Enhanced nitrite electroreduction to ammonia via interfacial dual-site adsorption

The nitrite(NO_(2)^(−))to ammonia(NH3)electroreduction reaction(NO_(2)^(−)RR)would be impeded by sluggish proton-coupled electron transfer kinetics and competitive hydrogen evolution reaction(HER).A key to improving the NH_(3) selectivity is to facilitate adsorption and activation of NO_(2)^(−),which is generally undesirable in unitary species.In this work,an efficient NO_(2)^(−)RR catalyst is constructed by cooperating Pd with In2O3,in which NO_(2)^(−)could adsorb on interfacial dual-site through“Pd–N–O–In”linkage,leading to strengthened NO_(2)^(−)adsorption and easier N=O bond cleavage than that on unitary Pd or In2O3.Moreover,the Pd/In_(2)O_(3)composite exhibits moderate H^(*)adsorption,which may facilitate protonation kinetics while inhibiting competitive HER.As a result,it exhibits a fairly high NH_(3)yield rate of 622.76 mmol h^(−1)g^(−1)cat with a Faradaic efficiency(FE)of 95.72%,good selectivity of 91.96%,and cycling stability towards the NO_(2)^(−)RR,surpassing unitary In_(2)O_(3)and Pd/C electrocatalysts.Besides,computed results indicate that NH_(3)production on Pd/In_(2)O_(3)follows the deoxidation to hydrogenation pathway.This work highlights the significance of H^(*)and NO_(2)^(−)adsorption modulation and N=O activation in NO_(2)^(−)RR electrochemistry by creating synergy between a mediocre catalyst with an appropriate cooperator.

Promoting electroreduction of nitrite to ammonia over electron-deficient Pd modulated by rectifying Schottky contacts

Electrochemical nitrite reduction reaction(NO_(2)^(-)RR) is a potential sustainable route for regulating the nitrogen cycle and ambient ammonia(NH_(3)) synthesis.However,it remains a challenge to precisely regulate the reaction pathways and inhibit competing reactions(e.g.hydrogenolysis) for efficient and selective NH_(3) production in an aqueous solution environment.Here,we utilize the Schottky barrier-induced surface electric field to construct high-density electron-deficient Pd nanoparticles by modulating the N content in the carbon carrier to promote the enrichment and immobilization of NO_(2)^(-)on the electrode surface,which ensures the ultimate selectivity for NH_(3).With these properties,Pd@N_(0.14)C with the highest N content achieved excellent catalytic performance for the reduction of NO_(2)^(-)to NH_(3) with the 100% Faraday efficiency at-0.5 and-0.6 V vs,reversible hydrogen electrode(RHE) for NH_(3) production,which was significantly better than Pd/C and Pd@N_(x)C samples with lower N content.This study opens new avenues for rational construction of efficient electrocatalysts for nitrite removal and NH_(3) electrosynthesis.

Comprehensive understanding of the thriving electrocatalytic nitrate/nitrite reduction to ammonia under ambient conditions

Ammonia(NH_(3))is a multifunctional compound that is an important feedstock for the agricultural and pharmaceutical industries and attractive energy storage medium.At present,NH_(3)synthesis is highly dependent on the conventional Haber–Bosch process that operates under harsh conditions,which consumes large quantities of fossil fuels and releases a large amount of carbon dioxide.As an alternative,electrosynthesis is a prospective method for producing NH_(3)under normal temperature and pressure conditions.Although electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction to ammonia has attracted considerable attentions,the low solubility of N_(2)and high N≡N cracking energy render the achievements of high NH_(3) yield rate and Faradaic efficiency difficult.Nitrate and nitrite(NO_(x)^(-))are common N-containing pollutants.Due to their high solubilities and low dissociation energy of N=O,NO_(x)^(-)−are ideal raw materials for NH_(3) production.Therefore,electrocatalytic NO_(x)^(-)−reduction to NH_(3)(eNO_(x)RR)is a prospective strategy to simultaneously realise environmental protection and NH_(3) synthesis.This review offers a comprehensive understanding of the thriving eNO_(x)RR under ambient conditions.At first,the popular theory and mechanism of eNO_(x)RR and a summary of the measurement system and evaluation criteria are introduced.Thereafter,various strategies for developing NO_(x)−reduction catalysts are systematically presented and discussed.Finally,the challenges and possible prospects of electrocatalytic NO_(x)^(-1) reduction are outlined to facilitate energy-saving and environmentally friendly large-scale synthesis of NH_(3) in the future.

