Microbially Induced Corrosion,Bio-corrosion,SulphurOxidising Thiobacilli,Electrolysis,Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion

Microbially Induced Corrosion

Microbially Induced Corrosion
Bio-corrosion is one of the direct consequences of microbial film formation on the surface of water distribution pipes. It is one of the major contributor to water quality and environmental contamination. Bio-corrosion causes severe economic losses in water distribution systems.

Corrosion of iron and steel pipes can occur as a result of variety of chemical reactions that establish an electrochemical gradient, leading to loss of metal from the pipe due to electrolysis.

The physical presence of microbial cells on a metal surface, as well as their metabolic activities, can cause Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) or bio-corrosion. The forms of corrosion caused by bacteria are not unique.

Bio-corrosion results in pitting, crevice corrosion, selective de-alloying, stress corrosion cracking, and under-deposit corrosion. Biofilms provide the localised environmental conditions (e.g. decreased pH; differential oxygen cells) for initiating or propagating corrosion activities.

The metabolic capabilities of microorganisms are being harnessed to improve the recovery of metals and petroleum from the environment. Sulphuroxidising thiobacilli are commercially employed in bioleaching operations for the recovery of copper and uranium. Microorganisms play both beneficial and detrimental roles in the mining and mineral processing of metals.

Index >> Applications of Microbial Interactions >>Microbially Induced Corrosion

Microbially Induced Corrosion