Microbiologically Induced Corrosion Research Articles

Research on the mechanism of microbial corrosion in the subsurface layer of 7075 aluminum alloy under different corrosion environments with ultra low temperature double increase effect

Aluminum alloys exhibit a dual-enhancement effect, characterized by simultaneous increases in strength and ductility at ultra-low temperatures. This study investigates the effects of deep cooling time and corrosion time on the surface quality, elemental distribution, corrosion product films, and electrochemical properties of 7075 aluminum alloy using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical testing. The research reveals that 7075 aluminum alloy surfaces are primarily covered with blocky corrosion products after microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) in polar marine (PM) conditions, composed mainly of Al(OH)3, Al2O3, and AlCl3. In contrast, in boreal marine (BM) conditions, the surfaces mainly feature cluster-like corrosion products composed of Al(OH)3 and Al2O3. PM exhibits a lower self-corrosion potential compared to BM, and after 5 days of MIC, the self-corrosion potential of 7075 aluminum alloy in PM shifts positively by 0.612 V compared to BM. The BM-9 sample shows the lowest self-corrosion current density at 3.777 × 10^-7 A/cm2, reduced by 81.3 % compared to PM-9, with the BM-9 sample exhibiting the highest polarization resistance at 9.15 × 10^3 Ω cm2. In comparison to the PM MIC environment, BM MIC conditions result in better surface quality and electrochemical characteristics for 7075 aluminum alloy.

Preliminary corrosion prevention of microbiologically induced corrosion in high producer main oil pipelines to hinder reoccurrence leak

Microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) is a prominent issue in high-producer main oil lines (MOL) despite the stringent mechanical and chemical treatment due to Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Monthly corrosion monitoring shows the number of bacteria on the pig body and in seawater remains significant. The investigation corresponds with the dormancy and duplication of SRB retains in siloes due to uncontrolled parameters such as injection schedule and the ideal biocide dosage. While investigating and predicting the resistant bacteria that may threaten the pipeline is an attractive discussion, modelling the corrosion mitigation using a corrosion test is equally essential to predict the effectiveness of biocides. Biocide performance was evaluated in a few test solutions from two locations in one of the well-established oil company producers in northwest Java. The corresponding time-kill test using Tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) Phosphonium Sulfate (THPS) adheres to NACE TM- 0194 (2014) standard to obtain the optimum biocide dosing of the bacteria solution. Biofilm and micro-pitting were identified by evaluating the blank and 1000 μg/L 60% THPS solutions using a Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM). Based on the time kill test, the inactive bacteria in dormancy after injection 500 μg/L and 1000 μg/L THPS 60%. The wheel corrosion test shows ineffective injection increases chemical acidity and corrosion rate. The SEM result confirms the time-kill test and indicates the possible sessile bacteria and biotic pitting. This work exemplifies the comprehensive engagement between the field operation and experimental work to quicken the MIC analysis and recommend a viable strategy for the parameter field variation.

Analysis of Unexpected Leaks in AISI 316L Stainless Steel Pipes Used for Water Conduction in a Port Area

This paper clarifies the causes of a corrosion process observed in austenitic stainless-steel pipes, grade 316L, used for conducting freshwater in a port area. During the pressure test of the installation, before it was put into service, about five months after its construction, a loss of pressure was detected due to leaks of the fluid contained and the presence of corrosion damage on the wall of the tubes, in some cases even passing through the thickness of the tube. An analysis of the chemical composition of the pipe material was carried out, as well as semi-quantitative analysis of the chemical composition of the deposits in the defects, and a culture of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in Kliguer medium of the stagnant waters within the facility. All this makes it possible to conclude that the observed process fits within the so-called microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC), and, in all probability, it can be affirmed that this process is promoted by the presence and proliferation of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB).

Insight into microbiologically induced corrosion performance of magnesium in tryptic soy broth with S. aureus and E. coli

In this research, microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) performance of magnesium in tryptic soy broth with S. aureus or E. coli were systematically explored. The results showed that magnesium in biotic solution presented higher mass loss, thicker degradation product layer and more severe pitting corrosion compared to abiotic solution after 24 h of immersion. Electrochemical measurements including EIS spectra and polarization curve further suggested that the corrosion rate of Mg in biotic solution increased during the early stage owing to the decrease of pH, which was originated from the consumption of glucose and the resulting accumulation of acidic metabolites. However, corrosion rate subsequently decreased because of the reduction of acidic metabolites and production of alkaline compound as well as the corrosion protection provided by the corrosion product and biofilm. Moreover, the corrosion rate of magnesium in high concentration of S. aureus and E. coli solution was larger than that in low concentration of S. aureus and E. coli solution, respectively during the initial stage, but subsequently presented a reverse variation. In addition, more severe corrosion of magnesium was observed in S. aureus solution in comparison with E. coli solution. These results suggested that the MIC performance of magnesium was closely related to the concentration and species of bacteria.

