White Paper: Odor & Corrosion Control Microbiology Metabolic Pathways of Odor & Corrosion Potential

Odor and corrosion control within the wastewater treatment system is critical for quality of life and economic reasons. Odor and corrosion are primarily associated with the production of hydrogen sulfide gas. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is produced only by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) under anaerobic conditions using sulfate as the final electron acceptor. Several of these types of bacteria are commonly found in the human colon (Desulfovibrio, Desulfotomaculum, Desulfobulbus, Desulfomonas, and Desulfobacter) (Gibson et al, 1991). Corrosion of concrete sewers is associated with the biological oxidation of H₂S to sulfuric acid by bacteria of the genus Thiobacillus.