[2] The bacterium in this order are strict anaerobic respirators, using sulfate or nitrate as the terminal electron acceptor instead of oxygen.

[3][4] The bacterium of this order have a wide ecological range and play important environmental roles in symbiotic relationships and nutrient cycling.

[5][6] Sulfate-reduction by Desulfobacteraceae and Desulfobulbaceae in coastal marine sediments plays an important role in molecular hydrogen cycling through a close relationship with fermenting microorganisms.

An influx of nitrogen inputs into aquatic ecosystems can cause negative effects such as eutrophication, resulting in anoxic conditions.

[8] Desulfobacterales are important in nitrogen pollution mitigation in coastal mangrove ecosystems through nitrate reduction.