Anaerobic Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria

Sulfate-reducing anaerobic bacteria are able to use dibenzothiophene as sole source of sulfur (Lizama et al. 1995), and the product of desulfurization by a number of strains has been shown to be biphenyl that is formed in yields from 0.22 to 1.14% (Armstrong et al. 1995). This is formally similar to the reduction of dibenzyl disulfide to toluene (Section 6.9.3). 

Formerly Cladosporium resinaea Formerly Candida tropicalis a sulfate reducing, anaerobic bacteria... 

Water Groundwater can be treated in anaerobic bioreactors that encourage the growth of sulfate reducing bacteria, where the metals are reduced to insoluble sulfides, and concentrated in the sludge. For example, such a system is in use to decontaminate a zinc smelter site in the Netherlands (95). 

The manner in which many of these bacteria cany on their chemical processes is qmte comphcated and in some cases not fuUy understood. The role of sulfate-reducing bacteria (anaerobic) in promoting corrosion has been extensively investigated. The sulfates in shghtly acid to alkaline (pH 6 to 9) soils are reduced by these bacteria to form calcium sulfide and hydrogen sulfide. When these compounds come in contact with underground iron pipes, conversion of the iron to iron sulfide occurs. As these bacieria thrive under these conditions, they will continue to promote this reaction until failure of the pipe occurs. 

These bacteria are anaerobic. They may survive but not actively grow when exposed to aerobic conditions. They occur in most natural waters including fresh, brackish, and sea water. Most soils and sediments contain sulfate reducers. Sulfate or sulfite must be present for active growth. The bacteria may tolerate temperatures as high as about 176°F (80°C) and a pH from about 5 to 9. 

Virtually all metallurgies can be attacked by corrosive bacteria. Cases of titanium corrosion are, however, rare. Copper alloys are not immune to bacterial attack however, corrosion morphologies on copper alloys are not well defined. Tubercles on carbon steel and common cast irons sometimes contain sulfate-reducing and acid-producing bacteria. Potentially corrosive anaerobic bacteria are often present beneath... 

Light, sandy, well-drained soil of high electrical resistivity is low in corrosivity and coated steel or bare stainless steels can be employed. It is unlikely that the whole pipe run would be in the same type of soil. In heavier or damp soils, or where the quality of back filling cannot be guaranteed, there are two major corrosion risks. Steel, copper alloys and most stainless steels are susceptible to sulfide attack brought about by the action of sulfate-reducing bacteria in the soil. SRB are ubiquitous but thrive particularly well in the anaerobic conditions which persist in compacted soil, especially clay. The mechanism of corrosion where SRB are involved is described in Section... 

Dissimilatory sulfate reducers such as Desul-fovibrio derive their energy from the anaerobic oxidation of organic compounds such as lactic acid and acetic acid. Sulfate is reduced and large amounts of hydrogen sulfide are generated in this process. The black sediments of aquatic habitats that smell of sulfide are due to the activities of these bacteria. The black coloration is caused by the formation of metal sulfides, primarily iron sulfide. These bacteria are especially important in marine habitats because of the high concentrations of sulfate that exists there. 

Attention is directed to two gronps of anaerobic bacteria that display metabolic versatility toward strnctnrally diverse snbstrates—Clostridia and anaerobic sulfate reducers. 

Lovley DR, EJP Phillips (1994) Novel processes for anaerobic sulfate production from elemental sulfur by sulfate-reducing bacteria. Appl Environ Microbiol 60 2394-2399. 

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