Acquired methemoglobinemia in a third trimester puerpera and her premature infant with sodium nitrite poisoning:A case report

BACKGROUND The common cause of sodium nitrite poisoning has shifted from previous accidental intoxication by exposure or ingestion of contaminated water and food to recent alarming intentional intoxication as an employed method of suicide/exit.The subsequent formation of methemoglobin(MetHb)restricts oxygen transport and utilization in the body,resulting in functional hypoxia at the tissue level.In clinical practice,a mismatch of cyanotic appearance and oxygen partial pressure usually contributes to the identification of methemoglobinemia.Prompt recognition of characteristic mismatch and accurate diagnosis of sodium nitrite poisoning are prerequisites for the implementation of standardized systemic interventions.CASE SUMMARY A pregnant woman was admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine at the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University due to consciousness disorders and drowsiness 2 h before admission.Subsequently,she developed vomiting and cyanotic skin.The woman underwent orotracheal intubation,invasive mechanical ventilation(IMV),and correction of internal environment disturbance in the ICU.Her premature infant was born with a higher-than-normal MetHb level of 3.3%,and received detoxification with methylene blue and vitamin C,supplemental vitamin K1,an infusion of fresh frozen plasma,as well as respiratory support via orotracheal intubation and IMV.On day 3 after admission,the puerpera regained consciousness,evacuated the IMV,and resumed enteral nutrition.She was then transferred to the maternity ward 24 h later.On day 7 after admission,the woman recovered and was discharged without any sequelae.CONCLUSION MetHb can cross through the placental barrier.Level of MetHb both reflects severity of the sodium nitrite poisoning and serves as feedback on therapeutic effectiveness.

Assessment of Nitrates and Nitrites in Borehole Water from the Southern and the Northern Region of Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of water from village boreholes by measuring physicochemical parameters such as nitrates, nitrites, and total organic carbon (TOC). Forty-five (45) village pumps from the Southern (Basse Côte) and the Northern (Korhogo) region of Cte d’Ivoire (west Africa) were sampled. Physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, conductivity at 25˚C, and turbidity were determined in situ, while nitrite and nitrate were analyzed according to ISO 10304-1 (2007) standard and total organic carbon (TOC) by NF EN 1484 (1997) standard. The results showed that the borehole waters of the Basse Côte and Korhogo analyzed are acidic, with an average temperature of 27.51˚C ± 0.16˚C and 29.95˚C ± 0.51˚C respectively for the Basse Côte and Korhogo regions. The borehole waters of the Basse Côtedo not contain nitrites, while those of Korhogo have average nitrite contents of 0.32 mg/l. The average nitrate rate in the waters of the Basse Côte and Korhogo are 12.08 ± 2.11 mg/l and 11.03 ± 3.18 mg/l respectively. The average TOC concentration of the waters of the Basse Côte is 1.28 ± 0.32 mg/l and that of Korhogo is 0.56 ± 0.09 mg/L. The study showed that the borehole waters of the Basse Côte and Korhogo have average temperatures between 27.4˚C and 29.95˚C with a slightly acidic pH value and acceptable salinity. The TOC concentrations obtained at the different sampling points were all below the French standard (2 mg/L) except for certains pumps of the Basse Côte. The water samples from the Basse Côte were devoid of nitrite. On the other hand, those from Korhogo revealed the presence of nitrite. Also, the borehole waters of the regions of the Basse Côte and Korhogo contain relatively high nitrate contents, presumably due to anthropometric activity. Overall, our study on the quality of drinking water showed that the waters analyzed are in compliance with international standards and safe for consumption.

Effects of Standing Time during Pretreatment on the Nitrite Concentration Detected by Spectrophotometric Method

Food safety problems caused by excessive nitrite addition have been frequently reported and the detection of nitrite in food is particularly important. The standing time during the pretreatment of primary sample has a great influence on the concentration of nitrite tested by spectrophotometric method. In this context, three kinds of food samples are prepared, including canned mustard, canned fish and home-made pickled water. A series of standing times are placed during the sample pretreatments and the corresponding nitrite contents in these samples are detected by spectrophotometric method based on N-ethylenediamine dihydrochloride. This study aims to find out a reasonable standing time during the pretreatment of food sample, providing influence factor for precise detection of nitrite.

