N2O emission in a partial nitrification system: Dynamic emission characteristics and the ammonium-oxidizing bacteria community

This study attempts to elucidate the dynamics of nitrous oxide (N2O) emission and investigate the evolution of the ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) community in a partial nitrification system producing an influent suitable for the anammox process. Based on long-term monitoring, (0.80 ± 0.19, n = 7)% of the incoming nitrogen load was emitted as N2O. During the partial nitrification process, the N2O emission rate reached a maximum at the beginning of the aerobic period and stabilized at a low level after an initial peak. Moreover, the quantity of N2O emission increased quickly at the beginning of the cycle operation and then production slowed after 30 min. According to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis, the dominant AOB causing the N2O emission from the partial nitrification system were Nitrosomonas sp. Both Nitrosomonas sp. Nm33 and Nitrosomonas sp. Nm58 were enriched at high ammonia concentrations.

► On average, (0.80 ± 0.19, n = 7)% of the incoming nitrogen load was emitted as N2O.
► The dynamics of the N2O emission characteristics were elucidated.
► The evolution of the AOB community in partial nitrification was investigated.
► The dominant AOB causing the N2O emission were Nitrosomonas sp.