioremediation, as shown by a 2006 study of hydrocarbon contamination in the Antarctic, as well as a 2016 study which successfully increased the rates of denitrification by altering the environment housing the bacteria. Denitrifying bacteria are said to be high quality bioremediators because of their adaptability to a variety of different environments, as well as the lacking any toxic or undesirable leftovers, as are left by other metabolisms. Role of denitrifying bacteria as a methane sink Denitrifying bacteria have been found to play a significant role in the oxidation of methane (CH4) (where methane is converted to CO2, water, and energy) in deep freshwater bodies of water. This is important because methane is the second most significant anthropogenic greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential