A process by which anaerobic bacteria oxidize ammonium (NH4) that is coupled to ferric iron (Fe(III)), which is reduced, to produce dinitrogen (N2) and nitrite (NO2); the NO2 may subsequently be reduced to N2, nitrate (NO3), or NH4:
or, at pH below 6.5:
The process occurs in tropical soils, where it shortcuts the nitrogen cycle, leading to the loss of nitrogen from ecosystems. See also anammox.