Review on the microbiologically influenced corrosion and the function of biofilms

Abstract

The microbiologically/microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) is a special type of corrosion; in this case the microorganisms by their presence and aggressive metabolites alter the processes on solid surfaces via electrochemical and chemical reactions. When microorganisms are present in most cases the degradation of metals or alloys happens by microbes embedded in biofilms and by their excreted metabolites (e.g. acids), macromolecules (with complexing ability) and by other molecules that can form insoluble precipitates; all these reactions increase the deterioration. The paper summarizes the most important characteristics of the MIC, mainly the so-called biocorrosion of metals and alloys. Not only the chemical and electrochemical processes, but the roles of the corrosion relevant microorganisms in the deteriorating processes, as well as the information about the mechanisms of the MIC worked out in the past and in the very last period are discussed. The most important (aerobic, anaerobic, slime former, acid producer etc.) microorganisms, their nutrient requirements and the formation and role of biofilms are presented, characterized and discussed, as well as the influence of biofilms on the MIC is also demonstrated. The impact of metals on the MIC is also discussed. The history of the research on MIC from its discovery till the 21 th century will demonstrate the enormous work that allowed the understanding of this special type of corrosion as well as its mechanism and the role of the biofilm in MIC. The paper will expose the reactions that go on between the slimy layer (that surrounds the microorganisms even in planktonic form) and the metal surface. The mostly used techniques to visualize what on the surface happens and to measure the change in the current density/corrosion potential and in the corrosion rate due to microbial action are also summarized and in all cases the advantages and disadvantages of all methods are discussed.

Multifunctional Inhibitors: Additives to Control Corrosive Degradation and Microbial Adhesion

“…One of the first very good summaries was given by Marcus and Mansfeld [19] who not only collected the instruments applicable for corrosion monitoring but also explained the principles of all measuring techniques: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS): a surface-sensitive quantitative spectroscopy that identifies the elements that are within a material or in the surface coverage, such as the chemical state or electronic structure; Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA): provides elemental and chemical binding information about a material; scanning electron microscopy (SEM): provides visual images of surfaces that are of high quality with spatial resolution; nanoprobes: provide information regarding the morphology and chemical composition; infrared and Raman spectroscopy: provides a chemical fingerprint on the corrosion inhibitors and corrosion products that cover the solid surfaces; glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy: a method for the quantitative analysis of metals; radiotracer method: nanoindentation for checking the hardness of the surface layer; Auger-Mössbauer spectroscopy: gives information about the surface compositions; and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy: provides important information about the surface layers and shows how the surface layer can control the corrosive dissolutions [20]. Some other electrochemical methods that are very useful to follow corrosion processes are the linear polarization resistance, electrochemical noise analysis and potentiostatic/dynamic techniques, and Tafel extrapolation, to mention only the most important ones [21][22][23].…”

An Overview of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion on Stainless Steel

“…In marine ecosystems, microorganisms colonize metals and form biofilms. The atmosphere at the biofilm/metal interface varies dramatically from the bulk in terms of pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, and organic/inorganic bacteria [70]. As a result, electrochemical reactions occur, which regulate corrosion rates [71].…”

Analysis of the Antibacterial Activity and the Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents of the Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract as an Antimicrobial Agent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

“…This type of bacteria in biofilms can cause severe corrosion damage to steel [ 1 ] and other metals [ 3 – 5 ]. Microbiologically affected corrosion is a form of destructive corrosion that is started, aided, and facilitated by the presence of microbe activities [ 6 , 7 ] and most generally manifests in holes localized on the surface material [ 8 ]. Bacteria attach to the substrate and form a biofilm layer, creating conditions that promote metal corrosion [ 9 ].…”