Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion Research Articles

Detectable quorum signaling molecule via PANI-metal oxides nanocomposites sensors.

The detection of N-hexanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL), a crucial signal in Gram-negative bacterial communication, is essential for addressing microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) induced by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in oil and gas industries. Metal oxides (MOx) intercalated into conducting polymers (CPs) offer a promising sensing approach due to their effective detection of biological molecules such as C6-HSL. In this study, we synthesized and characterized two MOx/polyaniline-dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (PANI-DBSA) nanocomposites, namely ZnO/PANI-DBSA and Fe2O3/PANI-DBSA. These nanocomposites were applied with 1% by-weight carbon paste over a carbon working electrode (WE) for qualitative and quantitative detection of C6-HSL through electrochemical analysis. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) confirmed the composites' capability to monitor C6-HSL produced by SRB-biofilm, with detection limits of 624 ppm for ZnO/PANI-DBSA and 441 ppm for Fe2O3/PANI-DBSA. Furthermore, calorimetric measurements validated the presence of SRB-biofilm, supporting the EIS analysis. The utilization of these MOx/CP nanocomposites offers a practical approach for detecting C6-HSL and monitoring SRB-biofilm formation, aiding in MIC management in oil and gas wells. The ZnO/PANI-DBSA-based sensor exhibited higher sensitivity towards C6-HSL compared to Fe2O3/PANI-DBSA, indicating its potential for enhanced detection capabilities in this context. Stability tests revealed ZnO/PANI-DBSA's superior stability over Fe2O3/PANI-DBSA, with both sensors retaining approximately 85-90% of their initial current after 1month, demonstrating remarkable reproducibility and durability.

Development of an expert system for assessing failures in oil and gas pipelines due to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC)

This study highlights the modeling of an expert system for the classification of internal microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) failures related to pipelines in the upstream oil and gas industry. The model is based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) and involves the participation of 15 MIC experts. Each expert evaluated a number of model case studies ranging from MIC- to non-MIC-driven upstream pipeline failures. The model accounts for variations in microbiological testing methods, microbiological sample types, and degradation morphology, among other variables. It also accounts for missing datasets, which is commonly the case in actual failure assessments. The outcome is an expert system model whose outputs are classes (classification ANN) which comprises MIC potential and data confidence. The performances of two approaches are contrasted in this study. One classifies the output in 5 classes, a 5-output classification (5OC) model; the other in 3 classes, a 3-output classification (3OC) model. The 5OC model had an accuracy of 62.0% while the simpler 3OC model had a better accuracy of 74.8%. This modelling exercise has demonstrated that knowledge from experts can be captured in a reasonably effective model to screen for possible MIC failures. It is hoped that this study not only may contribute to a better understanding of the prevalence of MIC in the oil and gas sector, but also may highlight the key areas necessary to improve the diagnosis of MIC failures in the future.

Surface roughness influence on extracellular electron microbiologically influenced corrosion of C1018 carbon steel by Desulfovibrio ferrophilus IS5 biofilm

Carbon steel microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) by sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) is known to occur via extracellular electron transfer (EET). A higher biofilm sessile cell count leads to more electrons being harvested for sulfate reduction by SRB in energy production. Metal surface roughness can impact the severity of MIC by SRB because of varied biofilm attachment. C1018 carbon steel coupons (1.2 cm2 top working surface) polished to 36 grit (4.06 μm roughness which is relatively rough) and 600 grit (0.13 μm) were incubated in enriched artificial seawater inoculated with highly corrosive Desulfovibrio ferrophilus IS5 at 28 ℃ for 7 d and 30 d. It was found that after 7 d of SRB incubation, 36 grit coupons had a 11 % higher sessile cell count at (2.0 ± 0.17) × 108 cells/cm2, 52 % higher weight loss at 22.4 ± 5.9 mg/cm2 (1.2 mm/a uniform corrosion rate), and 18 % higher maximum pit depth at 53 μm compared with 600 grit coupons. However, after 30 d, the differences diminished. Electrochemical tests with transient information supported the weight loss data trends. This work suggests that a rougher surface facilitates initial biofilm establishment but provides no long-term advantage for increased biofilm growth.

