Phage of sulfate reducing bacteria isolated from high saline environment

Sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) cause significant problems in the petroleum industry through fouling, corrosion of metal pipelines and infrastructure, and by degradation of petroleum in reservoirs (reservoir souring) and storage facilities. Current control efforts include regular cleaning and the use of chemical biocides that are both toxic to the environment and are not always effective. We are actively investigating the potential use of phage for controlling SRB. Phage are natural, bacteriolytic viruses that are highly specific for bacterial hosts and harmless to all other life forms, including humans. The use of phage requires knowledge of the specific bacterial target. Here, we identify the bacteria present in an oil brine and mud sample and report phage efficacy experiments combating the growth of these H 2 S producing organisms. Bacteria found in the oil brine include Bacteroidetes, Haloanaerobium, Clostridia and sulfate reducing members of the deltaproteobacteria. Two phages active against co-cultures of Haloanaerobium and Desulfovibrio were isolated. Application of phage to the mixed cultures inhibited SRB growth. Phage biocontrol treatment holds promise for the oil and gas industry by reducing the need for toxic chemical biocides. 2011 by NACE International.

Phage of sulfate reducing bacteria isolated from high saline environment Conference Paper