Deciphering high-nitrogen inhibition in anammox systems: From microbial insights to engineering applications

IF 13.2 1区环境科学与生态学 Q1 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology Pub Date : 2026-05-03 DOI:10.1080/10643389.2026.2635434

Junye Shen, Xin Yin, Yuheng Zhu, Wenqi Li, Mabruk Adams, Bing-Jie Ni, Chongjun Chen

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox), as a breakthrough low-carbon nitrogen removal technology, is energy-efficient and cost-effective for treating high-ammonium, low C/N wastewaters. However, excessive concentrations of ammonium (NH₄⁺) and nitrite (NO₂⁻), especially in the form of free ammonia (FA) and free nitrous acid (FNA), exert strong biotoxic effects on anammox bacteria (AnAOB) and severely hinder the wide application of the anammox process. In this review, we comprehensively evaluate high-nitrogen inhibition in anammox systems, focusing on impacts on nitrogen removal performance and sludge properties. From molecular–cellular–ecological perspectives, this work systematically elucidates the inhibition and response mechanisms under high-nitrogen stress, covering membrane structure, key enzymes and functional genes, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and microbial community. In addition, we explore the roles of coexisting organics and microbial interactions in system-level responses. To mitigate high-nitrogen inhibition, a series of effective recovery strategies are summarized, including biomass intervention management, process parameter optimization, and exogenous additive supplementation. Finally, we propose biological enhancement measures based on the enrichment of Ca. Kuenenia to improve anammox tolerance. This review bridges microbial insights and engineering applications to advance the broader implementation of anammox-based systems in full-scale wastewater treatment.

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破译厌氧氨氧化系统中的高氮抑制：从微生物的见解到工程应用

厌氧氨氧化（anammox）是一项突破性的低碳脱氮技术，是处理高铵、低碳氮比废水的高效节能技术。然而，过量的氨（NH4+）和亚硝酸盐（NO2−），特别是游离氨（FA）和游离亚硝酸盐（FNA），对厌氧氨氧化菌（AnAOB）产生强烈的生物毒性作用，严重阻碍了厌氧氨氧化工艺的广泛应用。在这篇综述中，我们综合评价了厌氧氨氧化系统中的高氮抑制，重点是对氮去除性能和污泥特性的影响。本文从分子-细胞-生态学的角度，系统阐述了高氮胁迫下植物的膜结构、关键酶和功能基因、胞外聚合物质（EPS）和微生物群落等方面的抑制和响应机制。此外，我们还探讨了共存的有机物和微生物相互作用在系统级响应中的作用。为了减轻高氮抑制，总结了一系列有效的恢复策略，包括生物质干预管理、工艺参数优化和外源添加剂的补充。最后，我们提出了以Kuenenia为基础的生物强化措施，以提高厌氧氨氧化菌的耐受性。本文综述了微生物见解和工程应用之间的桥梁，以推进厌氧氨氧化系统在全面废水处理中的更广泛实施。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology 环境科学-环境科学

CiteScore

27.30

自引率

1.60%

发文量

审稿时长

2 months

期刊介绍： Two of the most pressing global challenges of our era involve understanding and addressing the multitude of environmental problems we face. In order to tackle them effectively, it is essential to devise logical strategies and methods for their control. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology serves as a valuable international platform for the comprehensive assessment of current knowledge across a wide range of environmental science topics. Environmental science is a field that encompasses the intricate and fluid interactions between various scientific disciplines. These include earth and agricultural sciences, chemistry, biology, medicine, and engineering. Furthermore, new disciplines such as environmental toxicology and risk assessment have emerged in response to the increasing complexity of environmental challenges. The purpose of Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology is to provide a space for critical analysis and evaluation of existing knowledge in environmental science. By doing so, it encourages the advancement of our understanding and the development of effective solutions. This journal plays a crucial role in fostering international cooperation and collaboration in addressing the pressing environmental issues of our time.