Analysis of the Interaction Mechanisms of Functional Microbial Communities in Carrier Biofilm Systems for Partial NitrificationAnammox Nitrogen Removal

Abstract

Partial nitrificationanaerobic ammonium oxidation, commonly referred to as "partial nitrificationANAMMOX (PN/A), " is an
emerging and highly efficient biological nitrogen removal technology. Owing to its advantages of energy savings, reduced carbon emissions,
and high nitrogen removal efficiency, it has attracted increasing attention in the field of wastewater treatment. Carrier-based biofilm systems
provide attachment sites and a stable growth environment for functional microbial communities, promoting the synergistic activity of partial
nitrifying bacteria and anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB). This facilitates the dynamic balance between nitrite and ammonium
in the system, thus enabling efficient nitrogen removal. This study analyzes the structural characteristics of carrier biofilms, the composition
of microbial communities, and the associated metabolic pathways. It further explores the interaction mechanisms among functional microbial
groups and their influence on nitrogen removal performance. Results indicate that partial nitrifiers and AnAOB form a stable ecological interaction network through redox gradients, mass transfer processes, and metabolic complementarity. Carrier propertiessuch as pore structure,
hydrophilicity, and specific surface areaaffect the spatial distribution and metabolic activity of functional microorganisms. This research
elucidates the microecological basis of synergistic interactions in PN/A systems and provides theoretical support for achieving efficient and
stable engineering applications.