In some embodiments, the composition of the subterranean brine may be considered to be less than optimal when the subterranean brine contains a large amount of bacterial content, such as where the concentration of bacteria is 1???105 cfu/ml or greater, such as 5???105 cfu/ml or greater, such as 1???106 cfu/ml or greater, such as 5???106 cfu/ml or greater, including 1???107 cfu/ml or greater.