Solvent extraction and separation of cobalt from leachate of spent lithium-ion battery cathodes with N263 in nitrite media

To effectively separate and recover Co(Ⅱ) from the leachate of spent lithium-ion battery cathodes,we investigated solvent extraction with quaternary ammonium salt N263 in the sodium nitrite system.NO_(2)^(-)combines with Co(Ⅱ) to form an anion [Co(NO_(2))_(3)]^(-),and it is then extracted by N263.The extraction of Co(Ⅱ) is related to the concentration of NO_(2)^(-).The extraction efficiency of Co(Ⅱ) reaches the maximum of99.16%,while the extraction efficiencies of Ni(Ⅱ),Mn(Ⅱ),and Li(Ⅰ) are 9.27%-9.80% under the following conditions:30vol% of N263 and15vol% of iso-propyl alcohol in sulfonated kerosene,the volume ratio of the aqueous-to-organic phase is 2:1,the extraction time is 30 min,and1 M sodium nitrite in 0.1 MHNO_(3).The theoretical stages require for the Co(Ⅱ) extraction are performed in the McCabe–Thiele diagram,and the extraction efficiency of Co(Ⅱ) reaches more than 99.00% after three-stage counter-current extraction with Co(Ⅱ) concentration of 2544mg/L.When the HCl concentration is 1.5 M,the volume ratio of the aqueous-to-organic phase is 1:1,the back-extraction efficiency of Co(Ⅱ)achieves 91.41%.After five extraction and back-extraction cycles,the Co(Ⅱ) extraction efficiency can still reach 93.89%.The Co(Ⅱ) extraction efficiency in the actual leaching solution reaches 100%.

Controllable NO Release for Catheter Antibacteria from Nitrite Electroreduction over the Cu-MOF

Implant-associated infections caused by biomedical catheters severely threaten patients'health.The use of electrochemical control on NO release from benign nitrite equipped in the catheter can potentially resolve this issue with excellent biocompatibility.Inspired by nitrite reductase,a Cu-BDC(BDC:benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid)catalyst with coordinated Cu(Ⅱ)sites was constructed as a heterogeneous electrocatalyst to control nitrite reduction to nitric oxide for catheter antibacteria.The combined results of in situ and ex situ tests unveil the key function of interconversion between Cu(Ⅱ)and Cu(Ⅰ)species in NO_(2)^(-)reduction to NO.After being incorporated into the actual catheter,the Cu-BDC catalyst exhibits high electrocatalytic activity toward NO_(2)^(-)reduction to NO and excellent antibacteria efficacy with a sterilizing rate of 99.9%,paving the way for the development of advanced metal-organic frameworks(MOFs)electrocatalysts for catheter antibacteria.

Sources and transformations of nitrite in the Amundsen Sea in summer 2019 and 2020 as revealed by nitrogen and oxygen isotopes

In this study,the nitrogen and oxygen isotope compositions of nitrite in the upper 150 m water column of the Amundsen Sea in the summer of 2019 and 2020 were measured to reveal the distribution and transformation of nitrite in the euphotic zone of the Southern Ocean.We found that primary nitrite maxima(PNMs)are widely present in the Amundsen Sea,where the depth of occurrence deepens from east to west and nitrite concentrations increases.Evidence from dual isotopes suggests that the formation of PNMs in all regions of the Amundsen Sea is dominated by ammonia oxidation.More importantly,the nitrogen and oxygen isotope compositions of nitrite in the Amundsen Sea mixed layer are abnormal,and their depth profiles are mirror symmetrical.Isotopic anomalies exhibit spatial variations,with central surface water having the lowest nitrogen isotope composition(−89.9‰±0.2‰)and western surface water having the highest oxygen isotope composition(63.3‰±0.3‰).Isotopic exchange reaction between nitrate and nitrite is responsible for these isotope anomalies,as both nitrogen and oxygen isotopes have large isotopic fractionation and opposite enrichment effects.This proves that isotopic exchange reaction operates extensively in different regions of the Amundsen Sea.Our study highlights the unique role of dual isotopes of nitrite in deepening the understanding of nitrogen cycle.Further studies on ammonia oxidation and isotopic exchange between nitrate and nitrite are warranted in the future to understand their roles in the nitrogen cycle in the Southern Ocean.

