IRB -
Iron Related Bacteria

Iron-Related bacteria are difficult to enumerate because they are subdivided into several groupings (e.g., iron-oxidizing and iron-reducing bacteria). Iron-related bacteria can use iron in their metabolism. Taste and odor problems and "red water" are common symptoms of problems due to iron-related bacteria. These bacteria function under different reduction-oxidation (redox) conditions and use a variety of substrates for growth. The IRB-BARTs can detect both iron-oxidizing and iron-reducing bacteria. Common iron-related bacteria include Gallionella, Crenothrix, Sphaerotilus, Siderocapsa, and Thiobacillus ferroxidans.