Application of a moving bed biofilm reactor for tertiary ammonia treatment in high temperature industrial wastewater

► Ammonium at low concentrations was treated in a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR). ► The effects of elevated temperatures (35, 40 and 45 °C) were quantified. ► Effective treatment of ammonia was observed 35 and 40 °C but not at 45 °C. ► The microbial population dynamics were monitored using quantitative PCR. ► We saw some correspondence between AOB and NOB dynamics and treatment performance.