Bioprocess of nitrite accumulation in water – a review

Abstract:

Nitrite is a by-product of the nitrogen cycle. The excessive nitrite not only constrains growth and metabolism of bacteria, but also impairs health of humans and aquatic organisms. On the other hand, the continuous maintaining of nitrite accumulation could achieve the shortcut nitrification process, and reduce energy consumption of biological nitrogen removal to save cost. This article reviews the biological processes and causes of nitrite accumulation in the water environment, and summarizes the factors that affect the accumulation of nitrite, to provide reference for wastewater treatments, including improving the nitrogen removal efficiency, reducing operating costs, decreasing discharge of sewage and nitrite nitrogen in natural water.

Key words:nitrite, enzyme, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, partial nitrification, partial denitrification