No, it doesn't. You are basically arguing that you start out with NO3 and
H2O
and it goes

No I am not arguing that.




2NO3 & 2H2O ---- 2NO2 & 2H2 ---- 2N01 & 2H2 ---- N2 & 2H2O.

The water molecules are never broken up.

Very good! When did I write water molecules were broken up?

They just pass through when the system is functioning properly.

Still wrong. Water is produced here. 2NO3 + 12H+ ---- N2 + 6H2O

This is an enzymatic reaction involving nitrate reductase. The process is
called DENITRIFICATION. O2 is NOT produced!

Read for yourself:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denitrification
http://www.reefscapes.net/articles/a...ogencycle.html

When water molecules do get stripped of their oxygen, the hydrogen usually
combines with sulfur to produce hydrogen sulphide.

What? When did I mention water molecules getting stripped of oxygens?

George Patterson
Coffee is only a way of stealing time that should by rights belong to
your slightly older self.