ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR MONITORING THE EFFECT OF INHIBITORS ON SULFATE REDUCTION

Abstract

A radiotracer technique using ³⁵SO₄ is presented as an alternative method for testing the efficacity of inhibitors of sulfate-reducing bacteria under environmental conditions. This method is compared with two other conventional techniques for evaluating biocide efficacity by testing microorganism survival. Differences between the methods are described. The radiotracer technique gives a direct measure of the sulfate reduction rate and by using it the effect of inhibitors can be evaluated in situ. This method should be considered when choosing a test for the effects of biocides.