Sulfate Reducing Bacteria

Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB). Perhaps the most well-known group of bacteria responsible for corrosion in the oil and gas industry. These microorganisms can be found in oilfield systems, wastewater treatment plants, and any anaerobic environment with water and organic matter. They reduce or “breathe” sulfate (SO₄), and metabolize organic matter, H_2, and in some occasions even metallic iron. (Skovhus et al. 2017) As part of their metabolic waste, they produce highly corrosive chemicals like H₂ Desulfovibreo spp. are one of the most common SRB found worldwide.