35
Figure 1, a
3
6
9
Time (h)
Figure 1 : Action of glutaraldehyde on sulphate reduction and growth of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans NCIB
8400.
A knowledge of the respiratory activity of SRB in the presence of an inhibitor is essential
as most of their destructive properties are caused by their respiration of sulphate to
sulphide. Figure 1 shows clearly that whilst 50 ppm glutaraldehyde inhibits SRB growth
(Fig. lb), sulphate reduction still occurs at a reduced rate (Fig. la). Complete inhibition of
sulphide production is only achieved at a glutaraldehyde concentration of 100 ppm.
ANON, 1975. Recommended practice for biological analysis of subsurface injection waters. 3 rd edition API RP
38. American petroleum institute.
CROUCH B.A., 1983. Evaluation of biocides for use in North sea oil operations. In Biodeterioration Vol. 5. ed
Oxle. T.A. and BARRY S., pp. 725-730. John Wiley Sons ; Chichester.
HARDER J. A., SYRETT K.R., 1983. A radiorespirometric method for evaluating inhibitors of sulphate-reducing
bacteria. European journal of applied microbiology and biotechnology 17: 9-52
POSTGATE J.R., 1984. The sulphate reducing bacteria 2nd. edition pp. 31-32. Cambridge university press,
Cambridge.
619