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.

Alternatively, in most oceanic environments, energy for chemosynthesis derives from reactions in which substances such as hydrogen sulfide or ammonia are oxidized. This may occur with or without the presence of oxygen.

They are anaerobic or microaerophilic, and are often found in stratified water environments including hot springs, stagnant water bodies, as well as microbial mats in intertidal zones.

Bacterial slime may be white, grey, black, or reddish brown if associated with iron bacteria (signs of sulfur bacteria). Black stains on silverware and plumbing fixtures (signs of hydrogen sulfide gas). Corrosion on pipes and metal components of the water distribution system (signs of hydrogen sulfide gas).

Sulfur bacteria produce a slime and can help other bacteria grow, such as iron bacteria. The slime can clog wells, plumbing, and irrigation systems. While sulfur bacteria are not harmful, hydrogen sulfide gas in the air can be harmful at high levels.

SRBs die at temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit or above, which is roughly equivalent to the medium setting on most home water heaters. Setting the water heater on “high” will raise the water temperature to approximately 160 degrees Fahrenheit and kill any SRBs in the tank.

212 degrees F

Legionella needs a certain set of conditions to be able to survive. It needs to live in a temperature range of between 20 and 50˚C, above 50˚C it will start to die off. Heat will kill legionella bacteria, cold will not. If you have water below 20˚C it will go into hibernation, it will not die.

every three months

60°C

A few cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been linked to fountains, but the risk is low. The bleach probably would be helpful. The concentration is 1-2 parts per million, but it would corrode your fountain. Using boiled water after it has cooled would reduce the risk to zero.

Hot water should be stored at 60 °C at least in order to kill legionella bacteria. The thermometer pocket at the top of the cylinder and on the return leg, if fitted, is a useful point for accurate temperature measurement.

Pontiac fever usually clears on its own, but untreated Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal. Although prompt treatment with antibiotics usually cures Legionnaires’ disease, some people continue to have problems after treatment.

Legionella bacteria can contaminate and grow in hot and cold water systems. They survive low temperatures and thrive at temperatures between 20°C-45°C if the conditions are right, e.g. if a supply of nutrients is present such as rust, sludge, scale, algae and other bacteria.

105 degrees Fahrenheit