How Pyrite Interacts with Anammox: Mechanisms and Application

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) is a promising biotechnology involving the nitrogen removal process owing to its benefits, such as high efficiency and low cost. However, problems are faced during its application, including long cell doubling time, sensitivity to environmental factors, and generation of nitrate as a byproduct. With the ability to promote bacterial growth and reduce the nitrate byproduct, pyrite (FeS2) has remarkable potential in enhancing the Anammox process. It will also expand the nitrogen removal pathway by coupling with the iron-nitrogen-sulfur cycle. Few pioneering studies on using pyrite for Anammox enhancement have been published recently, and critical information has yet to be summarized. This Review provides a comprehensive and systematic overview of the role of pyrite in the Anammox process. It offers the possibility of coupling pyrite with Anammox to achieve a more efficient nitrogen removal.