Advances in sulphur-iron autotrophic denitrification research and exploration of its future application in wastewater treatment: A critical review.
- 2026-01
- Bioresource technology 439
- Kaiyao Hu
- Xuming Liu
- Xiang Jia
- Zehao Zhang
- Wanqi Liu
- Jun Li
- Xingrong Yao
- PubMed: 41022334
- DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2025.133391
Study Design
- Type
- Review
Conventional heterotrophic denitrification (HD) struggles with efficient nitrogen removal from low carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio wastewater due to reliance on external carbon sources and high costs. The sulfur-iron autotrophic denitrification (SIAD) technology integrates the advantages of sulfur autotrophic denitrification (SAD) and nitrate-dependent ferrous oxidation (NDFO) through synergistic interactions between sulfur and iron, achieving high-efficiency nitrogen and phosphorus removal, pH self-regulation, and sulfate (SO42-) control. This article provides a comprehensive review of the theoretical mechanisms, efficiency optimization, and engineering applications of SIAD technology, aiming to elucidate the efficient nitrogen removal pathways driven by synergistic multi-electron donors. Additionally, the article explores the coupling of SIAD with other biological denitrification processes, such as HD and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox), demonstrating its potential and advantages in practical implementations. It also analyzes current challenges of SIAD and summarizes future trends, aiming to provide guidelines for advancing this low-carbon, high-efficiency technology in low C/N wastewater treatment.