Sulphur bacteria detection

Sulphur bacteria are generally detected by means of microscopic investigation. Their cell forms are shown in the following diagram. They can be cultivated in special culture mediums, the composition of which is given in the section on culture mediums. 

Detection Corrosive waters formed by these bacteria have a pH in the region of 2 to 3, show a brown deposit of basic ferric sulphate, and contain free sulphuric acid. 

Studies show that microbial succession can start with very low numbers of both types of the sulphur-oxidising bacteria so that MID can develop completely [27]. Quoting from Bock and Sands work, Rogers et al. reported that a cell density of chemolithotrophic SOBs such as Thiobacillus of about 10 to 10 cells per grams of concrete is required before MID is detected [27]. 

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