Nitrogen Removal Performance of Novel Isolated Bacillus sp. Capable of Simultaneous Heterotrophic Nitrification and Aerobic Denitrification

The control of nitrogenous pollutants is a key concern in aquaculture production. Bacillus spp. are commonly used as probiotics in aquaculture, but only a few reports have focused on the simultaneous heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification (SND) capacity of Bacillus sp. strains. In order to improve nitrogen biodegradation efficiency in the aquaculture industry, the SND capacity of Bacillus sp. strains was evaluated using both individual and mixed nitrogen sources and different sources of organic carbon. Twelve Bacillus sp. isolates were screened from aquaculture pond sediments and shrimp guts for nitrogen biodegradation. Six strains exhibited especially efficient inorganic nitrogen removal capacities in media with individual and mixed nitrogen sources. These strains comprise K8, N2, and N5 (B. subtilis), HYS (B. albus), H4 (B. amyloliquefaciens), and S1 (B. velezensis). The strains grew better when the sole nitrogen source was NH4+-N, but degraded nitrogen in the following order: nitrite nitrogen (NO2--N), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), and nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N). There was no associated NO2--N accumulation, regardless of the nitrogen source. The optimal carbon source for nitrogen removal varied based on different nitrogen sources and associated metabolic pathways. The optimal carbon sources for the removal of NO3--N, NO2--N, and NH4+-N were sodium citrate, sodium acetate, and sucrose, respectively. The application of H4 in recirculating aquaculture water further demonstrated that NO2--N and NH4+-N could be effectively removed. This study thus provides valuable technical support for the bioremediation of aquaculture water.

Automated summary

Control of nitrogenous pollutants is crucial in aquaculture production. This study identified 6 Bacillus sp. strains with efficient inorganic nitrogen removal capacities, providing valuable technical support for improving nitrogen biodegradation efficiency in the aquaculture industry.