ANAMMOX Based Technology for Nitrogen Removal from Wastewater: Linking Microbial Interactions, Ecological Mechanisms, and Engineering Optimization, 2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

Nitrogen pollution remains a critical global environmental challenge, driving eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems and posing significant public health risks yet, while traditional biological nitrogen removal processes are established, they are often energy-intensive and carry a heavy carbon footprint. In this context, Anaerobic Ammonium Oxidation (ANAMMOX) has emerged as a paradigm-shifting technology for sustainable wastewater treatment. By converting ammonium and nitrite directly into dinitrogen gas, ANAMMOX bypasses the substantial aeration and external carbon requirements of conventional nitrification–denitrification, offering a distinct advantage in energy neutrality and operational cost reduction.

This Special Issue aims to bridge the gap between fundamental microbiology and practical engineering applications. We seek to unravel the complexities of the ANAMMOX process by linking microbial interactions (e.g., quorum sensing and syntrophy) and ecological mechanisms (e.g., community assembly and niche differentiation) with engineering optimization. The Special Issue will explore how these biological and ecological factors dictate system stability and performance, and how this understanding can be translated into robust reactor designs and control strategies. Furthermore, we will address the broader environmental implications, specifically the role of ANAMMOX in achieving carbon-neutral wastewater treatment and resource recovery.

Nitrogen pollution in wastewater has become a significant environmental challenge worldwide, leading to eutrophication of water bodies and potential health risks. Traditional biological nitrogen removal processes, while effective, often require high energy input and have a large carbon footprint. In recent years, the Anaerobic Ammonium Oxidation (ANAMMOX) process has emerged as a promising and sustainable alternative for nitrogen removal from wastewater. ANAMMOX bacteria can convert ammonium directly to nitrogen gas using nitrite as an electron acceptor, bypassing the need for aeration and external carbon sources. This innovative biotechnology offers substantial benefits in terms of energy savings, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and lower operational costs compared to conventional nitrification-denitrification processes.

This Special Issue focuses on the latest advancements in ANAMMOX biotechnology for nitrogen removal from wastewater. It aims to explore both the fundamental science and engineering applications of the ANAMMOX process, covering key topics such as partial nitrification, greenhouse gas emissions, quorum sensing, bacterial community dynamics. The Special Issue will delve into how these factors influence the performance and stability of ANAMMOX systems, and how to optimize the process for improved nitrogen removal efficiency. It will also address the broader implications of ANAMMOX technology, including its role in achieving energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable wastewater treatment, and will explore how ANAMMOX contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of wastewater treatment plants and its potential in resource recovery.

This Special Issue invites the submission of original research articles and critical reviews that advance the state-of-the-art in ANAMMOX technology. We particularly welcome studies that integrate microbial insights with process engineering. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

1. Microbial Ecology and Interactions: Bacterial community dynamics, quorum sensing mechanisms, and symbiotic interactions within ANAMMOX granular sludge or biofilms.
2. Process Mechanisms: Insights into partial nitrification–anammox (PN/A), metabolic pathways, and inhibition kinetics.
3. Engineering Optimization: Advanced reactor configurations, real-time control strategies, and scalability of ANAMMOX systems.
4. Environmental Impact: Assessment and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions in ANAMMOX-based processes.
5. Application and Integration: Treatment of mainstream and varying industrial wastewaters.

Dr. Cancan Jiang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• anammox
• partial nitrification
• microbial interactions
• greenhouse gas
• quorum sensing
• bacterial community
• carbon neutrality

• ANAMMOX Based Technology for Nitrogen Removal from Wastewater in Water (8 articles)