Abstract:Heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification microorganisms (HNADMs) can complete both nitrification and denitrification under aerobic conditions, which paves a new way for biological nitrogen removal. Researchers have discovered that some HNADMs maintain high nitrogen removal efficiency in extreme environments, exhibiting high application potential in the nitrogen removal of atypical wastewater. However, the available studies on HNADMs in extreme conditions remain in the initial stage. This article introduces the diversity, physiological and biochemical characteristics, and the complexity of metabolic pathways of HNADMs. Particularly, it reviews the research progress in HNADMs regarding the tolerance mechanisms to extreme temperature, pH, high salt, oligotrophic, and heavy metal stress conditions, nitrogen removal efficiency of simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal, degradation of complex organic matter, and antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, the application status of HNADMs in extreme environments is summarized. Finally, the bottlenecks in the application of HNADMs in extreme environments are prospected. The review is expected to provide basic data for the application of HNADMs in complex wastewater treatment.