Scanning confocal laser microscopy study of biofilm induced corrosion on copper plumbing tubes

Walker, J. T., Hanson, K., Caldwell, D. and Keevil, C. W. (1998) Scanning confocal laser microscopy study of biofilm induced corrosion on copper plumbing tubes. Biofouling, 12 (4), 333-344. (doi:10.1080/08927019809378364).

Abstract

Scanning confocal laser microscopy (SCLM) was used to investigate the relationship between the presence of biofilms and the associated pepper-pot pitting of copper plumbing tubes. SCLM provided images of the biofilm and substrata at different locations within each sample with minimum disruption and artefacts. A significant feature of this technique is the elimination of out-of-focus information, resulting in a more analytical examination of the sample. The results obtained demonstrated the potential of SCLM for non-invasive imaging of an intact, fully hydrated viable biofilm present on copper tube. The results also permitted expansion of the horizontal image to a vertical sagital section (XZ), enabling the position of the bacteria in the corrosion pits to be observed. The metabolic activity of the bacteria was assessed, indicating indirect aggressive attack of the copper surface. Use of SCLM has resulted in a correlation being demonstrated between the presence of bacteria and particulate matter in stimulating pepper-pot pitting corrosion of copper plumbing tube.

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Contributors

Author: C. W. Keevil

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