Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria

Definition

Sulfate-reducing bacteria are anaerobic microbes that use sulfate as an electron acceptor and convert it into sulfide and hydrogen sulfide. Both products are highly corrosive species.

By reducing sulfate during metabolism, these bacteria produce corrosive sulfide and hydrogen sulfide that aggressively attack metal surfaces. They thrive in stagnant zones, deposits, and low-flow regions, which also let sulfate’s chemical disruption operate. Their activity makes sulfate biologically enabling and is a key driver of microbiologically influenced corrosion, often signaled by a sulfur smell.

Related concepts

Sulfate Attack · Biofilm · Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🦠 biology