The Chromatiaceae are the main family of purple sulfur bacteria

Purple sulfur bacteria

The purple sulfur bacteria are a group of Proteobacteria capable of photosynthesis, collectively referred to as purple bacteria. They are anaerobic or microaerophilic, and are often found in hot springs or stagnant water. Unlike plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, they do not use water as their...

. They are distinguished by producing sulfur globules within their cells. These are an intermediate in the oxidization of sulfide

Sulfide

A sulfide is an anion of sulfur in its lowest oxidation state of 2-. Sulfide is also a slightly archaic term for thioethers, a common type of organosulfur compound that are well known for their bad odors.- Properties :...

, which is ultimately converted into sulfate

Sulfate

In inorganic chemistry, a sulfate is a salt of sulfuric acid.-Chemical properties:...

, and may serve as a reserve. Members are found in both fresh and salt water, and are especially common in stagnant pools.