Sulphate- and sulphur-reducing Proteobacteria

Some 20 genera of anaerobic δ-Proteobacteria reduce either elemental sulphur or oxi-dised forms of sulphur such as sulphate to hydrogen sulphide. Organic compounds such as pyruvate, lactate or certain fatty acids act as electron donors:

Sulphate- and sulphur-reducers are found in anaerobic muds and play an important role in the global sulphur cycle.

Representative genera: Desulfovibrio (sulphate), Desulfuromonas (sulphur)