Synergy effect of polyaspartic acid and D-phenylalanine on corrosion inhibition caused by Desulfovibrio vulgaris

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) poses a threat to various fields, particularly in piping and cooling water systems. As a green corrosion inhibitor, polyaspartic acid (PASP) faces challenges in achieving the intended corrosion inhibition against MIC due to biofilm. Therefore, mitigating biofilm might be the key to improving the corrosion inhibition of PASP. D-Phenylalanine (D-Phe) was selected as an enhancer to promote the inhibition of PASP on MIC caused by Desulfovibrio vulgaris due to its potential role in biofilm formation in this work. The joint application of PASP and D-Phe reduced the corrosion rate by 76.54% and obviously decreased the depth of corrosion pits with the maximum depth at 0.95 µm. Also, fewer cells adhered to the coupon surface due to the combined action of PASP and D-Phe, leading to thin and loose biofilm. Besides, both cathodic and anodic reactions were retarded with PASP and D-Phe, resulting in a low corrosion current at 0.530 × 10−7 A/cm2. The primary synergy mechanism is that D-Phe promoted the formation of PASP protective film via decreasing bacterial adhesion and thus inhibited electrochemical reaction and electron utilization of cells from metal surface. This study introduces a novel strategy to augment the effectiveness of PASP in inhibiting MIC.

Study of copper corrosion via extracellular electron transfer by nitrate reducing Halomonas titanicae

The microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of copper via extracellular electron transfer (EET) caused by Halomonas titanicae was investigated using two different methods. Copper corrosion in enriched seawater was accelerated by H. titanicae and was further promoted by riboflavin (RF), an electron mediator that can accelerate EET. Within minutes of 20 ppm RF injection, the copper corrosion started to increase. The copper weight loss for 100% carbon source reduction was 1.4 times that of 0% carbon source reduction. The RF injection data together with carbon starvation data indicate that H. titanicae utilized elemental copper as an electron source to cause EET-MIC.

Conductive magnetic nanowires accelerated electron transfer between C1020 carbon steel and Desulfovibrio vulgaris biofilm

Microbial biofilms are behind microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). Sessile cells in biofilms are many times more concentrated volumetrically than planktonic cells in the bulk fluids, thus providing locally high concentrations of chemicals. More importantly, “electroactive” sessile cells in biofilms are capable of utilizing extracellularly supplied electrons (e.g., from elemental Fe) for intracellular reduction of an oxidant such as sulfate in energy metabolism. MIC directly caused by anaerobic biofilms is classified into two main types based on their mechanisms: extracellular electron transfer MIC (EET-MIC) and metabolite MIC (M-MIC). Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are notorious for their corrosivity. They can cause EET-MIC in carbon steel, but they can also secrete biogenic H2S to corrode other metals such as Cu directly via M-MIC. This study investigated the use of conductive magnetic nanowires as electron mediators to accelerate and thus identify EET-MIC of C1020 by Desulfovibrio vulgaris. The presence of 40 ppm (w/w) nanowires in ATCC 1249 culture medium at 37 °C resulted in 45 % higher weight loss and 57 % deeper corrosion pits after 7-day incubation. Electrochemical tests using linear polarization resistance and potentiodynamic polarization supported the weight loss data trend. These findings suggest that conductive magnetic nanowires can be employed to identify EET-MIC. The use of insoluble 2 μm long nanowires proved that the extracellular section of the electron transfer process is a bottleneck in SRB MIC of carbon steel.

