Results for “reduction”

reduction

Chemical process whereby an atom or ion gains electrons and undergoes a subsequent increase in valence; the act or process of being reduced. Opposite of oxidation.

Used in 60 profiles

redox

Abbreviation of reduction-oxygenation. Used in reference to a chemical process whereby one substance or molecule undergoes reduction and another oxidation.

denitrification

Reduction of nitrates to nitrites and ammonia by the breakdown of nitrogenous compounds, or conversion of nitrates into nitrogen-containing gases. Usually carried out by microorganisms.

depensation

Reduction in breeding population size leading to reduced fecundity in the overall population or stock of a species.

eutrophication

Hypertrophication; process by which addition of artificial or natural substances, such as nitrates and phosphates, to a body of water increases the concentration of dissolved nutrients, this in turn stimulating the growth of aquatic plant life, especially phytoplankton, and typically resulting in depletion of dissolved oxygen. Negative effects include reductions in populations of fishes and other organisms incapable of withstanding this hypoxia.

Used in 8 profiles

osmotic shock

Rupture of cells in a solution as a result of a sudden reduction in osmotic pressure. Can cause severe issues in fishes when the chemical composition of the water changes rapidly, e.g., during or following a pH crash.

oxidation

Chemical process whereby an atom or ion loses electrons and undergoes a subsequent increase in valence; the combination of a substance with oxygen; the act or result of being oxidised. Opposite of reduction.

troglomorphic

Used in reference to morphological adaptations to the cave or underground environment such as loss or reduction of pigment or eyes.

Used in 5 profiles