Thermal Spray Coatings for Protection Against Microbiologically Induced Corrosion: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Corrosion has been persisting as the most severe concern for steel structures in the marine environment. Due to the widespread occurrence of biofouling, apart from the electrochemical corrosion, microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) is an important factor that triggers the deterioration of marine steel infrastructures. Traditional anti-corrosion coatings usually lack the antifouling function, attachment and colonization of marine microorganisms therefore in most cases accelerate the existing corrosion damage. Anti-corrosive coating fabricated by thermal spray has been extensively applied for the marine corrosion prevention, yet the anti-MIC coatings deposited by thermal spray technical route still keep elusive. Developing thermal-sprayed coatings with dual anti-corrosion and antifouling performances is the key to combating MIC. In this review, most recent advances in understanding biofouling and developing antifouling and anti-MIC techniques are surveyed. The formation and evolution of MIC and biofouling, and the effect of microbial biofilm on their occurrence are addressed briefly. Strategies involving the use of chemical methods, physical methods and biological methods to prevent MIC and biofouling are discussed. Selection and design of thermal spray coating materials with desired corrosion resistance and antifouling performances are reviewed. Current perspectives and future possibilities of thermal-sprayed marine coatings for long-term anti-MIC applications are also discussed.

Novel Approaches for Biocorrosion Mitigation in Sewer Systems

Concrete sewer pipes can be corroded by the biogenic sulfuric acid (H2SO4) generated from microbiological activities in a process called biocorrosion or microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC). In this study, inhibitors that can reduce Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans growth and thus may reduce the accumulation of biofilm components responsible for the biodegradation of concrete were used. D-tyrosine, tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate (THPS) and TiO2 nanoparticles were investigated as potential inhibitors of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) growth. Results showed that most of the chemicals used can inhibit SOB growth at a concentration lower than 100 mg/L. TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited the highest biocide effect and potential biocorrosion mitigation activity, followed by D-tyrosine and THPS.

Evaluation of the Protection Ability of a Magnesium Hydroxide Coating against the Bio-Corrosion of Concrete Sewer Pipes, by Using Short and Long Duration Accelerated Acid Spraying Tests.

The Microbiologically Induced Corrosion (MIC) of concrete sewer pipes is a commonly known problem that can lead to the destruction of the system, creating multiple public health issues and the need for costly repair investments. The present study focuses on the development of a magnesium hydroxide coating, with optimized properties to protect concrete against MIC. The anti-corrosion properties of the respective coating were evaluated by using short and long duration accelerated sulfuric acid spraying tests. The coating presented satisfying adhesion ability, based on pull-off and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis measurements. The surface pH of the coated concrete was maintained at the alkaline region (i.e., >8.0) throughout the duration of all acid spraying tests. The consumption of the coating, due to the reaction (neutralization) with sulfuric acid, was confirmed by the respective mass and thickness measurements. The protection ability of this coating was also evaluated by recording the formation of gypsum (i.e., the main corrosion product of concrete) during the performed tests, by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and by the Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) measurements. Finally, a long duration acid spraying test was additionally used to evaluate the behavior of the coating, simulating better the conditions existing in a real sewer pipe, and the obtained results showed that this coating is capable of offering prolonged protection to the concrete substrate.

Review of Fiber Optical Sensors and Its Importance in Sewer Corrosion Factor Analysis

Adverse effects of wastewater on the hygiene of human and circumstances is a major issue in society. Appropriate refining systems with high efficiency is required to treat the wastewater. Sewage treatment plant plays a major and important role in conserving incredible nature of the environment. Microbiologically Induced Corrosion (MIC) is an important phenomenon in sewage structures which causes the deterioration of infrastructures. Huge capital has been spent and efforts have been made on wastewater treatment infrastructure to increase operating efficiency and reliability of compliance. The investments in reimbursement and maintenance of sewer structures upsurge with an increase in the rate of MIC. The focus of this review is to describe MIC in sewer structure and the factors influencing the corrosion such as the generation of Sulfuric acid (H2SO4), Relative Humidity (RH), pH of the concrete structure and temperature. Modern developments in the design of Fiber Optical Sensors (FOSs) for observing the parameters including pH, Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), RH and temperature will be discussed.