Electrochemical behaviour of thermally treated aluminium 2024 alloy exposed to B. mojavensis

The copper-rich zone plays a key role in understanding the deterioration process of 2024 aluminium alloy. The intermetallic on the surfaces makes this alloy susceptible to both local corrosion and microbial colonization. The adhesion of bacteria on the surface could deteriorate the metallic substrate in a phenomenon known as microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). The triggering mechanism of MIC in 2024-T3 is unclear. An electro­chemical study was conducted to determine the influence of the second phase (Al2Cu) on the corrosion of the 2024-T3 aluminium alloy exposed to bacteria. The 2024-T3 alloy was thermally treated to increase the amount of Al2Cu by nearly 67 % on the surface. The bacterium under study was collected from the corrosion products of a Chilean Air Force aircraft. The isolated bacterium was identified by 16S RNA sequencing as Bacillus mojavensis (99.99 %). Results obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed a decreased impedance of 2024-T3 and an increased impedance of heat-treated, both samples exposed to bacteria. The increased impedance could be associated with the antibacterial effect due to the high ion release of copper on the surface, which can inhibit biofilm formation and biocorrosion.

Microbiologically influenced corrosion can cause a dental implant rejection

In the present study, we apply electrochemical and molecular biology approaches to establish whether microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) may be the reason for dental implant rejection. Titanium-based implants have been incubated in vitro in Ringer/glucose solution in the presence and absence of a salivary microbiota and the change in their corrosion potential and current density was monitored over time by potentiodynamic polarization. The charge transfers processes occurring on the Ti-based implant surface during the initial bacterial adhesion and after biofilm formation were analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The components of the equivalent electrical circuit as well as the heterogeneous electron transfer rate constants were estimated. In parallel, bacterial species from the salivary microbiota have been identified by sequencing of the 16S ribosomal amplicon method, and their contribution to the corrosion processes of dental implants was verified and compared to that of native saliva in vitro. The scanning electron microscopy observation and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis of the implant surface after long-term exposure to a bacterial-containing environment revealed more detailed features of the occurring corrosion processes.

The combined effect of carbon starvation and exogenous riboflavin accelerated the Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced nickel corrosion

The primary objective of this study is to elucidate the synergistic effect of an exogenous redox mediator and carbon starvation on the microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of metal nickel (Ni) by nitrate reducing Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Carbon source (CS) starvation markedly accelerates Ni MIC by P. aeruginosa. Moreover, the addition of exogenous riboflavin significantly decreases the corrosion resistance of Ni. The MIC rate of Ni (based on corrosion loss volume) is ranked as: 10 % CS level + riboflavin > 100 % CS level + riboflavin > 10 % CS level > 100 % CS level. Notably, starved P. aeruginosa biofilm demonstrates greater aggressiveness in contributing to the initiation of surface pitting on Ni. Under CS deficiency (10 % CS level) in the presence of riboflavin, the deepest Ni pits reach a maximum depth of 11.2 μm, and the corrosion current density (icorr) peak at approximately 1.35 × 10−5 A·cm−2, representing a 2.6-fold increase compared to the full-strength media (5.25 × 10−6 A·cm−2). For the 10 % CS and 100 % CS media, the addition of exogenous riboflavin increases the Ni MIC rate by 3.5-fold and 2.9-fold, respectively. Riboflavin has been found to significantly accelerate corrosion, with its augmentation effect on Ni MIC increasing as the CS level decreases. Overall, riboflavin promotes electron transfer from Ni to P. aeruginosa, thus accelerating Ni MIC.

Eutrophication of seawater intensified biocorrosion of copper caused by Desulfovibrio vulgaris biofilm

Seawater eutrophication increases the abundance of microbial communities and metabolic activities of microorganisms in seawater and potentially impacts microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). Copper as a common material in marine structures and nuclear waste containers faces serious MIC problems. This study investigated the copper MIC caused by Desulfovibrio vulgaris in anaerobic artificial seawater (ASW) with four eutrophication levels: pure ASW (PASW), oligotrophication ASW (OASW), mesotrophication ASW (MASW), and eutrophication ASW (EASW). It was found that the copper MIC increased along with the eutrophication level. The higher eutrophication led to an increase in the planktonic and Cu surface sessile D. vulgaris cell counts and H2S concentration in the headspace of anaerobic vials. The resultant weight loss and maximum pitting depth of copper in OASW were 2.0 and 2.4 times those in PASW, while their values in EASW were 2.8 and 4.2 times after 10 d of incubation, respectively. The experimental results combined with a bioenergetic analysis in this study indicated the copper MIC caused by D. vulgaris as belonging to biogenic H2S corrosion (i.e., metabolite MIC or M-MIC), which was further confirmed by the identical cytochrome c (Cyt c) (redox-active protein for extracellular electron transfer) expression levels of the planktonic D. vulgaris cells and sessile cells on copper.

