Bacteria found in many soils, particularly in boggy areas, in some petroleum products, and in sewage, that have the ability to convert sulfate salts to sulfides. This type of bacteria reacts with sulfur-containing organic matter to produce hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a contaminant that reacts rapidly with both concrete and steel. Sulfide-contaminated surfaces must be cleaned and completely freed of sulfide prior to the application of coatings.
