Microbial Corrosion Research Articles

Advances in understanding biofilm-based marine microbial corrosion

Abstract Microbially influenced corrosion and biofouling emerge as formidable challenges to the sustainable management and exploitation of marine resources. The primary instigator for these challenges lies in the insidious development of biofilm. Hence, the most direct and pivotal approach to counteracting microbial corrosion and biofouling resides in the advancement of anti-biofilm technologies. Conventional methodologies for combatting biofilm are efficient but have certain drawbacks, particularly environmental contamination and inefficacy. Research into innovative anti-biofilm technologies is imperative for more efficient use of marine resources and protection of the ecological equilibrium of the oceans. This paper offers a detailed examination of biofilm constituents, the complex processes involved in biofilm development, the various factors that affect biofilm formation, and the mechanisms underlying microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). Furthermore, the article summarizes emerging, eco-friendly anti-biofilm technologies, while providing the evolving landscape of anti-biofilm strategies and promising prospects.

Time-dependent corrosion behavior of EH36 steel caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa based on big data monitoring technology

Marine microbial corrosion poses a significant threat to the safe service of marine engineering equipment. Previous studies have often failed to thoroughly analyze the continuous and prolonged microbial corrosion process, resulting in an incomplete understanding of microbial corrosion mechanisms involved at various stages and the development of ineffective control strategies. This study employed a corrosion big data online real-time monitoring technique to investigate the time-dependent corrosion behavior of EH36 steel caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in aerobic environments over a 30-d incubation period. It was found that P. aeruginosa accelerated the corrosion of EH36 steel in the early stages by enhancing the cathodic oxygen reduction process. As oxygen levels declined, P. aeruginosa transitioned from aerobic to anaerobic respiration, promoting corrosion through biocatalytic nitrate reduction. In the later stages, the reduction in sessile cell counts, extreme low oxygen concentration, and dense surface film increased the charge transfer and film resistances, ultimately leading to corrosion inhibition. The weight loss and electrochemical data confirmed the effectiveness of the big data monitoring technique in investigating microbial corrosion, which provides new approaches for diagnosing and preventing microbial corrosion.

The respective roles of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and iron-oxidizing bacteria (IOB) in the mixed microbial corrosion process of carbon steel pipelines

The respective roles of IOB and SRB in mixed microbial corrosion of carbon steel pipelines were investigated by surface analysis and electrochemical measurements. The results indicate that in initial corrosion stage the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of SRBs can hinder the adhesion of IOB and inhibit corrosion nodulation formation. As SRB:IOB increases from 0:22500 cells/mL to 22500:22500 cells/mL, the size and number of corrosion nodulations decrease by two orders of magnitude. In latter corrosion stage, the SRBs become the dominant microbes, accelerating the propagation of corrosion nodulations in mixed microbial system due to low dissolved oxygen (DO).

Synthesis of novel N-substituted tetrabromophthalic as corrosion inhibitor and its inhibition of microbial influenced corrosion in cooling water system

This study investigates the efficacy of newly synthesized inhibitor with a dual function of corrosion inhibition and biocide for control of microbial influenced corrosion (MIC) in carbon steel API 5LX in the cooling tower water (CTW) environment. Four types of N-substituted tetrabromophthalic inhibitor (N-TBI) were synthesized, and the structural characterization was performed via proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry. These studies revealed the distinctive optical, thermal, and dielectric properties of the synthesized inhibitors. The corrosion inhibition efficiency has been evaluated by the weight loss (WL) analysis and electrochemical measurements (ECM) and biofilm assay. Biofilm assays and WL showed that inhibitor II exhibited the highest inhibition efficiency 74% and 79% respectively than others. Further ECM showed that the higher charge transfer resistance and the lower corrosion current, suggesting a protective film formed on the metal surface which was due to the adsorption of the N-TBI. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the adsorption of the N-TBI as C–O stretching and C–H bending with the Fe complex. X-ray diffractometer revealed that the presence of inhibitors in the corrosion product (Fe3O4, Fe2O3, FeH2O2, FeS) were highly reduced than the control system. Overall, this study highlighted the potential application of N-TBI with dual function of corrosion inhibition and biocide to control the MIC for carbon steel API 5LX used in the CTW environment.

