Microbial Induced Corrosion and Related Theories

Abstract

After introducing corrosion, the next step obviously is to learn about Microbial Induced Corrosion (MIC). Fundamentals of MIC are same as those for corrosion. But a basic difference between the two is in terms of significant role played by microorganisms in corroding the materials. By way of various metabolic reactions and deposition of biofilms, the microbes change the chemistry of the environment which help in inducing corrosion or accelerate corrosion reaction rates. However, as you shall see, while going through the later chapters of the book, that microbes not only induce corrosion but some inhibit corrosion. This chapter thereafter discusses various aspects related to MIC such as biofilm formation, bioenergetics, on the basis of electrochemical fundamentals, leading to initiation of MIC, Biocatalytic Reduction, Extra cellular electron transfer, carbon source starvation etc. The chapter then discusses MIC due to some important bacteria e.g. sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB), Iron oxidizing bacteria (IOB), Nitrate reducing bacteria (NRB), Fungi, Algae, Archaea.