Sulfate-reducing bacteria are widely distributed in marine and fresh water muds which, in consequence, frequently are laden with the hydrogen sulfide produced by these organisms during dissimilatory sulfate reduction.

It has been reported that Desulfovibrio can form as much as 10 g of sulfide per litre during active multiplication. Sulfate-reducing bacteria can cause the external or internal corrosion of water or wastewater pipelines and pipelines for petroleum and natural gas. The formation of galvanic cells by massive growth of sulfate-reducing bacteria under suitable conditions makes the corrosion much worse than just the effect of the hydrogen sulfide on the metal or concrete.

1.1 These test methods cover the procedure for the detection and enumeration by the most probable number (MPN) technique of sulfate-reducing bacteria in water or water-formed deposits.

1.2 Two media preparations are provided. Medium A which is prepared with reagent grade water, and Medium B which is prepared using the water to be sampled as the water source. Medium B is offered for those special conditions where sulfate-reducing bacterial strains have adapted to atypical non-fresh water environment.

1.3 For the isolation and enumeration of thermophilic sulfate-reducing bacteria encountered in waters associated with oil and gas production, all broths, dilution blanks, and incubations must be maintained at temperatures of at least 45°C and preferably within 5°C at the sample temperature.

1.4 The sensitivity of these test methods can be increased by purging the dilution blanks and tubes of media with nitrogen immediately prior to use.

1.5 The analyst should be aware that adequate collaborative data for precision and bias statements as required by Practice D 2777 are not provided. See Section 11 for details.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.