Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning T

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

thermophilic bacteria (thur-moe-FILL-ick)

A group of bacteria that grow and thrive in temperatures above 113°F (45°C). The optimum temperature range for these bacteria in anaerobic decomposition is 120°F (49°C) to 135°F (57°C). Aerobic thermophilic bacteria thrive between 120°F (49°C) and 158°F (70°C).