Unlocking the effect of interfacial microstructure and Desulfovibrio vulgaris on corrosion characteristics in copper-nickel alloy welded joint

The microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) behavior of the copper-nickel (Cu-Ni) alloy welded joint induced by Desulfovibrio vulgaris was investigated. Distinct gradient changes in MIC behavior were observed in different regions, with the heat-affected zone (HAZ) consistently exhibiting higher localized corrosion sensitivity. Specifically, the asymmetric corrosion of HAZ was attributed to the galvanic effect between HAZ and welding zone (WZ). On a submicroscopic scale, the WZ acted as a cathode, mitigating corrosion in the later stages of Desulfovibrio vulgaris incubation. Additionally, the deep corrosion propagation at the HAZ/WZ interface was caused by the combined action of galvanic effect and Desulfovibrio vulgaris.

Corrosion mechanism and research progress of metal pipeline corrosion under magnetic field and SRB conditions: a review

Abstract Biocides are used to prevent microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), which damages and disables metal structures. However, biocides can make microorganisms resistant and contaminate the environment. Some studies have found that magnetic fields have an inhibitory effect on MIC, providing a new way of thinking for MIC control. In this paper, the current research status of MIC is discussed for typical anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), the MIC of different metals in different environments is summarized, and the corrosion mechanism of SRB on metal structures, including cathodic depolarization and metabolite corrosion, is introduced. On this basis, the research progress of metal corrosion under magnetic field and microbial conditions in recent years is summarized, and discussed from three aspects, namely, electrochemical corrosion, SCC, and microbial corrosion, respectively. The corrosion process of microorganisms on metals in magnetic field is summarized, including biofilm theory, ion interference theory, free radical theory, and so on. Finally, the prevention and control of microbial corrosion by magnetic fields are prospected using the relevant mechanisms of magnetic field corrosion on metals.

Mitigation effects of ammonium on microbiologically influenced corrosion of 90/10 copper-nickel alloy caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Currently, the microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of 90/10 copper-nickel (Cu–Ni) has garnered increased attention. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a prevalent nitrate-reducing bacteria in seawater, is a notable participant in the process of marine nitrogen cycle. This study seeks to investigate the impact of NH4+ on the corrosion process of 90/10 Cu–Ni alloy in the P. aeruginosa media. The results revealed that the average pit depth of the alloy coupons was 4.4 ± 0.2μm in the P. aeruginosa media, whereas the average pit depth reduced to 2.8 ± 0.1 μm in the P. aeruginosa + NH4+ media. In the P. aeruginosa media, the corrosion current density (icorr) was 4.96 × 10−7 A cm−2, while in the P. aeruginosa + NH4+ media, the icorr decreased to 2.45 × 10−7 A cm−2. The excess NH4+ led to a reduction in the P. aeruginosa biofilm thickness (23.4 μm vs. 35.6 μm), facilitated the underlying P. aeruginosa sessile cells to obtain energy from free organic carbon more easily. Additionally, the interaction of Cu with NH3 led to the formation of the unstable complex Cu(NH3)2+, ultimately resulting in the formation of a protective Cu2O layer on the alloy surface, thus mitigating the 90/10 Cu–Ni alloy MIC.

Superwettable surfaces and factors impacting microbial adherence in microbiologically-influenced corrosion: a review.

