Nitrogen Transformation Survival Strategies of Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacterium N.eA1 Under High Nitrite Stress

Zhiyao Yan, Kai Li (), Yuhang Liu, Zhijun Ren, Xueying Li and Haobin Yang
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Zhiyao Yan: Faculty of Ecology Environmental Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
Kai Li: Faculty of Ecology Environmental Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
Yuhang Liu: Faculty of Ecology Environmental Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
Zhijun Ren: Faculty of Ecology Environmental Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
Xueying Li: Faculty of Ecology Environmental Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
Haobin Yang: Faculty of Ecology Environmental Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-16

Abstract: Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) are key to the nitrogen cycle, but their resistance to nitrite (NO 2 − -N) accumulation is unclear. This study examined N.eA1 , an AOB from the completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON) process, assessing its adaptive responses to NO 2 − -N. The ammonia oxidation and N 2 O emission were evaluated at varying NO 2 − -N levels, and 3D fluorescence, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and soluble microbial products (SMP) analysis were used to probe stress responses. Cellular respiration and key enzyme activities were measured, and proteomics was applied to study protein expression changes. Results showed that higher NO 2 − -N levels boosted N 2 O production, inhibited nitrification, and stimulated denitrification in N.eA1 . At 100 mg·L −1 NO 2 − -N, EPS rose and SMP fell, with ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) suppressed and nitrite reductase (NIR) as well as nitric oxide reductase (NOR) enhanced. Gene expression analysis revealed decreased AMO, hydroxylamine oxidoreductase (HAO), and energy transport-related enzymes, but increased NIR and NOR genes. The downregulation of electron transport complex genes offered insights into molecular adaptation to nitrite stress of N.eA1 , highlighting the interplay between metabolic and genetic responses, which is essential for developing sustainable and efficient nitrogen management strategies.

Keywords: ammonia-oxidizing bacteria; N.eA1; nitrogen conversion; nitrite; protein expression (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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