return to home page

anaerobic bacteria

ANAEROBIC (BACTERIA): Species of bacteria that live in the absence of oxygen, which toxic to them.

Minimizing bacteria growth is perhaps the most difficult microbiological control, since so many different species of bacteria can exist in cooling water systems. Problems associated with bacteria are perhaps the most widespread of all the microbial concerns. Slimes can form that clog heat exchangers. 

Some aerobic bacteria form strong acids, which can lower the pH of the water in general, as well as locally dropping pH levels to as low as 1.0. Typically, anaerobic bacteria can grow underneath the aerobic bacteria, causing site corrosion. "Iron" bacteria can produce iron deposits that cause plugging, pitting corrosion, and reduced heat transfer. Certain types of bacteria can destroy nitrite corrosion inhibitors. 

Other bacteria can form ammonia, which can attack copper-based construction materials. Safety issues can also arise from bacteria forms known as pneumonia, including the Legionella pneumophila, which can cause Legionnaires' disease.