Cyanide is converted to which of the following during wastewater treatment?

The correct answer is that cyanide is converted to nitrogen and carbon dioxide during wastewater treatment. This process typically occurs in specialized biological treatment systems where certain microorganisms are capable of breaking down cyanide compounds.

Cyanide is a toxic compound that can pose significant threats to both human health and the environment if not properly managed. In the wastewater treatment context, specific bacteria can metabolize cyanide, ultimately transforming it into less harmful substances. During this microbial degradation, nitrogen is released, which can eventually be assimilated into the environment as part of the nitrogen cycle. Similarly, carbon dioxide results from the breakdown of the cyanide structure, contributing to the carbon cycle.

The conversion process is crucial in achieving compliance with environmental regulations and ensuring that treated water can be safely released into natural water bodies or reused. Understanding these biochemical transformations is essential for wastewater treatment plant operators, as they play a critical role in mitigating the effects of hazardous compounds like cyanide in wastewater.