IRON RELATED BACTERIA Iron Bacteria presents many problems, so an accurate determination of its presence is crucial to appropriate treatment. Iron Reducing Bacteria (IRB) cause aesthetic problems with the water such as taste, odor and staining of laundry and fixtures. The most common indication of iron bacteria in the water supply is a reddish-brown or yellowish gelatinous slime in water tanks, faucets, toilet tanks, and plumbing. These nuisance bacteria may cause corrosion to treatment equipment, clog screens and pipes, and have a foul odor. Here are a few of the common problems assocviated with Iron Reducing Bacteria: TASTES AND ODORS - Iron bacteria often produce unpleasant tastes and odors commonly reported as: "swampy," "oily or petroleum," "cucumber," "sewage," "rotten vegetation," or "musty." The taste or odor may be more noticeable after the water has not been used for some time. Iron bacteria do not produce hydrogen sulfide, the "rotten egg" smell, but do create an environment where sulfur bacteria can grow and produce hydrogen sulfide. COLOR - Iron bacteria will usually cause yellow, orange, red, or brown stains and colored water. It is also sometimes possible to see a rainbow colored, oil-like sheen on the water. RED SLIMY DEPOSITS - Iron bacteria produce a sticky slime which is typically rusty in color, but may be yellow, brown, or grey. A "feathery," or filamentous growth may also be seen, particularly in standing water such as a toilet tank. The characteristics listed above are typical of iron bacteria. However, objectionable stains, tastes, or odors may be due to other causes including iron, sulfate, hydrogen sulfide, manganese, or other nuisance organisms such as sulfur bacteria. Treating water containing IRB can be easily accomplished, but you must first determine if you have IRB and in what concentrations BART is the Solution: BART stands for Biological Activity Reaction Test With BART, you can monitor for Iron Related Bacteria (IRB) and Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) The BART Biodetector requires no microscope, no laboratory, and no incubator! The test is done at room temperature in your office or treatment room, on a desk, shelf, or in a cupboard, and is viewed daily. Different microorganisms like to grow at different heights in a column of water to which nutrients have been added. BART biodetectors contain nutrients in the base of a column and a ball. The ball restricts the amount of oxygen entering the water column, so that aerobic organisms grow around the ball and anaerobic organisms grow deep down in the water column. By changing the nutrients in the base of the column, different organisms are encouraged to grow. BART determines presence and activity levels. Easy to Analyze The time taken for a color change (reaction) to occur gives a measure of the population size and activity. A color change occurs in the BART tube as a result of the oxygen gradient diffusing from the bottom upward. The change of color indicates a presence of bacteria within that sample. Interpretation is provided with the kit. The Test Full instructions for the use of BART biodetectors are included with your purchase. Each individual test consists of: Test vial with media and BART ball; Outer tube for spill containment, odor control, disinfection, and disposal. You can purchase either the Iron Related Bacteria (IRB) Test or the Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Test, but it is generally best to purchase both and you get a discount for doings so.
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