The Development and Application of a Quantitative Molecular Tool for Sulphate- Reducing Bacteria

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Sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB’s) are associated with deleterious effects in a range ofindustries, including metal corrosion, the production of toxic hydrogen sulphide (H2S) andreduced efficiency of microbial systems. They contribute to billions of dollars of direct lossesper annum in pipeline industries and at the other end of the spectrum, their competitiveinteractions with other microbial communities can significantly reduce the biogas output ofanaerobic digestion plants, in addition to being associated with unpleasant odours associatedwith digestates used as biofertilsers. The routine method of monitoring SRB levels involvesstandard microbiological approaches but the results often take up to 4 weeks to be generated.This Proof of Market study will assess the opportunities for a rapid, highly sensitivemolecular diagnostic for SRB’s and other associated microbial contaminants. Focus will be onindustries where careful and rapid monitoring of SRB’s will add significant value (e.g. theanaerobic digestion industry) and for which the proposed assay can act as a decision-supporttool in terms of specific SRB interventions, as opposed to non-specific biocide application.