Abstract
Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is rapid deterioration of structural materials induced by action of microorganisms in environment. In such a case, microbial adhesion and proliferation on material surface is a precursor to corrosion initiation, then if the material is stainless steel, its open circuit potential can be ennobled. Therefore, significant biofilm formation on metal surfaces and open circuit potential ennoblement of corrosion resistant steels are recognized as indicators of MIC risk.
There are many lab scale studies for the correlation between microbial adhesion on materials and initiation of MIC. However, there are few studies investigating correlation between metallurgical factors of structural materials and microbial amount or flora on the surface in actual environments.
We are conducting systematic research focused on material types or alloying elements in order to investigate how such metallurgical factors affect microbial activity in field. In this report, the corrosion behavior was examined by corrosion engineering methods such as potential measurement and weight loss evaluation. Then the microbial amount and microbial flora adhered on copper, carbon steel, and stainless steel coupon in a freshwater were evaluated by genetic analysis method.
