Fundamentals of Microbiology

4.3.6.3 Oxidation of sulphur compounds

Some microorganisms oxidize reduced sulphur compounds. They are known as sulphur oxidizers. Members of the genus Thiobacillus are the main organisms involved in the oxidation of elemental sulphur. The following reactions are catalyzed by some of the thiobacilli.

The ability oxidize sulphur is not restricted to only the genus Thiobacillus. Heterotrophic bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi are also able to oxidize sulphur compounds. Sulphur is first converted enzymatically to sulphite, which is then oxidized to sulphate.