Anaerobic treatment of nitrogenous industrial organic wastewater by carbon–neutral processes integrated with anaerobic digestion and partial nitritation/anammox: Critical review of current advances and future directions

• Published in: Bioresource technology 2025-01, Vol.415, p.131648, Article 131648
• Main Authors: Deng, Zixuan, Sun, Chengde, Ma, Guangyi, Zhang, Xinzheng, Guo, Hongbo, Zhang, Tao, Zhang, Yalei, Hu, Yong, Li, Dapeng, Li, Yu-You, Kong, Zhe
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anaerobic biological treatment; Anammox; Carbon neutrality; Industrial organic wastewater; Nitrogenous wastewater; PN/A
• ISSN: 0960-8524; 1873-2976; 1873-2976
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131648

[Display omitted] •AD-PN/A process shows merits over conventional processes for carbon neutrality.•AD-PN/A process exhibits potential to treat nitrogenous industrial wastewater.•Advanced carbon–neutral technologies are proposed to enhance the AD-PN/A process.•AD process is recommended in combination with UASB, EGSB, IC and AnMBR reactors.•Promising processes are suggested for carbon–neutral N removal based on anammox. Anaerobic digestion combined with partial nitritation/anammox technology holds promising potential for the carbon–neutral treatment of nitrogenous industrial organic wastewater, boasting remarkable advantages in effective removal of both organic matters and nitrogen, bio-energy recovery and carbon emission reduction. This study provides a concise overview of the development and advantages of anaerobic digestion combined with partial nitritation/anammox technology for treating nitrogenous industrial organic wastewater. The process excels in removing organic matter and nitrogen, recovering bio-energy, and reducing carbon emissions, compared to traditional physicochemical and biological methods. Case studies highlight its energy-saving and efficient attributes, especially for carbon–neutral nitrogen removal. Challenges for achieving stable operation in the future are discussed, and the study offers insights into the broader application of this integrated process in industrial wastewater treatment.