Impact of influent characteristics on a partial nitritation SBR treating high nitrogen loaded wastewater

► Influent characteristics affect partial nitritation SBR performance. ► Ammonia, inorganic carbon and loading rate control the outcome of the system. ► Influent pH governs CO2-HCO3−-CO32− speciation, controlling process conversion. ► Organic matter oxidation acidifies the media and limits the conversion. ► Process control is essential to ensure a successful operation.