Assessment of steel corrosion caused by pre-existing microorganism in produced water from an oil and gas facilities and its inhibition using glutaraldehyde

Microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) is defined as corrosion caused by the activity of microorganisms which contribute to the high annual cost in oil and gas industries. Abundant microbial flora can be found in oil field formation waters which makes MIC inevitable. This brief preliminary study involves the growth of the microbes obtained from produced water sample from an oil and gas facility. Their corrosion activities on AISI 1018 carbon steel were also studied, including the utilization of glutaraldehyde as a corrosion inhibitor. The microbial growth was conducted on solid agar and liquid nutrient medium. The bio screening procedures were done by measuring the optical density using spectrophotometer and measurement of microbe dry weight. Laboratory scale corrosion test was conducted using weight loss method in simulated field condition. Glutaraldehyde was added in varying concentrations from 50 to 200 ppm to determine its effective dosage. The growth of colourless bacteria was observed in the agar medium, validated by the increased optical density in the liquid broth. The colourless bacteria were suspected as sulphur oxidizing bacteria (SOB) which is the main type of microbe that occurs in water. SOB induces corrosion in metal pipelines due to its oxidation reaction of sulphur compounds. The corrosion rate measured was 0.59 mm/year. The addition of 200 ppm of glutaraldehyde recorded the lowest corrosion rate which was 0.24 mm/year. It can be concluded that water sample from oil and gas field contained bacteria that causes MIC and can be controlled using glutaraldehyde, which has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Impact of commonly used Ag-Cu ion doses on Desulfovibrio sp.: growth and microbiologically induced corrosion against stainless steel.

Ag-Cu ions in cooling water may inhibit the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria and therefore provide solutions to microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) problems, mainly caused by Desulfovibrio sp. To investigate this, the MIC behavior of Desulfovibrio sp. on 316L stainless steel in terms of growth and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production was investigated in the presence of Ag-Cu ions. Laboratory-scale systems were set up with final concentrations of 0.13 ppm Ag and 0.3 ppm Cu ions, as they are the frequently used doses for cooling waters, and operated over 720 hours. The corrosion rate was evaluated by gravimetric assay, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analyses. The growth of Desulfovibrio sp. was assessed by bacterial counting and EPS production. Ag-Cu ions in the biofilm were assessed by inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and EDS-elemental mapping analyses. It was concluded that the ion concentrations used caused an increase in EPS production, especially of protein. The corrosion rate of the metal by Desulfovibrio sp. in the presence of ions was detected as being 29 times higher than that in the sterile medium with the ions after 720 hours. The results suggested that Desulfovibrio sp. exhibited more corrosive behavior in the presence of non-toxic concentrations of Ag-Cu ions.

Least Cost Analysis for Biocorrosion Mitigation Strategies in Concrete Sewers

The changing role of the municipal water and wastewater authorities, together with the need for a sustainable maintenance treatment in the sewer systems, have been the catalysts for the integration of technical and financial information into asset management systems. This paper presents results from a cost-comparative analysis focusing on an annuities calculation for the evaluation of microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) or biocorrosion mitigation methodologies used in the maintenance of concrete sewers. The replacement cost of deteriorated sewer concrete pipes is high, and MIC mitigation methods can be used to increase the current service life of concrete pipes. From the MIC mitigation methods that are frequently used, the authors examined those of flushing with high-pressure water (i.e., a common method used in Greece), and spraying with magnesium hydroxide slurry (MHS). The authors chose four different cities for the assessment, which presented different sewer characteristics and socioeconomic backgrounds. In addition, all methods for concrete sewer MIC mitigation were compared to the present value of replacement of sewer concrete pipes with new PVC ones. Results showed that flushing with high-pressure water is very cost demanding and should be avoided, while spraying with MHS could be a sustainable and economic solution in the long term.

Biosurfactants: Eco-Friendly and Innovative Biocides against Biocorrosion.

