Research progress and prospect of microbial ammonium oxidation coupled to Fe(III) reduction

Abstract:

Ammonium oxidation coupled to Fe(III) reduction (Feammox), as a nitrogen metabolic pathway connecting N cycle and Fe cycle, plays an important role in the process of ammonia nitrogen conversion in nature. A systematic study of the biogeochemical coupling process of nitrogen and iron driven by Feammox and its controlling factors will help to understand microbial mechanism of earth’s element cycle in depth, and also avail to reveal of the role of Feammox in the evolution of the nitrogen pool and the formation of iron-bearing minerals in Paleo-ocean. This review mainly summarized the development history, related microorganisms, influencing factors and potential geological significance of Feammox, followed by prospect on the future research of Feammox.

Key words:Feammox;nitrogen cycle;Fe minerals;evolution of precambrian ocean nitrogen pools