sulphate-reducing bacteria

Phylogenetic and functional gene analysis of sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) from crude oil and produced water was carried out using molecular methods. The concentration of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) produced by SRB, as an indication of SRB presence, was determined using spectrophotometric sulphide assay. More H2S was observed to be produced at 55 ˚C than at 30 ˚C, with sample B found to produce more H2S at these temperatures than sample A. This implies more SRB contamination in sample B, possibly from subterranean water.