Corrosion influenced by microbes, commonly known as microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC), is associated with biofilm, which has been one of the problems in the industry. The damages of industrial equipment or infrastructures due to corrosion lead to large economic and environmental problems. Synthetic chemical biocides are now commonly used to prevent corrosion, but most of them are not effective against the biofilms, and they are toxic and not degradable. Biocides easily kill corrosive bacteria, which are as the planktonic and sessile population, but they are not effective against biofilm. New antimicrobial and eco-friendly substances are now being developed. Biosurfactants are proved to be one of the best eco-friendly anticorrosion substances to inhibit the biocorrosion process and protect materials against corrosion. Biosurfactants have recently became one of the important products of bioeconomy with multiplying applications, while there is scare knowledge on their using in biocorrosion treatment. In this review, the recent findings on the application of biosurfactants as eco-friendly and innovative biocides against biocorrosion are highlighted.

Biomimetics leading to liquid-infused surface based on vertical dendritic Co matrix: A barrier to inhibit bioadhesion and microbiologically induced corrosion

Inspired by natural plant Nepenthes pitcher, liquid infused surface (LIS) imparts opportunities in material protection fields. In this report, LIS is realized via compositing superhydrophobic cobalt dendrite matrix and silicone oil phase. Firstly, metallic cobalt dendrite is electrodeposited onto Cu substrate. With oxidation, the dendrite is covered by oxide layer on external surface. Further deposition with mussel-inspired polydopamine and dodecanethiol obtains superhydrophobic/superoleophilic dendrite matrix. The infusion of oil phase achieves LIS, which shows high abiotic corrosion inhibition by characterization using scanning Kelvin probe (SKP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization curve technique. After immersion in seawater for 30 d, |Z|0.01Hz maintains the value of 1.08 × 108 Ω cm2, which is still four orders of magnitude larger than that of bare Cu. Moreover, LIS performs a prominent role to decrease sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) attachment on metal surface, which is the precondition leading to microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC), the composite deterioration from both bioactivity of the organisms and corrosion. The attachment density of SRB on LIS after immersion for 3 d and 6 d is approximately three and two orders of magnitude smaller than that of bare Cu. Therefore, by decreasing bioadhesion, the corrosion current density of Cu covered by LIS in SRB medium has drastically decreased, suggesting the promising role for MIC inhibition application.

Slippery liquid-infused porous surface fabricated on CuZn: A barrier to abiotic seawater corrosion and microbiologically induced corrosion

In this report, a nanoscale Cu(OH)2 bundle cluster structure is formed via a facile electrodeposition-oxidation strategy on CuZn metal surface. After the surface modification with dodecanethiol, the superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity wettability is realized. By infusing the surface with oil phase, the slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS) turns out. Using scanning Kelvin probe technique, the as-formed surface is illustrated to perform good self-healing effect under the external mechanical damage. For countering the corrosion attack, the as-fabricated SLIPS is immersed in abiotic seawater and sulfate reduction bacteria medium, and it affords high inhibition to both abiotic and microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) in seawater environment.

An electrochemical sensing approach for scouting microbial chemolithotrophic metabolisms

The present study was aimed to test an electrochemical sensing approach for the detection of an active chemolithotrophic metabolism (and therefore the presence of chemolithotrophic microorganisms) by using the corrosion of pyrite by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans as a model. Different electrochemical techniques were combined with adhesion studies and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experiments were performed in presence or absence of A. ferrooxidans and without or with ferrous iron in the culture medium (0 and 0.5 g L−1, respectively). Electrochemical parameters were in agreement with voltammetric studies and SEM showing that it is possible to distinguish between an abiotically-induced corrosion process (AIC) and a microbiologically-induced corrosion process (MIC). The results show that our approach not only allows the detection of chemolithotrophic activity of A. ferrooxidans but also can characterize the corrosion process. This may have different kind of applications, from those related to biomining to life searching missions in other planetary bodies.

Metal Biocorrosion of a Water Well: A Case Study

Recently, in the city of La Rioja, the Microbiologically-Induced Corrosion (MIC) phenomenon has been confirmed. The last studied case corresponds to the water well of the La Rioja Regional Faculty of the National Technological University (UTN), where the water well facilities showed signs of this phenomenon.These microorganisms catalyze the iron (and magnesium) oxidation reactions, solubilizing or solubilizing and precipitating the metal. Confirming the existence of the MIC phenomenon is essential to mitigate or solve the problem.The laboratory work consisted in processing pipe and pump samples extracted after the well ceased to be used, at three initial temperatures and with different culture media, trying to cultivate, reproduce, and isolate and identify the different species.Thus, through culture methodology, the existence of a mixed flora featuring iron bacteria and sulfate-reducing bacteria was confirmed.Complementary Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) spectroscopy scans allowed to visualize the bacteria, the damage to the analyzed material, and the morphology of the bioprecipitation.This little-known phenomenon causes significant economic losses and should therefore be taken into account in the execution as well as the maintenance of wells. Keywords: Metal Corrosion, Microbiologically Induced Corrosion, Water Well, Bacteria.

