Abstract
Abstract Iron bacteria are well known to borehole operators as the cause of iron biofouling—the build-up of orange-coloured slimes and encrustations on casing, pump and pipe surfaces. In addition to biofouling, these nuisance organisms play a part in: enhancing the corrosion of borehole, pump and pipe components; influencing the chemistry of polluting acidic mine drainage waters; and promoting the accumulation of soluble iron in groundwaters. This paper highlights the diversity of organisms which may be classed as iron bacteria, briefly describes the behaviour of iron bacteria in boreholes and aquifers and outlines the deleterious effects that their activity can have on the efficient functioning of groundwater abstraction systems. However, it would be wrong to classify iron bacteria only as a nuisance. There is potential for harnessing the activities of these organisms in a positive way and particular reference is made here to the benefits of biological removal of iron and arsenic from groundwaters.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
