The start-up period of filter was shortened to less than 30 days using KMnO4.
MeOx exhibited a high oxidation activity when temperature was down to 6.6 °C.
MeOx exhibited long-term stability for ammonium and manganese removal.
Non-biological effects on the removal of ammonium and manganese were proved.
The chemical catalytic oxidation mechanism for ammonium was proposed.