Anoxic phosphorus removal by denitrifying heterotrophic bacteria.

The unexplained occurrence of anoxic phosphorus (P) accumulation has largely hampered modeling of nitrification denitrification biological excess P removal (NDBEPR) systems. The aim of this study was, therefore, to isolate and identify denitrifying-P accumulating heterotrophic bacteria (DPBs) from a NDBEPR system in order to evaluate anoxic P accumulation and the specific mechanisms involved. Results of the study showed various heterotrophic bacteria to be capable of anoxic P accumulation utilising nitrate (NO3) as electron acceptor.