Iron-nitrogen cycling mediated by microbes in ecosystems

QI Xin; JIA Fangxu; CHEN Yao; MEI Ning; ZHAO Xingcheng; LIU Shilong; YAO Hong

doi:10.13205/j.hjgc.202601023

Volume 44 Issue 1

Jan. 2026

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Article Navigation > ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING > 2026 > 44(1): 216-225

QI Xin, JIA Fangxu, CHEN Yao, MEI Ning, ZHAO Xingcheng, LIU Shilong, YAO Hong. Iron-nitrogen cycling mediated by microbes in ecosystems[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2026, 44(1): 216-225. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202601023

Citation:

QI Xin, JIA Fangxu, CHEN Yao, MEI Ning, ZHAO Xingcheng, LIU Shilong, YAO Hong. Iron-nitrogen cycling mediated by microbes in ecosystems[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2026, 44(1): 216-225. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202601023

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Iron-nitrogen cycling mediated by microbes in ecosystems

doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202601023

1. School of Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China;
2. China National Environmental Protection Group, Beijing 100082, China;
3. China Architecture Publishing & Media Co., Ltd., Beijing 100080, China

Received Date: 2025-01-12
Available Online: 2026-02-26
Publish Date: 2026-01-22

Abstract

Abstract

As a complex and vital biogeochemical process in nature， the Fe-N cycle not only influences the nitrogen balance within ecosystems but also has profound impact on global climate change and biodiversity. Nitrate-dependent ferrous oxidation （NDFO） and ferric ammonia oxidation （Feammox） are microbiologically driven nitrogen cycling processes involving iron. The cycling of these two processes can enhance nitrogen loss to a certain extent while also help to alleviate environmental pollution caused by excessive nitrogen emissions. This paper reviews the microbial-mediated iron-nitrogen cycle in ecosystems， summarizing its metabolic mechanisms and detailing the environmental conditions required for the survival of functional microorganisms and their research applications. These microbial processes play crucial roles in both natural environments and agroecosystems， maintaining ecosystem health and stability. Strengthening scientific research in this area not only contributes to a better understanding of the material cycling laws in Earth's surface systems but also provides new ideas and methods for addressing many of the environmental challenges currently faced.
- iron-nitrogen cycle,
- NDFO,
- iron encrustation,
- Feammox,
- iron mineral

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References(73)

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