Exploring NRB Biofilm Adhesion and Biocorrosion in Oil/Water Recovery Operations Within Pipelines.

Microbially influenced corrosion represents a critical challenge to the integrity and durability of carbon steel infrastructure, particularly in environments conducive to biofilm formation by nitrate-reducing bacteria (NRB). This study investigated the impact of NRB biofilms on biocorrosion processes within oil/water recovery operations in Algerian pipelines. A comprehensive suite of experimental and analytical techniques, including microbial analysis, gravimetric methods, and surface characterization, were employed to elucidate the mechanisms of microbially influenced corrosion (MIC). Weight loss measurements revealed that carbon steel samples exposed to injection water exhibited a corrosion rate of 0.0125 mm/year, significantly higher than the 0.0042 mm/year observed in crude oil environments. The microbial analysis demonstrated that injection water harbored an average of (4.4 ± 0.56) × 106 cells/cm2 for sessile cells and (3.1 ± 0.25) × 105 CFU/mL for planktonic cells, in stark contrast to crude oil, which contained only (2.4 ± 0.34) × 103 cells/cm2 for sessile cells and (4.5 ± 0.12) × 102 CFU/mL for planktonic cells, thereby highlighting the predominant role of injection water in facilitating biofilm formation. Contact angle measurements of injection water on carbon showed 45° ± 2°, compared to 85° ± 4° for crude oil, suggesting an increased hydrophilicity associated with enhanced biofilm adhesion. Scanning electron microscopy further confirmed the presence of thick biofilm clusters and corrosion pits on carbon steel exposed to injection water, while minimal biofilm and corrosion were observed in the crude oil samples.

Proteomics and EPS Compositional Analysis Reveals Desulfovibrio bisertensis SY-1 Induced Corrosion on Q235 Steel by Biofilm Formation

Microorganisms that exist in the seawater form microbial biofilms on materials used in marine construction, especially on metal surfaces submerged in seawater, where they form biofilms and cause severe corrosion. Biofilms are mainly composed of bacteria and their secreted polymeric substances. In order to understand how biofilms promote metal corrosion, planktonic and biofilm cells of Desulfovibrio bizertensis SY-1 (D. bizertensis) from Q235 steel were collected and analyzed as to their intracellular proteome and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The intracellular proteome analysis showed that the cellular proteins were strongly regulated in biofilm cells compared to planktonic cells, e.g., along with flagellar proteins, signaling-related proteins were significantly increased, whereas energy production and conversion proteins and DNA replication proteins were significantly regulated. The up-and-down regulation of proteins revealed that biofilm formation by bacteria on metal surfaces is affected by flagellar and signaling proteins. A significant decrease in DNA replication proteins indicated that DNA is no longer replicated and transcribed in mature biofilms, thus reducing energy consumption. Quantitative analysis and lectin staining of the biofilm on the metal’s surface revealed that the bacteria secreted a substantial amount of EPS when they began to attach to the surface, and proteins dominated the main components of EPS. Further, the infrared analysis showed that the secondary structure of the proteins in the EPS of the biofilm was mainly dominated by β-sheet and 3-turn helix, which may help to enhance the adhesion of EPS. The functional groups of EPS analyzed using XPS showed that the C element of EPS in the biofilm mainly existed in the form of combinations with N. Furthermore, the hydroxyl structure in the EPS extracted from the biofilm had a stronger hydrogen bonding effect, which could maintain the stability of the EPS structure and biofilm. The study results revealed that D. bizertensis regulates the metabolic pathways and their secreted EPS structure to affect biofilm formation and cause metal corrosion, which has a certain reference significance for the study of the microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) mechanism.

The Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion and Protection of Pipelines: A Detailed Review

Microbial corrosion is the deterioration of materials associated with microorganisms in environments, especially in oil- and gas-dominated sectors. It has been widely reported to cause great losses to industrial facilities such as drainage systems, sewage structures, food-processing equipment, and oil and gas facilities. Generally, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms are the most important microorganisms associated with microbial corrosion. The destructive nature of these microorganisms differs based on the kind of bacteria involved in the corrosion mechanism. Amongst the microorganisms related to microbial corrosion, sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is reported to be the most common harmful bacteria. The detailed mechanistic explanations relating to the corrosion of pipelines by sulfate-reducing bacteria are discussed. The mechanism of microbial corrosion in pipelines showing the formation of pitting corrosion and cathodic depolarization is also reported. The current review provides theoretical information for the control and protection of pipelines caused by microbial corrosion and how new eco-friendly protection methods could be explored.

Anions exacerbate microbial corrosion of X80 pipeline steel induced by sulfate-reducing bacteria in the sea mud environment

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) present in sea mud pose a challenge to the safe operation of subsea pipelines. Chlorides and sulfates in sea mud promote the microbial corrosion of subsea pipelines by SRB. This study investigates the effects of sulfate and chloride on the microbial corrosion of X80 pipeline steel in the sea mud environment. The results indicate that sulfate serves as an electron acceptor, promoting the growth of SRB, while chloride regulates the osmotic pressure of SRB cells, affecting their bioactivity. SRB exhibit more aggressive corrosion behavior in sea mud with high concentrations of both chloride and sulfate.

Microbial corrosion inhibition of mild steel by Bacillus thuringiensis

Microbial corrosion inhibition of mild steel by Bacillus thuringiensis

In Situ Label‐Free Monitoring of Riboflavin Concentration in Shewanella via a Fiber‐Optic Biosensor Modified by Ti3C2‐MXene@ SGNps Composites

AbstractRiboflavin is a common marker of microbial corrosion and can act as an electron shuttle in the solvated state to enhance electron transfer efficiency. In this paper, an in‐situ label‐free fiber‐optic biosensor modified by Ti3C2‐MXene@Square Gold nanoparticles (SGNps) composites and riboflavin kinase is developed, which behaved with high sensitivity for measuring riboflavin. The sensing interface of the sensor is constructed by stepwise assembly of SGNps and riboflavin kinase using Ti3C2‐MXene nanosheets as the supporting substrate. Riboflavin kinase catalyzed the phosphorylation of riboflavin to form flavin mononucleotides in the presence of adenine nucleoside triphosphate and Mg2+. Experimental results showed that the sensitivity of riboflavin measurement is 5.61 nm µm−1 and the limit of detection (LOD) is 115 nmol L−1 (nm) in the concentration range of 0–2.656 µm. In situ label‐free monitoring of riboflavin in Shewanella, the sensitivity of the sensor in bacterial fragmentation fluid is 53.90 nm/OD within the optical density (OD) of 0–0.175, and the LOD is OD = 0.017. The above results verified the feasibility of the sensor for in situ monitoring of riboflavin in microbial corrosive environments, with ultra‐low detection limit and good selectivity, which undoubtedly provided great research value for the application of optical fiber sensors in microbial corrosion monitoring.

Atomistic Analysis of Sulphonamides as a Microbial Influenced Corrosion (MIC) Inhibitor.

Four sulfonamide-type microbial inhibitors were studied using density functional theory (DFT) to assess their effectiveness in controlling microbial corrosion. The experimental techniques (FTIR, SEM, EIS, EFM, and AFM) are beneficial for measuring properties such as chemical composition, bond formation, electrochemical behavior, and surface topography; however, DFT can be useful as a new method for understanding microbial corrosion. Sulfacetamide (SFC), sulfamerazine (SFM), sulfapyridine (SFP), and sulfathiazole (SFT) uniformly adsorb onto the iron surface and block the active site, reducing the corrosion rate. To study the effect on microbial activity, a 0.6 eV electric field was applied. The absolute increase in the interaction energy indicates that sulfonamides are effective microbial inhibitors. Electronic SFC, SFM, SFP, and SFT descriptors agree with the experimental inhibition efficiency. The shift of the density of state (DOS) toward a low energy level for sulfonamides indicates the stabilization of these molecules at the Fe (100) surface. The population analysis combined with atomic and molecular parameters further explains the anticorrosive mechanism of sulphonamides.