Microbiologically-influenced corrosion (MIC) is a common operational hazard to many industrial processes. The focus of this review lies on microbial corrosion in the maritime industry. Microbial metal attachment and colonization are the critical steps in MIC initiation. We have outlined the crucial factors influencing corrosion caused by microorganism sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), where its adherence on the metal surface leads to Direct Electron Transfer (DET)-MIC. This review thus aims to summarize the recent progress and the lacunae in mitigation of MIC. We further highlight the susceptibility of stainless steel grades to SRB pitting corrosion and have included recent developments in understanding the quorum sensing mechanisms in SRB, which governs the proliferation process of the microbial community. There is a paucity of literature on the utilization of anti-quorum sensing molecules against SRB, indicating that the area of study is in its nascent stage of development. Furthermore, microbial adherence to metal is significantly impacted by surface chemistry and topography. Thus, we have reviewed the application of super wettable surfaces such as superhydrophobic, superhydrophilic, and slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces as "anti-corrosion coatings" in preventing adhesion of SRB, providing a potential avenue for the development of practical and feasible solutions in the prevention of MIC. The emerging field of super wettable surfaces holds significant potential for advancing efficient and practical MIC prevention techniques.

Inhibitory effect of marine Bacillus sp. and its biomineralization on the corrosion of X65 steel in offshore oilfield produced water

The issue of material failure attributed to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is escalating in seriousness. Microorganisms not only facilitate corrosion but certain beneficial microorganisms also impede its occurrence. This study explored the impact of marine B. velezensis on the corrosion behavior of X65 steel in simulated offshore oilfield produced water. B. velezensis exhibited rapid growth in the initial stages, and the organic acid metabolites were found to promote corrosion. Subsequently, there was an increase in cross-linked “networked” biofilms products, a significant rise in the prismatic shape of corrosion products, and a tendency for continuous development in the middle and late stages. The organic/inorganic mineralized film layer formed on the surface remained consistently complete. Metabolic products of amino acid corrosion inhibitors were also observed to be adsorbed into the film. B. velezensis altered the kinetics of the X65 steel cathodic reaction, resulting in a deceleration of the electrochemical reaction rate. The mineralization induced by B. velezensis effectively slowed down the corrosion rate of X65 steel.

Harnessing active biofilm for microbial corrosion protection of carbon steel against Geobacter sulfurreducens

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) caused by corrosive microorganisms poses significant economic losses and safety hazards. Conventional corrosion prevention methods have limitations, so it is necessary to develop the eco-friendly and long-term effective strategies to mitigate MIC. This study investigated the inhibition of Vibrio sp. EF187016 biofilm on Geobacter sulfurreducens on carbon steel. Vibrio sp. EF187016 biofilm reduced the corrosion current density and impeded pitting corrosion. A thick and uniform Vibrio sp. EF187016 biofilm formed on the coupon surfaces, acting as a protective layer against corrosive ions and electron acquisition by G. sulfurreducens. The pre-grown mature Vibrio sp. EF187016 biofilms, provided enhanced protection against G. sulfurreducens corrosion. Additionally, the extracellular polymeric substances from Vibrio sp. EF187016 was confirmed to act as a green corrosion inhibitor to mitigate microbial corrosion. This study highlights the potential of active biofilms for eco-friendly corrosion protection, offering a novel perspective on material preservation against microbial corrosion.

Effect of yeast extract on microbiologically influenced corrosion of X70 pipeline steel by Desulfovibrio bizertensis SY-1

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a complicated process that happens ubiquitously and quietly in many fields. As a useful nutritional ingredient in microbial culture media, yeast extract (YE) is a routinely added in the MIC field. However, how the YE participated in MIC is not fully clarified. In the present work, the effect of YE on the growth of sulfate reducing prokaryotes (SRP) Desulfovibrio bizertensis SY-1 and corrosion behavior of X70 pipeline steel were studied. It was found that the weight loss of steel coupons in sterile media was doubled when YE was removed from culture media. However, in the SRP assays without YE the number of planktonic cells decreased, but the attachment of bacteria on steel surfaces was enhanced significantly. Besides, the corrosion rate of steel in SRP assays increased fourfold after removing YE from culture media. MIC was not determined for assays with planktonic SRP but only for biofilm assays. The results confirm the effect of YE on D. bizertensis SY-1 growth and also the inhibitory role of YE on MIC.

