What is an early warning sign that conditions are becoming more conducive to sulfate-reducing bacteria?

The presence of sulfate-reducing bacteria is often linked to low oxygen environments, which can be assessed by monitoring dissolved oxygen levels. An early warning sign that conditions are becoming favorable for sulfate-reducing bacteria is a dramatic decline in dissolved oxygen (DO). This decline suggests that there is less oxygen available for aerobic bacteria, causing a shift in microbial populations. In low-oxygen environments, anaerobic processes become more dominant, allowing sulfate-reducing bacteria to thrive, as they utilize sulfate as an alternative to oxygen for their metabolic processes.

Recognizing a decrease in dissolved oxygen levels is critical for water operators, as it can indicate that the water body may enter conditions that promote the proliferation of sulfate-reducing bacteria, which can lead to other water quality issues, such as the production of hydrogen sulfide, known for its rotten egg smell and potential toxic effects. Monitoring DO is therefore essential for maintaining healthy aquatic systems and preventing undesirable bacterial populations from flourishing.