Recent advances in biological removal of nitroaromatics from wastewater*

Various nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) released into the environment cause potential threats to humans and animals. Biological treatment is valued for cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and availability when treating wastewater containing NACs. Considering the significance and wide use of NACs, this review focuses on recent advances in biological treatment systems for NACs removal from wastewater. Meanwhile, factors affecting biodegradation and methods to enhance removal efficiency of NACs are discussed. The selection of biological treatment system needs to consider NACs loading and cost, and its performance is affected by configuration and operation strategy. Generally, sequential anaerobic-aerobic biological treatment systems perform better in mineralizing NACs and removing co-pollutants. Future research on mechanism exploration of NACs biotransformation and performance optimization will facilitate the large-scale application of biological treatment systems.

Automated summary

This review focuses on recent advances in biological treatment systems for the removal of nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) from wastewater. Factors affecting biodegradation and methods to enhance removal efficiency are discussed. Sequential anaerobic-aerobic biological treatment systems are considered to perform better in mineralizing NACs and removing co-pollutants.