Partial nitrification process in a MBBR fed with ammonium-rich liquor was achieved.
The operational key parameters were the HRT and temperature.
DAPI and FISH were useful to monitoring microbial composition of MBBR pilot plant.
The AOB were the dominant nitrifying bacteria, presenting 11.3% of total bacteria.
A significant correlation (R = 0.68) between AOB and ammonia removal was found.