Bioinduced corrosion of carbon and alloyed steel by thermophilic microorganisms in the presence of uranyl ions under anaerobic conditions

Intensification of corrosion in short-term experiments on carbon (СS) and stainless (SS) steel as materials for underground radioactive waste disposal by thermophilic microbial communities isolated from neutral (Tuva region) and alkaline thermal radionuclide-enriched environments (Tau Tona mine) in the presence of uranium under anaerobic conditions was studied. The corrosion rate of carbon and stainless steel in the presence of the Tau Tona culture increased up to 14 and 3.7 times, respectively. The increase correlated with the predominance of metal-reducing bacteria in the culture. The culture from Tuva, dominated by fermentative bacteria, increased the corrosion rate 6 to 4 times, depending on the type of steel and organic substrate. The main mechanism of microbial corrosion of both types of steel was the dissolution of passivating corrosion products, mainly magnetite, due to their reduction by iron-reducing bacteria or chelation by metabolic products of fermenting bacteria. Surface corrosion was observed on carbon steel and pitting on stainless steel. In the presence of uranyl ions, the corrosion rate of both types of steel increased up to 19 `. Uranyl ions can be reduced to UO2 by microorganisms and will not further affect steel oxidation, furthermore, accumulation of reduced forms of uranium in corrosion products may passivate steel corrosion. It was found that in the presence of organic substances in the environment it can intensify chemical corrosion processes of both types of steel due to the complexation of steel corrosion products, preventing the formation of a passivating corrosion layer. Thus, in the presence of acetate, the corrosion rate of black and stainless steel was 12–36 % higher, in the presence of trehalose it increased the corrosion rate by 1–24 %.

Recent Advances of the Ultimate Microbial Influenced Corrosion (MIC): A Review

Abstract: The persistent corrosion of metal surfaces poses a significant engineering challenge, including material degradation, loss of metal-structural integrity, and massive maintenance costs in various industrial, medical, and aerospace applications. Microorganisms such as archaea, bacteria, fungi, and microalgae can directly or indirectly influence metal corrosion. The degree of corrosiveness and corrosion healing varies depending on the microbe, medium, and metal substrate characteristics. Several attempts have been made to reveal answers to all questions about MIC. The published reports focused on testimonial failures and laboratory or field tests under varied situations. This review offers an overview of the most recent MIC research and emphasizes the scarcity of data on MIC detection, estimation, and the most recent approaches for MIC management. The review extends previously reported works and summarizes efforts for better understanding and cutting off MIC management in advanced technologies. Furthermore, it concludes with a final discussion of the current and future drawbacks and protective systems for preventing microbial-induced corrosion.

No signs of microbial-influenced corrosion of cast iron and copper in bentonite microcosms after 400 days

High-level radioactive waste needs to be safely stored for a long time in a deep geological repository by using a multi-barrier system. In this system, suitable barrier materials are selected that ideally show long-term stability to prevent early radionuclide release into the biosphere. In this study, different container matals (copper and cast iron) and pore water compositions (Opalinus Clay pore water and saline cap rock solution) were combined with Bavarian bentonite in static batch experiments to investigate microbial-influenced corrosion. The increasing concentration of iron and copper in the solution as well as detected corrosion products on the metal surface are indicative of anaerobic corrosion of the respective metals during an incubation of 400 days at 37 °C. However, although the intrinsic microbial bentonite community was stimulated with either lactate or H2, an acceleration of cast iron- and copper corrosion did not occur. Furthermore, neither corrosive bacteria nor conventional bacterial corrosion products, such as metal sulfides, were detected in any of the analyzed samples. The analyses of geochemical parameters (e.g. ferrous iron-, iron-, copper- and potassium concentrations as well as redox potentials) showed significant changes in some cast iron- and copper-containing setups, but these changes did not correlate with the microbial community structure in the respective microcosms, as confirmed by statistical analyses. Hence, the analyzed Bavarian bentonite (type B25) showed no significant contribution to cast iron and copper corrosion under the applied conditions after 400 days of incubation. From this perspective, bentonite B25 could be a suitable candidate as a geotechnical barrier in future repositories.

