Effect of potential electron acceptors on anoxic ammonia oxidation in the presence of organic carbon

A novel route of anoxic ammonia removal in the presence of organic carbon was identified recently from ecosystems contaminated with ammonia. Sequencing batch reactor (SBR) studies were carried out in anoxic condition at oxidation–reduction potential varied from −185 to −275 mV for anoxic ammonia oxidation with adapted biomass (mixed culture). SBR studies were carried out in absence and in the presence of externally added organic carbon and/or in the presence of inorganic electron acceptors like NO₂⁻, NO₃⁻ and SO₄²⁻. The results showed anoxic ammonia oxidation to nitrate (in contrast to reported anammox process) in the presence of organic carbon available through endogenous respiration whereas anoxic ammonia oxidation was effective in the presence of externally added organic compound for nitrogen removal. The presence of externally added inorganic electron acceptors like NO₂⁻, NO₃⁻ and SO₄²⁻ was effective in anoxic ammonia oxidation, but failed to follow the reported anammox reaction's stoichiometry in nitrogen removal in the presence of organic carbon. However, the presence of NO₂⁻ affected best in total nitrogen removal compared to other electron acceptors and maximum ammonia removal rate was 100 mg NH₄⁺/g MLVSS/d. Based on the results, it is possible to suggest that rate of anoxic ammonia oxidation depends up on the respiration activities of mixed culture involving organic carbon, NO₂⁻, NO₃⁻ and SO₄²⁻. The process shows possibilities of new pathways of ammonia oxidation in organic contaminated sediments and/or wastewater in anoxic conditions.