Enhanced nitrogen removal through bioaugmentation with Stutzerimonas stutzeri SW22: From denitrification mechanism to optimized sequencing batch reactor

A novel heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification strain SW22, identified as Stutzerimonas stutzeri, was isolated from an aquaculture wastewater treatment system. A bioaugmented sequencing batch reactor (q-SBR) was developed with optimized parameters through response surface methodology. The q-SBR system significantly enhanced nitrogen removal compared to conventional SBR. Microbial community analysis revealed that bioaugmentation promoted the enrichment of denitrifying bacteria, suggesting its potential for aquaculture wastewater treatment.