Enhancing microbiologically influenced corrosion protection of carbon steels with silanized epoxy-biocide hybrid coatings.

Microbial biofilms and microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) pose serious problems in pipelines transporting freshwater from the reservoir to service water systems and fire water systems of power reactors. The present work aims to design a silane-based epoxy-biocide hybrid coating along with antibacterial compounds on carbon steels (CS) for controlling the MIC of pipeline materials. The optimal inhibitory concentrations of biocides are identified and a robust protocol has been developed to prepare epoxy-based coatings impregnated with three biocides (25ppm each of benzalkonium chloride, bronopol, and isothiazoline). Microbiological and accelerated corrosion studies were carried out by exposing the coated CS specimens to the enriched freshwater bacterial culture (FWC). As compared to the impedance value of 102 Ohms for the polished CS, the values were 106 and 105 Ohms, respectively, for epoxy-coated specimens (CSE) and epoxy-coated specimens impregnated with biocides (CSEB). The corrosion protection efficiency of CSE and CSEB coated specimens exposed to FWC was 99.9% and 98.1%, respectively. Confocal microscopic analysis showed the average biomass thickness was 51.3 ± 0.6µm and 24.4 ± 0.5µm, respectively, for CSE and CSEB specimens in comparison to 94.1 ± 0.2µm on CS specimens. The improved anticorrosion and antifouling behaviors observed in the CSEB specimens suggest that the new coating strategy has the potential for the development of multifunctional hybrid epoxy coatings for pipeline materials to mitigate MIC-related issues in water-transporting pipeline systems.

Enhancement of anti-microbial corrosion properties through coatings incorporating S2− responsive TCS-MSNs@TA-FeIII nanofillers

In environments susceptible to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), conventional coatings frequently lack antimicrobial properties, resulting in diminished corrosion protection. The direct incorporation of antimicrobial agents into coatings may lead to continuous leakage. In this study, we tackled this challenge by utilizing smart nanofillers known as TCS-MSNs@TA-FeIII, which form mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) encapsulated by tannic acid-Fe3+ and loaded with triclosan (TCS). These nanofillers exhibited responsiveness to variations in S2− concentration caused by sulfate-reducing bacteria's (SRB) metabolic activities, enabling controlled release of TCS within the low S2− concentration range of 0.05 to 3 mM. Additionally, we evaluated the antimicrobial and anti-corrosion properties of the coating after integrating it into a water-based epoxy coating within an SRB environment. The results showcased exceptional performance of the TCS-MSNs@TA-FeIII coating, characterized by the highest impedance modulus (3.19 × 106 Ω·cm2), lowest corrosion current density (2.04 × 10−8 A·cm−2), and remarkable antimicrobial efficacy. This study offers valuable insights into developing novel coatings with enduring MIC inhibition capabilities while also broadening the potential application range of organic coatings.

Eco-friendly bifunctional antibacterial and anticorrosive broad-spectrum rosin thiourea iminazole quaternary ammonium salt against microbiologically influenced corrosion

Bifunctional antibacterial and anticorrosive broad-spectrum rosin thiourea iminazole quaternary ammonium salt (RTIQAS) was investigated to inhibit microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) caused by anaerobic gram-negative sulfate reducing bacterium (SRB) Desulfovibrio vulgaris against X80 carbon steel and aerobic gram-positive bacterium Bacillus licheniformis against 316L stainless steel. It also indicated that RTIQAS was more effective than common commercial biocides THPS (tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate) and glutaraldehyde at the same concentration against X80 carbon steel corrosion by D. vulgaris. In the molecular simulation, the interaction energy confirmed the favorable adsorption of RTIQAS on the metal surfaces, indicating its potential as an effective corrosion inhibitor.