Acute hemolytic anemia in a 34-year-old man after inhalation of a volatile nitrite “popper” product

Inhaled nitrites have been used recreationally for centuries,particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM).^([1])After inhalation,this substance quickly enters the blood;within seconds,it can produce a temporary sense of warmth and pleasure,and relax the anal sphincter to relieve the pain of anal sex.^([2,3])“Popper”and“rush”are slang terms given to drugs of the chemical class called amyl nitrite or isobutyl nitrite.Nitrites oxidize hemoglobin to methemoglobins and may increase proteolytic susceptibility of hemoglobin,leading to oxidative hemolysis.Thus,their use is associated with methemoglobinemia and hemolytic anemia,^([4])although nitrite-induced hemolytic anemia has been described only in rare cases (supplementary Table 1).^([4-9])Herein,we report a case of acute hemolytic anemia associated with the use of amyl nitrite.

Process Optimization and Modeling by Response Surface Methodology of Nitrite Electro-Reduction by Ti/RuO2 + IrO2 Electrode

Electrochemical reduction is one of the most suitable methods for the treatment of highly nitrate-contaminated solutions. This work focuses on the optimization of parameters influencing the electrochemical denitrification of water by the Ti/RuO2 + IrO2 electrode. The methodological approach used consists in carrying out a series of electrolysis by scrutinizing the reaction selectivity according to the experimental conditions. For this study, the ions concentrations before and after electrolysis were determined by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The results of the process optimization showed that the electrochemical reduction ofis efficient at neutral pH after 120 mn of electrolysis at -100 mA. In contrast to works found in the literature, this study highlighted the process modeling that could open interesting perspectives to develop new treatment methods of polluted waters.

Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Nitrite Based on Cationic Surfactant Modification of Conductive Carbon Black

Nitrite is a commonly used additive in cured foods and its sensitive detection is important to human health.In this work,a simple but sensitive electrochemical sensor for nitrite was developed.Conductive carbon black(VXC-72R)functionalized with a cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide(CTAB)was used as an electrode material,and was coated on a glassy carbon electrode(GCE)to fabricate the electrochemical sensor(CTAB/VXC-72R/GCE)for nitrite.Zeta potential characterization and a series of electrochemical tests were carried out on several materials.It was found that the present sensor showed an enhanced sensitivity towards nitrite detection due to the enhanced surface positive charge revealed by the Zeta potential.Under optimal conditions,the ranges of good linear relationship between the peak current and the nitrite concentration were obtained to be 0.5-5.0μmol/L and 5.0-1087.0μmol/L with a lower detection limit of 0.30μmol/L.It was also successfully used for the determination of nitrite in cured food samples with excellent reproducibility,stability and selectivity.

Study on Changes of Nitrite Content in Two Kinds of Foods under Different Storage Conditions

[Objectives]This study was conducted to store and consume overnight vegetables more safely and reasonably.[Methods]Fried cabbage and barbecue was selected as raw materials,which were determine by Griess reagent colorimetry for the effects of storage time,storage temperature and storage method on the changes in nitrite content in the two foods.[Results]The nitrite content in fried cabbage and barbecue increased with the prolongation of storage time.Both types of food,whether stored in a sealed or open manner,had a nitrite content that increased with the storage temperature.When barbecue was stored in an open manner,its nitrite content was greater than that in sealed storage.The condition of stir-fried cabbage was the same as barbecue when stored at 10℃,but the situation was opposite when stored at 20 and 30℃.In this study,except for the slightly excessive nitrite content in stir-fried cabbage stored at 30℃in open and sealed conditions for 72 h,the nitrite contents in both foods under other storage conditions all met the national standard limit.[Conclusions]This study provides a theoretical basis for the safe and reasonable storage and use of leftovers.

