Microbially mediated metal corrosion

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Corrosion Science
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Microorganisms, particularly those forming biofilms, are significant contributors to metal corrosion, a costly global issue.
• While both aerobic and anaerobic microbes play a role, anaerobic microorganisms are often attributed to causing substantial corrosion.
• Mechanisms involve microbially produced substances like organic acids and sulfides, or direct electron transfer from metals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diverse roles of microorganisms in metal corrosion.
• To discuss the known and emerging mechanisms of microbially influenced corrosion (MIC).
• To explore interdisciplinary approaches for detecting, understanding, and preventing corrosion.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on microbial corrosion.
• Analysis of functional genetic and omics studies identifying corrosive microorganisms.
• Exploration of interdisciplinary research on microbe-metal interactions in biofilms.

Main Results:

• Microorganisms contribute to corrosion through metabolic byproducts and direct electron exchange with metals.
• Genetic and omics studies are enhancing the understanding of microbial corrosion mechanisms.
• Challenges remain in culturing and evaluating the full corrosive potential of many microorganisms.

Conclusions:

• Microbial biofilms significantly impact corrosion processes, necessitating further research into their mechanisms.
• Developing new culturing techniques and interdisciplinary studies are crucial for advancing corrosion prevention strategies.
• Understanding the complex interactions within corrosive biofilms offers potential for innovative technological solutions.