Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Corrosion

Corrosion

The degradation of metals due to natural electrochemical processes is known as corrosion. Rust formation on iron, tarnishing of silver, and the blue-green patina that develops on copper are examples of corrosion. Corrosion involves the oxidation of metals. Sometimes it is protective, such as the oxidation of copper or aluminum, wherein a protective layer of metal oxide or its derivatives forms on the surface, protecting the underlying metal from further oxidation. In other cases, corrosion is...

Microbial Nutrition

Microbial Nutrition

Organisms exhibit remarkable metabolic diversity, categorized based on how they acquire energy and carbon. These strategies enable survival in various ecological niches and are essential for maintaining energy flow and nutrient cycling within ecosystems.Energy and Carbon SourcesOrganisms are classified as phototrophs or chemotrophs based on energy acquisition. Phototrophs use light as their energy source, while chemotrophs rely on oxidizing chemical compounds. Further differentiation arises...

Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles

Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles

Microbial activity plays a pivotal role in the biogeochemical cycling of iron and manganese, especially at the redox gradients characteristic of stratified aquatic environments. These cycles are driven by microbial transformations between oxidized and reduced forms of the metals, allowing organisms to exploit them for metabolic energy and structural purposes.Iron Cycling Across Redox GradientsIn neutral, oxygen-rich surface waters, iron is predominantly found in its oxidized, insoluble ferric...

Microbial Leaching

Microbial Leaching

Microbial leaching, also known as bioleaching, is an environmentally favorable method for extracting metals from low-grade ores using specific microorganisms. This biotechnological approach is particularly valuable for mining operations targeting copper, gold, and uranium, where traditional extraction methods may be economically or environmentally impractical.Copper Leaching and Microbial CatalysisIn copper bioleaching, crushed ore is arranged into heaps and irrigated with a dilute sulfuric...

Acid Mine Drainage

Acid Mine Drainage

Mining activities that disturb sulfide-rich rocks, particularly those containing pyrite (FeS₂), initiate a cascade of geochemical and microbiological processes with serious environmental implications. When exposed to air and water, pyrite undergoes oxidation, releasing sulfate, ultimately forming sulfuric acid and mobilizing heavy metals into surrounding water systems. This phenomenon, known as acid mine drainage (AMD), results in low pH waters laden with toxic elements that threaten aquatic...

Microbial Corrosion

Microbial Corrosion

Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a significant form of material degradation caused by the metabolic activities of microorganisms. This phenomenon poses substantial challenges across various industries, including oil and gas, maritime, and water treatment sectors.MIC occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi, colonize metal surfaces, forming biofilms that alter the local electrochemical environment. These biofilms can lead to the production of corrosive...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Phosphorus stress and spatial confinement lower the threshold for quorum-sensing activation of redox-active metabolite production in <i>Pseudomonas synxantha</i>.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2025

Same author

Bilateral vertebral arteries entering the C4 foramen transversarium with the left vertebral artery originating from the aortic arch.

Folia morphologica·2022

Same author

Correction to: Characteristics Associated With Clinically Important Treatment Responses in Women Undergoing Non-Surgical Therapy for Fecal Incontinence.

The American journal of gastroenterology·2021

Same author

Montgomery and informed consent during Covid-19: Pneumatic retinopexy versus pars plana vitrectomy or scleral buckling for retinal detachment repair.

The Medico-legal journal·2021

Same author

Upregulation of virulence genes promotes <i>Vibrio cholerae</i> biofilm hyperinfectivity.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·2020

Same author

Characteristics Associated With Clinically Important Treatment Responses in Women Undergoing Nonsurgical Therapy for Fecal Incontinence.

The American journal of gastroenterology·2020

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 23, 2026

Laboratory Simulation of an Iron(II)-rich Precambrian Marine Upwelling System to Explore the Growth of Photosynthetic Bacteria

Laboratory Simulation of an Iron(II)-rich Precambrian Marine Upwelling System to Explore the Growth of Photosynthetic Bacteria

Published on: July 24, 2016

Microbial iron respiration: impacts on corrosion processes.

A K Lee¹, D K Newman

¹Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

|May 8, 2003

Summary

Iron-respiring bacterial biofilms significantly impact steel corrosion by altering local chemistry. Understanding biofilm metabolism is key to developing effective corrosion control strategies.

More Related Videos

Experimental Column Setup for Studying Anaerobic Biogeochemical Interactions Between Iron (Oxy)Hydroxides, Trace Elements, and Bacteria

Experimental Column Setup for Studying Anaerobic Biogeochemical Interactions Between Iron (Oxy)Hydroxides, Trace Elements, and Bacteria

Published on: December 19, 2017

Self-standing Electrochemical Set-up to Enrich Anode-respiring Bacteria On-site

Self-standing Electrochemical Set-up to Enrich Anode-respiring Bacteria On-site

Published on: July 24, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 23, 2026

Laboratory Simulation of an Iron(II)-rich Precambrian Marine Upwelling System to Explore the Growth of Photosynthetic Bacteria

Laboratory Simulation of an Iron(II)-rich Precambrian Marine Upwelling System to Explore the Growth of Photosynthetic Bacteria

Published on: July 24, 2016

Experimental Column Setup for Studying Anaerobic Biogeochemical Interactions Between Iron (Oxy)Hydroxides, Trace Elements, and Bacteria

Experimental Column Setup for Studying Anaerobic Biogeochemical Interactions Between Iron (Oxy)Hydroxides, Trace Elements, and Bacteria

Published on: December 19, 2017

Self-standing Electrochemical Set-up to Enrich Anode-respiring Bacteria On-site

Self-standing Electrochemical Set-up to Enrich Anode-respiring Bacteria On-site

Published on: July 24, 2018

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Corrosion Science
Materials Science

Background:

Biofilms are microbial communities that can adhere to surfaces.
Iron-respiring bacteria utilize iron for respiration and can influence metal corrosion.
Steel corrosion is a significant industrial problem with economic and safety implications.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the influence of iron-respiring bacterial biofilms on steel corrosion.
To discuss how biofilm development affects the surrounding chemical environment.
To explore potential strategies for corrosion control based on biofilm understanding.

Main Methods:

Literature review focusing on studies of bacterial biofilms and steel corrosion.
Analysis of the impact of biofilm stages and fluid dynamics on corrosion.
Synthesis of current knowledge on the mechanisms of biofilm-mediated corrosion.

Main Results:

Biofilm growth alters the electrochemical and chemical conditions at the steel-biofilm interface.
Both static and dynamic fluid regimes influence the extent and nature of corrosion.
Metabolic activities of iron-respiring bacteria are critical drivers of corrosion.

Conclusions:

A mechanistic understanding of biofilm metabolic activity is crucial for predicting and mitigating steel corrosion.
Targeting biofilm processes offers a promising avenue for developing advanced corrosion inhibitors.
Further research into the specific metabolic pathways involved can lead to targeted control strategies.