Abstract:Eutrophication has raised increasing concerns due to its adverse effects on creatures.It is widely accepted that microbes are capable of removing nitrogen (N) and phosphate (P) via denitrification and P accumulation.So far,several strains can do this work.Therefore,more studies are focused on looking for micro-organisms that have both denitrification and P accumulation ability.Whether exposed to aerobic or anaerobic environment,microbial N and P removal mechanisms differ.Proton Motive Force and Electron Acceptor Theory are involved in the chemical process,whereas denitrifying enzymes polyphosphate kinases are regarded as the leading participators in the enzymatic systems.Studies have shown the influences of N on P accumulation,but further investigation should identify the influences of P on N removal.Here we reviewed the aspects of N and P removal mechanisms in denitrifying phosphorus accumulating organisms (DPAOs) and their potential to remove N and P from water system.Moreover,future works on clarifying denitrifying phosphorus accumulating mechanisms in depth and improving efficiency of removing N and P by DPAOs are provided.