The “rotten-egg” odour in well-water is hydrogen sulphide gas (H2S). This gas is extremely poisonous in higher concentrations and can be detected by one’s nose at concentrations as low as 1ppb (one part per billion). Causing this problem are sulphur bacteria, present in all groundwater. They can only survive under certain conditions: i.e. the lack of oxygen in the water (anaerobic), the presence of sulphate nutrients, and the presence of organic matter. The life-cycle of these sulphur bacteria breaks down the sulphates into hydrogen sulphide gas (H2S) and other compounds that are quite acidic, causing corrosion to your plumbing. The Solution: |
Hydrogen Sulphide Gas - H2S |