© 2006 DBI Europe

Design door Serif

Iron is well known to be a critical substance for all life.

Because iron plays such an important function in the energy metabolism, there is considerable biological competition for iron.

Microorganisms also compete for iron and the use of various types of proteins called siderophores (e.g., hydroxamates and catechols). Additionally, many bacteria can also bind ferric (Fe+++) ions into chelating structures know as ligands.

This means that many bacteria are able to bind and hold iron in many forms to make large iron-rich structures that are sometimes seen as encrustations, tubercles and bog iron ore deposits.

IRB infestations usually occur in the presence of oxygen and so may be more readily seen as slimes, clogs or encrustations.

Over the century, these growths have had two common features: the presence of high concentration of ferric (Fe+++) and of high populations of IRB (either as stalked Gallionella, the sheathed IRB or the heterotrophic IRB).

The seriousness of these growths in engineered structures has led to the use of the term "Iron Bacteria." Recent research has shown that these bacteria are able to shunt the iron through oxidative and reductive states through ferric (Fe+++) and ferrous (Fe++) forms respectively.

The IRBBartdetector is designed for the detection of these bacteria and is able to perform both the oxidative and reductive based reactions involving iron. This comprehensive group is known as the "Iron-related Bacteria" (IRB).

Iron-related bacteria can use iron in their metabolism. Taste and odor problems and “red water” are common symptoms. The IRB-BioBARTs can detect both iron-oxidizing and iron-reducing bacteria.

Prevent problem with your (private) well, test it every two month with our special Well kit.

More details about well and bacteria click here