MIC of galvanized steel: Corrosion by pure culture isolate biofilms

N. F. Bolton, M. Critchley, R. Fabien, N. J. Cromar, H. J. Fallowfield

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Instances of accelerated corrosion of galvanized pipe conveying water through specialist systems have been reported in the literature. The nature and speed at which corrosion has occurred suggests that microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) may be one of the causes. Bacteria were isolated from a previously failed pipe and assessed for their influence on corrosion by incubating pure culture biofilms on galvanized steel coupons over a 5 week time course. Isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. A total of 11 isolates including Afipia sp. and Pseudomonas sp. were found to increase the corrosion of galvanized steel compared with sterile control coupons throughout at least 2 of the 5 weeks of incubation (P < 0.05). At week 5 the total loss of zinc from all coupons with each of the 16 isolates attached was higher than the control (P < 0.05). The isolated bacteria in the current study comprise a unique group that have not previously been associated with metal corrosion of any kind. The current study highlights the possible importance of microbes in the corrosion of galvanized pipe systems and suggests that management strategies that control microbial growth may help in preventing such failures from occurring in the future.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication50th Annual Conference of the Australasian Corrosion Association 2010
Subtitle of host publicationCorrosion and Prevention 2010
Pages376-383
Number of pages8
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2010
Event50th Annual Conference of the Australasian Corrosion Association 2010: Corrosion and Prevention 2010 - Adelaide, SA, Australia
Duration: 14 Nov 201017 Nov 2010

Publication series

Name50th Annual Conference of the Australasian Corrosion Association 2010: Corrosion and Prevention 2010

Conference

Conference50th Annual Conference of the Australasian Corrosion Association 2010: Corrosion and Prevention 2010
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityAdelaide, SA
Period14/11/1017/11/10

Keywords

  • Afipia sp.
  • B. pumilus
  • Galvanized
  • MIC
  • Pipe
  • Pseudomonas sp.

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