The feasibility of applying bio-augmentation tactics to remit the influence of transient oxytetracycline (OTC) shock on the anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX) process was evaluated. The bio-augmentation was applied together with shock test, with OTC shock concentration of 518 mg L-1 and 1-h duration. 0.655-2.62 g volatile suspended solid (VSS) sludges were varied to optimize bio-augmentation dosage (BAD), and appropriate bio-augmentation time (BAT) was determined. The validity of the bio-augmentation was indicated by recovery performance and sludge characteristics. The restoring time of 38 h for bio-augmented reactor was shorter than that of non-bio-augmented reactor (45 h), and heme c content was increased respectively from 0.195 +/- 0.001, 0.267 +/- 0.047, 0.301 +/- 0.049, to 0.340 +/- 0.053 mu mol g(-1) VSS with the BAD of 0.655, 1.31, 1.97, 2.62 g-VSS. The results suggest that bio-augmentation enhances the recovery of ANAMMOX performance following OTC shock and BAT and BAD are key operational factors. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.