Stable nitrite accumulation and phosphorous removal from nitrate and municipal wastewaters in a combined process of endogenous partial denitrification and denitrifying phosphorus removal (EPDPR)

•EPDPR was feasible to achieve stable nitrite accumulation and phosphorus removal.•High NTR and PO43−-P removal efficiency of 75.3% and 92.3% were achieved.•High activity of DGAONO3-NO2 over DPAONO3 and DGAONO3 was the key to achieve EPDPR.•Cluster I of Defluviicoccus was responsible for the high nitrite accumulation.•EPDPR/anammox might enhanced nutrient removal from nitrate and municipal sewage.