Research on the Corrosion Mechanism of Ancient Celadons from the Dalian Island No. 1 Shipwreck

ABSTRACT The micromorphology and composition of three pieces of ancient celadon with various degrees of corrosion salvaged from Dalian Island, Pingtan County of East China's Fujian Province were analyzed. The results indicate that there were black corrosion products with a high content of Fe and Mn and white crystals with high concentrations of Ca and Mg on the surfaces of the samples. The black corrosion products infiltrated into the interior along the cracks on the sample surfaces, producing corrosion products mainly composed of FeOOH and MnO2. Meanwhile, there were white crystals containing MgCa(CO3)2 gathering on the black corrosion surface. Subsequently, the attachment of a biological carbon film containing proteins and polysaccharides in the corrosion area was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and steady state and transient fluorescence. It is speculated that the existence of a bio-film and the presence of Fe and Mn oxides is related to the microbial corrosion and mineralization of iron bacteria in the marine environment. In this paper, through the analysis of the corrosion products of the effluent celadons as well as the study of iron bacterial biological corrosion and biomineralization, the corrosion model is explained and established so as to clarify the microbial corrosion mechanism of celadon ceramics retrieved from the seabed.

Study on Antibacterial Durability of Waterproof Coatings with Different Base Materials

Microbial corrosion of waterproof coatings causes structural damage to buildings and renovation materials and severely threatens human health. In practical applications, coatings with different base materials show different durabilities to external environmental influences. There is little literature on the antimicrobial durability performance of waterproof coatings. Therefore, this paper selected four standard waterproofing coatings, including polyurethane coatings, cement-based coatings, asphalt-modified polymer coatings, and polymer emulsion coatings, as the main body of this study. Their antimicrobial abilities against Gram-negative Escherichia coli, Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and mold were tested after experiencing three kinds of harsh environments: Ultraviolet ray (UV), water immersion, and low temperature. The results show that the extreme climates significantly reduced the ability of the four coatings to resist mold, and the highest growth rate of bacteria was 54.64%. Under UV conditions, the polymer emulsion coatings were significantly more resistant to Candida albicans, and the optical density of the bacterial liquid showed a negative growth trend. The microstructural integrity of the polymer emulsion coatings was found to be damaged by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) observation. This work improves the durability application research on these coatings and provides a valuable reference for developing new environmentally friendly, antibacterial, and anticorrosive waterproof coatings.

Efficient antibacterial and microbial corrosion resistant photocatalytic coating: Enhancing performance with S-type heterojunction and Cu synergy

Microbial corrosion stands as a leading cause of deterioration in metallic materials, leading to substantial economic ramifications. Cu2O coatings, envisioned as potent photocatalytic antimicrobial solutions, offer a pathway to mitigate microbial corrosion. Nevertheless, inherent limitations such as photocorrosion and suboptimal charge separation efficiency hinder their broad adoption. This study introduces a novel, highly efficient antimicrobial 2D g-C3N4/Cu2O/Cu coating synthesized successfully. The ultrathin and porous structure of the 2D g-C3N4 substrate provides ample active sites for Cu2O and Cu deposition, enhancing current efficiency while bolstering light absorption and electron transfer capabilities. Additionally, the formation of an S-type heterojunction between 2D g-C3N4 and Cu2O/Cu effectively combats Cu2O photocorrosion. Notably, the coating demonstrates rapid elimination of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus within 1 h under both illuminated and dark conditions, owing to the synergistic bactericidal effects of copper ions and the generation of reactive oxygen species facilitated by the coating. Furthermore, significant inhibition of microbial corrosion on 316L stainless steel induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa underscores the robust antimicrobial properties of the coating. Thus, this synergistic antimicrobial coating, fusing photocatalysis with copper, holds substantial promise in protecting metallic materials against microbial corrosion, meriting widespread application consideration.

