Molecular characterization of microbial populations in full-scale biofilters treating iron, manganese and ammonia containing groundwater in Harbin, China

- Simultaneous removal of Fe2+, Mn2+ and NH4+ was achieved in a full-scale biofilter.
- IOB, MOB and NOB dominated in the biofilter.
- AOA instead of AOB was responsible for the oxidation of NH4+.
- Microbial populations varied along the depth of the biofilter.