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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
08:05
Measurement of the Potential Rates of Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium Based on 14NH4+/15NH4+ Analyses via Sequential Conversion to N2O
Published on: October 7, 2020
Biological nitrogen removal with nitrification and denitrification via nitrite pathway
1School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China. pyz@bjut.edu.cn
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
|October 10, 2006
Summary
Partial nitrification, a key wastewater treatment technology, can be optimized by controlling operational factors to selectively inhibit nitrite oxidizing bacteria. This sustainable ammonium removal method is crucial for meeting strict environmental discharge standards.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Wastewater engineering
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Current wastewater treatment methods require enhancement to meet stringent discharge standards.
- Sustainable ammonium removal from wastewater is a growing environmental concern.
- Partial nitrification to nitrite offers a technically feasible and economically favorable approach for ammonium removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the microbiology of partial nitrification for ammonium removal.
- To discuss the consequences of microbial dynamics for practical applications.
- To outline the current status and future developments in partial nitrification technology.
Main Methods:
- Selective inhibition of nitrite oxidizing bacteria.
- Regulation of dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration.
- Control of microbial sludge retention time (SRT), pH, and temperature.
- Optimization of substrate concentration, load, and aeration patterns.
Main Results:
- Partial nitrification is achievable by carefully controlling operational parameters.
- Selective inhibition of nitrite oxidizing bacteria is critical for maintaining partial nitrification.
- Wastewater with high ammonium or low C/N ratios is suitable for this technology.
Conclusions:
- Partial nitrification is a promising sustainable technology for ammonium removal in wastewater treatment.
- Effective control of microbial activity and operational conditions is essential for successful implementation.
- Further research and development are needed to optimize and expand the application of this technology.
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