Kinetic parameters of biological sulfide oxidation are described. The influence of the sulfide loading rate on growth yield and specific oxidation rate were investigated with free-cell suspensions. It is concluded that at least two types of bacteria were present, namely, sulfate producers (type A) that grow at higher loading rates. Type A bacteria have a growth yield of 04 g dry S/mol S, while type B bacteria have a growth yield of 04 g dry S/mol S. Type A has a high affinity for sulfide and is inhibited by sulfide at sulfide concentrations exceeding 10 mg/L. Type B has a low affinity for sulfide and is not inhibited by sulfide, but by oxygen.