We’ll get back to you within 24 hours or the following business day.

Prefer to call?
Customer Care representatives are available by phone Monday–Friday, from 9am–5pm CST.

Dissolved Sulfide

Dissolved sulfide is the presence of sulfide ions (S²⁻) in water, often originating from organic matter decomposition in anaerobic conditions. Elevated levels of dissolved sulfide can lead to water quality degradation and pose health risks to aquatic organisms and humans.

Sulfides come in three categories: organic, inorganic, and phosphine. Organic sulfides are compounds that are formed when sulfur bonds to two organic groups. Inorganic sulfides are compounds that contain a negatively charged sulfide ion. Phosphine sulfide compounds are formed when sulfur bonds with an organic phosphine.

Sulfides (also spelled Sulphides) can be found naturally in well water and can build up in wastewater collection systems due to anaerobic conditions. In drinking water systems, sulfides cause taste and odor problems and in wastewater systems, sulfides cause damage to concrete structures in collection systems and contribute to odor problems in treatment facilities. In addition, sulfides are used in mercury removal processes and are frequently found in tanning wastes.

Sulfides give water a bitter taste and the odor of rotten eggs and if left untreated makes it unsuitable as a source of municipal drinking water. However, with appropriate, reliable and accurate monitoring and treatment, the water can then be made available to the public.