Characterization of Bacteria Isolates from Surfaces of Corroded Zinc and Copper Coupons

Abstract

This research characterized bacteria isolates from surfaces of corroded zinc and copper coupons. Corroded zinc and copper materials were collected carefully, from two different locations in Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic Campus and were put in sterile McCartney bottles. Bacteriological analysis such as Gram staining, motility test, catalase test, indole test, oxidase test, methyl red test, Voges-Proskauer test, and citrate utilization test were carried out t o ascertain the bacteria responsible for the corrosion. Two bacteria were isolated; Enterococcus which was seen to be responsible for the corrosion of zinc and Escherichia coli; which was responsible for the corrosion of copper. It is recommended that materials that can inhibit biocorrosion should be used to control or treat metallic substances of corroded materials.