Desulfovibrio desulficans

bacteria

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

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Desulfovibrio desulficans is a type of anaerobic bacteria that plays a role in the sulfur cycle. These microorganisms are known for their ability to reduce sulfates, commonly found in waterlogged soils and sewage, into hydrogen sulfide. This process is responsible for the characteristic "rotten egg" smell often associated with such environments.1

Desulfovibrio is a genus of curved, motile, rod-shaped bacteria. Some species within this genus have the capability to influence oil wells by increasing gas pressure and enlarging flow channels in rock formations.2

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sulfur bacterium
Desulfovibrio desulficans reduces sulfates in waterlogged soils and sewage to hydrogen sulfide, a gas with the rotten egg odour so common to such places. Thiothrix, common in sulfur springs and in sewage, and Sulfolobus, confined to sulfur-rich hot springs, transform hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur.
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Desulfovibrio desulficans reduces sulfates in waterlogged soils and sewage to hydrogen sulfide, a gas with the rotten egg odour so common to such places. Thiothrix, common in sulfur springs and in sewage, and Sulfolobus, confined to sulfur-rich hot springs, transform hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur.
Read More