Distribution characteristics, environmental influencing factors and engineering application of nitrifiers in drinking water systems: a review

Abstract:

Nitrifiers are omnipresent in drinking water systems. While being capable of degrading nitrogenous contaminants in drinking water treatment process, nitrifiers accelerate the consumption of disinfectant in drinking water distribution systems, thus posing a serious threat to public health. This paper introduces the methodological techniques currently used in the detection of nitrifiers and summarizes the distribution characteristics of nitrifiers in filters, drinking water distribution systems, and secondary water supply systems. Further, it elucidates the influencing mechanism of environmental and engineering factors on nitrifiers, discusses the augmentation and suppression of nitrification in drinking water system and prospects the future research and application of nitrifiers.