In this study, the effect of quinoline on nitrification in an activated sludge system was evaluated in batch assays. Quinoline was evaluated to partial nitrification process or to partial nitrification-quinoline degrading process. In partial nitrification assays, 50-150 mg/L quinoline presence promoted the ammonium oxidation efficiency (200-100%). Nonetheless, the consumption efficiencies for quinoline were less than 66.6%. On the other hand, in partial nitrification-quinoline degrading process, the promotion effect of quinoline (50-150 mg/L) diminished significantly, ammonium oxidation were similarity to the control. However, the consumption efficiencies for quinoline were nearly 100%. DGGE results showed that the bacteria communities varied significantly. Acidovorax sp. JS42 and Acidovorax ebreus TPSY were responsible for ammonium oxidation in partial nitrification process, while Nitrosomonas in partial nitrification-quinoline degrading process. This information might be useful for treating wastewaters of ammonium/quinoline by partial nitrification technology. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.