Planctomycetes are specialized anaerobic bacteria that convert ammonium nitrogen directly into elemental nitrogen using nitrite.
First, a partial nitration of the NH4 takes place. Then the anaerobic nitrite oxidation is completed. In summary, the transformation takes place in the following way:

NH₄⁺ + 1.32 NO₂^- + 0.066 HCO₃^- + 0.13 H⁺ →

→ 0.26 NO₃^- + 1.02 N₂ + 0.066 CH₂O_0.5N_0.15 + 2.03 H₂O

Autotrophic organisms complete the process, which means that no CO2 is produced but instead it is consumed.
Compared to conventional nitrification/denitrification only 40% aeration energy is consumed; no organic carbon is needed. Instead of producing CO₂, CO2 is consumed. The process saves resources and relieves the environment.
The main challenge in using Planctomycetes for deammonification is suppression of the nitrate-forming bacteria which are competing for the available nitrate with the Planctomycetes and do grow much faster (factor 10-15).
Due to the significantly higher density, however, the slowly growing AMOX can be enriched by means of a hydrocyclone and the nitrate formers can be flushed out at the same time.
The Planctomycetes are also referred to as AMOX. This term stands for anaerobic AmMonium OOidizing bacteria.



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