Used primarily in microbiology for the selective isolation and detection of sulfate-reducing bacteria, particularly Desulfovibrio and Desulfotomaculum species. The agar allows for the visualization of sulfide production, which reacts with iron to form black colonies or a black precipitate, making it easy to identify positive colonies. Commonly applied in clinical labs to detect such bacteria in anaerobic infections, as well as in environmental testing of soil, water, and industrial systems where microbial corrosion or anaerobic activity is a concern. Also utilized in research settings studying anaerobic metabolism and sulfur cycle microorganisms.