Achieving and maintaining biological nitrogen removal via nitrite under normal conditions

The principal aim of this paper is to develop an approach to realize stable biological nitrogen removal via nitrite under normal conditions. Validation of the new method was established on laboratory-scale experiments applying the sequencing batch reactor（SBR） activated sludge process to domestic wastewater with low C/N ratio. The addition of sodium chloride（NaCI） to influent was established to achieve nitrite build-up. The high nitrite accumulation, depending on the salinity in influent and the application duration of salt, was obtained in SBRs treating saline wastewater. The maintenance results indicated that the real-time SBRs can maintain stable nitrite accumulation, but conversion from shorter nitrification-denitrification to full nitrification-denitrification was observed after some operation cycles in the other SBR with fixed-time control. The presented method is valuable to offer a solution to realize and to maintain nitrogen removal via nitrite under normal conditions.

Model-based evaluation on the conversion ratio of ammonium to nitrite in a nitritation process for ammonium-rich wastewater treatment

Modeling for nitritation process was discussed and analyzed quantitatively for the factors that influence nitrite accumulation. The results indicated that pH, inorganic carbon source and Hydraulic Retention Time(HRT) as well as biomass concentration are the main factors that influenced the conversion ratio of ammonium to nitrite. A constant high pH can lead to a high nitritation rate and results in high conversion ratio on condition that free ammonia inhibition do not happen. In a CSTR system, without pH control, this conversion ratio can be monitored by pH variation in the reactor. The pH goes down far from the inlet level means a strongly nitrite accumulation. High concentration of alkalinity can promoted the conversion ratio by means of accelerating the nitritation rate through providing sufficient inorganic carbon source(carbon dioxide). When inorganic carbon source was depleted, the nitritation process stopped. HRT adjustment could be an efficient way to make the nitritation system run more flexible, which to some extent can meet the requirements of the fluctuant of inlet parameters such as ammonium concentration, pH, and temperature and so on. Biomass concentration is the key point, especially for a CSTR system in steady state, which was normally circumscribed by the characteristics of bacteria and may also affected by aeration mode and can be increased by prolonging the HRT on the condition of no nitrate accumulation when no recirculation available. The higher the biomass concentration is, the better the nitrite accumulation can be obtained.

Optimization of Fermentation Media for Enhancing Nitrite-oxidizing Activity by Artificial Neural Network Coupling Genetic Algorithm

Two artificial intelligence techniques, artificial neural network and genetic algorithm, were applied to optimize the fermentation medium for improving the nitrite oxidization rate of nitrite oxidizing bacteria. Experiments were conducted with the composition of medium components obtained by genetic algorithm, and the experimental data were used to build a BP (back propagation) neural network model. The concentrations of six medium components were used as input vectors, and the nitrite oxidization rate was used as output vector of the model. The BP neural network model was used as the objective function of genetic algorithm to find the optimum medium composition for the maximum nitrite oxidization rate. The maximum nitrite oxidization rate was 0.952 g 2 NO-2-N·(g MLSS)-1·d-1 , obtained at the genetic algorithm optimized concentration of medium components (g·L-1 ): NaCl 0.58, MgSO 4 ·7H 2 O 0.14, FeSO 4 ·7H 2 O 0.141, KH 2 PO 4 0.8485, NaNO 2 2.52, and NaHCO 3 3.613. Validation experiments suggest that the experimental results are consistent with the best result predicted by the model. A scale-up experiment shows that the nitrite degraded completely after 34 h when cultured in the optimum medium, which is 10 h less than that cultured in the initial medium.

Effects of seawater salinity on nitrite accumulation in short-range nitrification to nitrite as end product

The effect of seawater salinity on nitrite accumulation in short-range nitrification to nitrite as the end product was studied by using a SBR. Experimental results indicated that the growth of nitrobacteria was inhibited and very high levels of nitrite accumulation at different salinities were achieved under the conditions of 25—28℃, pH 7.5? ?.0 , and the influent ammonia nitrogen of 40—70 mg/L when seawater flow used to flush toilet was less than 35%(salinity 12393 mg/L, Cl - 6778 mg/L) of total domestic wastewater flow, which is mainly ascribed to much high chlorine concentration of seawater. Results showed that high seawater salinity is available for short-range nitrification to nitrite as the end product. When the seawater flow used to flush toilet accounting for above 70% of the total domestic wastewater flow, the removal efficiency of ammonia was still above 80% despite the removal of organics declined obviously(less than 60%). It was found that the effect of seawater salinity on the removal of organics was negative rather than positive one as shown for ammonia removal.