Multifunctional bamboo-based fiber composites fabricated by assembling 3D network structures of bamboo and spatial distribution of silver nanoparticles

Bamboo-based composites have been commonly used in engineering applications as a renewable carbon recycling material. Despite its prevalent use, bamboo possesses inherent drawbacks, including flammability, moisture absorption, and susceptibility to microbial corrosion, significantly diminishing the service life of the composites as outdoor materials. Hence, a straightforward synthesis strategy was used to prepare multifunctional bamboo-based fiber composites (BFCs). This involved constructing a three-dimensional (3D) network interface within the bamboo via the combination of mechanical and chemical pretreatments, including alkali treatment, in-situ reduction, impregnation, lamination, and hot pressing. The obtained dense structure, together with the successful incorporation of functional AgNPs, enables the composites to exhibit outstanding mechanical properties (328 MPa cm3 g−1 of tensile specific strength). Moreover, the bamboo-based composite shows good flame retardancy (self-extinguishing within 5 s after ignition), improved thermal conductivity (0.258 W m−1 K−1), a self-cleaning ability, and commendable antibacterial activity against two common pathogenic bacterial (E. coli and S. aureus). This versatile bamboo-based fiber composite material holds promise for diverse outdoor applications, including roofs, wall panels, outdoor flooring, etc.

Corrosion behavior of X60 pipeline steel in the presence of Sulfate Reducing Bacteria cultured in seawater and mud from the East China Sea

Sulfate-reducing Bacteria (SRB) corrosion is a serious threat to the safety of marine pipelines.To reveal the influence of the corrosion behavior of X60 pipeline steel in the presence of SRB cultured in seawater and mud from the East China Sea The corrosion behavior of X60 pipeline steel was studied with weight loss measurements, microstructure and membrane composition analysis, electrochemical measurements The corrosion rate in sterile seawater is 0.11 mm/y, whereas, in SRB-infested seawater, it increases by 245 % to 0.38 mm/y. In sterile sea mud, the corrosion rate is 0.15 mm/y, but in SRB-infested sea mud, it increases by 87 % to 0.28 mm/y. In the corrosive environment of seawater and mud in the East China Sea, SRB significantly accelerates the microbial corrosion of X60 pipeline steel. These findings provide theoretical guidance for further research on SRB corrosion mechanisms and corrosion control of marine pipelines.

Proportioning Study for Low-carbon Sulfate-resistant Concrete by Microbial Corrosion Testing

In addition to water absorption and chloride permeability measurement, sulfate resistance testing by microbial corrosion was conducted on low-W/B concretes made using large amounts of supplementary cementitious materials, including GGBF slag, for use as sewage pipes. The corrosion testing was conducted in a corrosion chamber at 30°C with a H2S concentration of 100 ppm, in which specimens were exposed to the environment under two conditions: one group in the gas and the other partially submerged in circulating sewage water. After exposure for one year, the corrosion rate in the partially submerged phase tended to be 1.3 to 2.9 times higher than in the gas phase. Also, the amount of corrosion was compared, with the corrosion products being examined by EPMA. Exposure to the gas phase and partially submerged phase was thus found to represent the stage of forming monosulfates and dihydrate gypsum and ettringite, respectively. Deterioration was found to proceed at a higher rate as the pH value on the concrete surfaces decreased. Within the range of this study, the addition of silica fume and small-size GGBF slag led to no appreciable effect.