Corrosion behavior of surface modifications on titanium dental implant. In situ bacteria monitoring by electrochemical techniques.

The effects of surface modifications and bacteria on the corrosion behavior of titanium have been studied. Five surface modifications were analyzed: two acid etchings (op V, op N), acid etching + anodic oxidation (op NT), sandblasting + acid etching (SLA), and machined surfaces (mach). The corrosion behavior of the surface modifications was evaluated by following the standard ANSI/AAMI/ISO 10993-15:2000. Cyclic potentiodynamic and potentiostatic anodic polarization tests and ion release by ICP-OES after immersion for 7 days in 0.9% NaCl were carried out. Microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) of low and high roughness (mach, op V) was assessed in situ by electrochemical techniques. Streptococcus mutans bacteria were resuspended in PBS at a concentration of 3 × 108 bacteria mL-1 and maintained at 37°C. MIC was measured through the open circuit potential, Eoc , and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy from 2 to 28 days. Potentiodynamic curves showed the typical passive behavior for all the surface modifications. The titanium ion release after immersion was below 3 ppb. In situ bacteria monitoring showed the decrease in Eoc from -0.065 (SD 0.067) Vvs. Ag/AgCl in mach and -0.115 (SD 0.084) Vvs. Ag/AgCl in op V, to -0.333 (SD 0.147) Vvs. Ag/AgCl in mach and -0.263 (SD 0.005) Vvs. Ag/AgCl in op V, after 2 and 28 days, respectively. A reduction of the oxide film resistance, especially in op V (54 MΩcm2 and 6 MΩcm2 , after 2 and 28 days, respectively) could be seen. Streptococcus mutans negatively affected the corrosion resistance of titanium. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 997-1009, 2018.

Microbiologically Induced Corrosion Monitoring Using Open-Circuit Potential (OCP) Measurements

This study investigates how sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) influence the process of microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) of carbon steel by measuring corrosion potential using open-circuit potential (OCP) measurements. MIC is mainly influenced by Desulfovibrio vulgaris, formerly known as Desulfovibrio desulfuricans subsp. Desulfuricans, deposited as spirillum desulfuricans, which produces D(-)-lactate dehydrogenase. This strain was recommended by ATCC to be used in the tests described in ASTM. A pure colony of SRB was isolated from the Baram and Sungai Ular areas in Malaysia. An evaluation of SRB growth was performed during the test in the inoculated medium anaerobically at 37 ̊. The results showed that the corrosion potential Eoc increases in the presence of SRB in pure and mixed cultures as compared to the control sample. These results indicate that the SRB caused the metal loss on the carbon steel surface through direct corrosive action of the H2S generated by the bacteria during their metabolic process of reducing sulfates to the sulfide form.

Effect of Urea on Microbiologically Induced Corrosion of Carbon Steel in Soil

The effect of urea on microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) of carbon steel in soil was investigated using weight-loss measurement, electrochemical polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Urea tends to accelerate corrosion of carbon steel in inoculated soils and inhibit corrosion in sterile soils. In inoculated soils, FeS2 was detected in corrosion products because of the presence of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). The EIS results showed that the process was controlled by concentration polarization in the later stages.

Role of Hydrocarbon Degrading Bacteria Serratia marcescens ACE2 and Bacillus cereus ACE4 on Corrosion of Carbon Steel API 5LX

This paper reports the microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) and electrochemical behavior of carbon steel (API 5LX) in the presence of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria Bacillus cereus ACE4 (a Gram-positive bacterium) and Serratia marcescens ACE2 (a Gram-negative bacterium). Weight loss studies and metallographic analysis of the metal API 5LX exposed to a simulated corrosive environment showed that the bacterium ACE4 caused severe pitting corrosion than that of bacterium ACE2. As part of biodegradation studies, the impact of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) on diesel degradation was investigated along with reduction of total hydrocarbons. It was clearly observed that, during the biodegradation experiment in the presence of B. cereus ACE4, the content of the total hydrocarbons decreased significantly due to their metabolism induced by AHH enzymes when compared to S. marcescens ACE2. Degraded petroleum hydrocarbons (diesel) act as a good nutrient for bacteria, which in turn increases the proliferation of...