Name: how microbes damage metal surfaces
Uploaded: 2026-03-12T13:57:24.000Z
Duration: 1 min 24 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

Alabama Course of Study Science

9-12

Environmental Science

Earth's Systems

9-12.EVS.3.4

Microbial Corrosion

Microbial corrosion, also known as microbially influenced corrosion, refers to the degradation of metals and metal alloys caused by the metabolic activities of microbes.It is most commonly observed on buried or submerged metal structures and predominantly affects iron, steel, copper, and aluminum.For example, iron corrosion can happen through two mechanisms mediated by sulfate-reducing bacteria.In one mechanism, molecular hydrogen generated during electrochemical pitting of iron is taken up by bacterial cells, sustaining electron release from the metal and accelerating iron oxidation.Another mechanism is employed by Desulfopila corrodens, whose cells are embedded within an electroconductive sulfidic corrosion layer.They accept electrons directly from elemental iron via redox-active proteins to reduce sulfate to sulfide.The sulfide reacts with iron to form iron sulfide, further promoting localized metal corrosion.Microbial corrosion can be mitigated using treatments such as biocides, corrosion inhibitors, and biofilm-disrupting biological agents.

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 substances like hydrogen sulfide and organic acids, accelerating the corrosion process. Additionally, certain microbes can directly extract electrons from metals, further contributing to material degradation.Various metals are susceptible to MIC, including carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, and aluminum. The extent of corrosion depends on factors such as the type of microorganism, environmental conditions, and the presence of nutrients. For instance, sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) thrive in anaerobic conditions and produce hydrogen sulfide, which is highly corrosive to metals.Understanding the mechanisms of MIC is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies. These mechanisms include:<ul><li>Biofilm Formation: Microorganisms adhere to metal surfaces, creating biofilms that trap corrosive agents and facilitate localized corrosion.</li><li>Metabolite Production: Microbial metabolism leads to the generation of corrosive substances, such as acids and sulfides, which attack metal surfaces.</li><li>Direct Electron Transfer: Some microbes can directly extract electrons from metals, accelerating the corrosion process.</li></ul>To combat MIC, several strategies have been developed:<ul><li>Chemical Treatments: The use of biocides and corrosion inhibitors can control microbial growth and protect metal surfaces.</li><li>Nitrate Injection: In oil and gas industries, injecting nitrate promotes the growth of nitrate-reducing bacteria, which outcompete SRB, thereby reducing hydrogen sulfide production.</li><li>Material Selection and Coatings: Employing corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings can minimize microbial colonization and corrosion.</li><li>Regular Maintenance: Implementing routine inspection and cleaning protocols helps in early detection and prevention of MIC.</li></ul>Emerging technologies, such as the application of nanomaterials, are also being explored for their potential to inhibit microbial growth and enhance corrosion resistance. These advancements aim to provide more sustainable and effective solutions to the challenges posed by MIC.In conclusion, MIC is a complex issue that requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective management. Continued research and innovation are essential to develop advanced materials and strategies to mitigate the detrimental effects of microbial corrosion on infrastructure and equipment.

Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a significant form of material degradation caused by the metabolic activities of microorganisms. This ...

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Education

JoVE Core

Microbiology

Unit

Environmental Microbiology

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

how microbes damage metal surfaces

Microbiologically influenced corrosion, or MIC, is metal damage caused by the metabolic activity of microorganisms. It is a major problem in oil and gas, maritime, and water treatment settings. MIC happens when bacteria, archaea, and fungi colonize metal surfaces and form biofilms that change the local electrochemical environment.

These biofilms can trap corrosive agents and speed up localized corrosion. Microbes also produce substances such as hydrogen sulfide and organic acids, which attack metal. In some cases, microbes can directly take electrons from metal, which further drives material loss.

Many metals can be affected by MIC, including carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, and aluminum. How much corrosion develops depends on the microorganism, the environment, and the nutrients available. Sulfate-reducing bacteria are a well-known example because they grow without oxygen and produce hydrogen sulfide, a highly corrosive gas.

Understanding MIC helps scientists design ways to reduce it. Common controls include biocides and corrosion inhibitors, which limit microbial growth and protect surfaces. In oil and gas systems, nitrate injection can encourage nitrate-reducing bacteria to outcompete sulfate-reducing bacteria and lower hydrogen sulfide production.

Other prevention methods include using corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings. Regular inspection and cleaning can also help detect MIC early. Newer approaches, including nanomaterials, are being studied for their ability to reduce microbial growth and improve corrosion resistance.

How Microbes Damage Metal Surfaces

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Microbiologically influenced corrosion, or MIC, is metal damage caused by the metabolic activity of microorganisms. It is a major problem in oil and gas, maritime, and water treatment settings. MIC happens when bacteria, archaea, and fungi colonize metal surfaces and form biofilms that change the local electrochemical environment. These biofilms can trap corrosive agents and speed up localized corrosion. Microbes also produce substances such as hydrogen sulfide and organic acids, which attack...

biodeterioration

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key terms and concepts

Learn how bacteria, archaea, and fungi cause microbiologically influenced corrosion, damage metals, and how coatings, biocides, and nitrate injection help prevent it.

How Microbes Damage Metal Surfaces | JoVE K12

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9-12.EVS.3.5

How Microbes Damage Metal Surfaces

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