Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion

Abstract

The phenomenon of microorganisms affecting corrosion of metal materials is well-known and refers to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). MIC has been related to considerable corrosion costs and causes environmental pollution via the leakage of chemicals and petroleum oil into natural environments. Although sulfate-reducing bacteria are the most widely known corrosive microorganisms, novel types have been recently reported. Notably, it has been reported that microorganisms can use electrons directly from metal materials, which is a novel corrosion mechanism. Because almost of natural environments are nutrient-poor environments, the corrosion by such electron-consuming microorganism may affect to actively the corrosion under nutrient-poor environments. Based on the novel knowledge on the types of iron-corrosive microorganisms, it is imperative that we heed the potential effects these microorganisms can have on our environment and attempt to prevent them. Unfortunately, little is known about MIC, no rapid and accurate diagnosis method exists, and it is uncertain whether anticorrosion measures and post-corrosion treatment are sufficient to mitigate the effects. To overcome this situation, there is an urgent need to elucidate the broad spectrum of corrosive microorganisms and establish diagnostic techniques. In this chapter, I will describe a brief history of MIC research, introduce latest knowledge of novel corrosive microorganisms, and propose further research and endeavors for the future.