Community analysis of ammonia oxidizer in the oxygen-limited nitritation stage of OLAND system by DGGE of PCR amplified 16S rDNA fragments and FISH

OLAND(oxygen limited autotrophic nitrification and denitrification) nitrogen removal system was constructed by coupling with oxygen limited nitritation stage and anaerobic ammonium oxidation stage. Ammonia oxidizer, as a kind of key bacteria in N cycle, plays an important role at the oxygen limited nitritation stage of OLAND nitrogen removal system. In this study, specific amplification of 16S rDNA fragment of ammonia oxidizer by nested PCR, separation of mixed PCR samples by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis(DGGE), and the quantification of ammonia oxidizer by fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH) were combined to investigate the shifts of community composition and quantity of ammonia oxidizer of the oxygen limited nitritation stage in OLAND system. It showed that the community composition of ammonia oxidizer changed drastically when dissolved oxygen was decreased gradually, and the dominant ammonia oxidizer of the steady nitrite accumulation stage were completely different from that of the early stage of oxygen limited nitritation identified by DGGE . It was concluded that the Nitrosomonas may be the dominant genus of ammonia oxidizer at the oxygen limited nitritation stage of OLAND system characterized by nested PCR-DGGE and FISH, and the percentage of Nitrosomonas was 72.5% ±0.8% of ammonia oxidizer at the steady nitrite accumulation stage detected by FISH.

Control factors of partial nitritation for landfill leachate treatment

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation （ANAMMOX） technology has potential technical superiority and economical efficiency for the nitrogen removal from landfill leachate, which contains high-strength ammonium nitrogen （NH4^＋-N） and refractory organics. To complete the ANAMMOX process, a preceding partial nitritation step to produce the appropriate ratio of nitrite/ammonium is a key stage. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal conditions to acquire constant partial nitritation for landfill leachate treatment, and a bench scale fixed bed bio-film reactor was used in this study to investigate the effects of the running factors on the partial nitritation. The results showed that both the dissolved oxygen （DO） concentration and the ammonium volumetric loading rate （Nv） had effects on the partial nitritation. In the controlling conditions with a temperature of 30±1℃, Nv of 0.2-1.0 kg NH4＋-N/（m^3·d）, and DO concentration of 0.8-2.3 mg/L, the steady partial nitritation was achieved as follows： more than 94% partial nitritation efficiency （nitrite as the main product）, 60%-74% NH4^＋-N removal efficiency, and NO2^--N/NH4^＋-N ratio （concentration ratio） of 1.0-1.4 in the effluent.The impact of temperature was related to Nv at certain DO concentration, and the temperature range of 25-30℃ was suitable for treating high strength ammonium leachate. Ammonium-oxidizing bacteria （AOB） could be acclimated to higher FA （free ammonium） in the range of 122-224 mg/L. According to the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis result of the bio-film in the reactor, there were 25 kinds of 16S rRNA gene fragments, which indicated that abundant microbial communities existed in the bio-film, although high concentrations of ammonium and FA may inhibit the growth of the nitrite-oxidizing bacteria （NOB） and other microorganisms in the reactor.

Community analysis of ammonia and nitrite oxidizers in start-up of aerobic granular sludge reactor

A lab-scale sequencing batch reactor （SBR） was set-up and the aerobic granular sludge was successfully incubated using anaerobic granular sludge as seed sludge. Nitrogen was partially removed by simultaneous nitrification and denitrification （SND） via nitrite with free ammonia （FA） of about 10 mg/L. The denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis （DGGE） method was used to investigate community structure of α-Proteobacteria, β-Proteobacteria, ammonia oxidizing bacteria （AOB）, and Nitrospira populations during start-up. The population sizes of bacteria, AOB and Nitrospira were examined using real-time PCR method. The analysis of community structure and Shannon index showed that stable structure of AOB population was obtained at day 35, while the communities of α- Proteobacteria, β-Proteobacteria, and Nitrospira became stable after day 45. At stable stage, the average cell densities were 1.1× 10^12, 2.2×10^10 and 1.0×10^10 cells/L for bacteria, AOB and Nitrospira, respectively. The relationship between characteristics of nitrifying bacteria community and nitrogenous substrate utilization constant was discussed by calculating Pearson correlation. Certain correlation seemed to exist between population size, biodiversity, and degradation constant. And the influence of population size might be greater than that of biodiversity.