The ability of SRB (sulfate-reducing bacteria) to convert sweet production to sour production was first reported in 19261. It was many decades later that petroleum engineers actually accepted the concept of bacteriological souring of oilfield production. This paper presents a review of this phenomenon. In addition to updating current thinking and technology, this paper suggests additional areas for further investigation.
Keywords: sulfate-reducing bacteria, oilfield formation souring, bacteriological souring of petroleum production, oilfield production souring.