A relatively simple biofilm column to study biogenic sulfide inhibition under dynamic (flow) conditions is described. Results of studies aimed at evaluating anthraquinone, a biostatic inhibitor of sulfate-reducing bacteria, in simulated oilfield water treatment conditions are presented. The study results have indicated that the biofilm columns are an excellent screening tool for assessing the effects of interactions between oilfield water treatment chemicals on biofilm activity. Anthraquinone was found to
be a very effective inhibitor of sulfide production. Co-treatments or sequential treatments with specific oilfield chemicals were found to synergistically increase efficacy, while others were detrimental.
Contact of anthraquinone-treated biofilms by crude oil was found to limit sulfide inhibition, although short-term efficacy was unaffected. Anthraquinone was found to biodegrade in the biofilm, apparently
leading to the decrease in effectiveness with time.