Sulphur occurs in ground water in two forms: sulphides and sulphates. Sulphides are naturally occurring in much of the United States and Australia in limestone containing organic materials; ground water affected by oil, gas, and coal deposits; in marshes and manure pits; and in the by-product of well-established iron biofilms. Sulphates often come from the dissolving of minerals, such as gypsum and anhydrite.
A severe sulphur build-up is very problematic and resists almost all treatment and the usual water treatment strategies, particularly the usual acids and chlorine.
Perth, Western Australia has several zones with severe SRB and SOB issues that have allowed ongoing testing in treating Sulphur biofilms. The Ionic shock system has proved highly effective and very cost efficient.
Aquabiotics Industrial specializes in the manufacture of rehabilitation products for a range of bore and well clogging issues. Common clogging types include iron oxide, iron bacteria, carbonate scales, manganese as well as gypsum.
The optimum treatment method will almost always involve the pumps being lifted and then the treatment solution either air surged or brush surged. A less effective method would be to simply add and purge the treatment solutions in the correct order in the well.
