Microbialbasis for the biotechnological removal of nitrogen oxides from fluegases

This Review summarizes recent advances in the physiology and microbial biodiversity related to the removal of nitrogen oxides (NO x ) from gaseous pollutants. A brief overview is given of recent chemical technologies and the biotechnological potential for removal of NO x from flue gases: microbiological processes related to NO x removal [aerobic denitri‐fication, hydrogen‐stimulated and thermophilic denitrification; anaerobic oxidation of ammonium (NH 4 + ), combined nitrificationŐdenitrification processes]; metabolism of nitric oxide by denitrifiers and other micro‐organisms; reaction of nitric oxide in higher temperature; combination of nitrogen and sulphur removal processes. This Review is addressed to biotechnologists, biochemists, microbiologists and physiologists.