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Updated: May 25, 2025

Single-throughput Complementary High-resolution Analytical Techniques for Characterizing Complex Natural Organic Matter Mixtures
Published on: January 7, 2019
Dual role of organic matter in Feammox-driven nitrogen and phosphate removal
Yi Liu1, Jiachen Dong1, Xiaohui Cheng1
1Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
Abstract:
Feammox is a novel microbial process that enables simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal in wastewater treatment. This study investigated the role of organic matter in Feammox-driven nutrient removal during long-term bioreactor operation by gradually increasing the influent chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration from 0 to 50, and then to 100 mg/L. The results revealed that the ammonium removal efficiency was reduced from 60.5 % to 20.7 % with COD concentration increasing from 0 to 100 mg/L. In contrast, organic matter enhanced nitrate removal through heterotrophic denitrification, which outcompeted nitrate-dependent Fe(II) oxidation. Phosphorus removal was increased up to approximately 90 % via Fe(II)-mediated precipitation, forming vivianite crystals, evidenced by X-ray diffraction analysis. Continuous addition of Fe(III) alleviated the inhibitory effect of organic matter on ammonia oxidation by serving as an alternative electron acceptor, reducing competition. Therefore, optimizing organic matter levels and ensuring sufficient Fe(III) availability are crucial for achieving efficient nutrient removal in Feammox systems, particularly for treating wastewater with a low carbon/nitrogen ratio.
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