Impacts of transient salinity shock loads on Anammox process performance

► We investigated the effects of NaCl shocks on Anammox. ► The EPS amount changed over time for all of the NaCl shock loads tested. ► A shock load of 30 g l−1 NaCl was found to be the threshold value for maintaining the stability of Anammox. ► After experiencing several shock trials, the microorganisms in the reactor slowly adapted to the NaCl shock loads.