Microbial Corrosion of Metals

Publisher Summary Microorganisms play a significant role in the corrosion process. This chapter reviews the deterioration or corrosion of metals induced by the activities of microorganisms. The microorganisms which have been associated with corrosion involve many genera and species. They may be divided into three groups: bacteria, fungi, and algae. The most important bacteria that play a significant role in the corrosion process are those involved in the sulfur cycle. These include those involved in the oxidation as well as in the reduction of sulfur. Of these two groups, the sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) are the most significant bacteria found in microbial corrosion processes. A fungus, Cladosporium resinae, found to be involved in the corrosion of aluminum integral to fuel tanks of subsonic aircraft, leading to wing perforation and loss of fuel. It is now believed that the aluminum corrosion is caused by carboxylic acid production. Algae appear to have the potential for inducing corrosion by virtue of their role in production of oxygen, corrosive organic acids, and nutrients for other corrosive microorganisms. It is found that in areas where there is decay of the mat the pH was lowered, probably due to the production of corrosive organic acids, causing differential pH corrosion cells as well. Conditions were also found to be rendered favorable for the growth of SRB.

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