Microbiologically influenced corrosion: Development of a model system to investigate the role of biofilm communities within MIC and their control using industrial biocides

Abstract

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) presents persistent challenges to the maritime, offshore renewable, and energy sectors, with biofilm formation playing a crucial role in corrosion mechanisms. However, understanding the complex interactions between biofilms and MIC is hindered by the lack of reproducible physical models that accurately reflect real-world conditions. This research employed a novel dual anaerobic biofilm reactor, using a complex microbial consortium derived from marine littoral sediment, and highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, utilising multiple lines of evidence to understand the mechanistic interactions between biofilms and corrosion.
DNA extraction and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed that electroactive bacteria, particularly sulphate-reducing and iron-reducing bacteria, were the principal contributors to biofilm activity. Desulfovibrio and Shewanella spp., key electroactive and corrosive microorganisms, were identified as playing a critical role in extracellular electron transport, a process integral to MIC. The biotic condition exhibited significantly greater pit density, depth, and size compared to abiotic controls, highlighting the impact of continual biofilm growth on corrosion severity.
Biocide treatment was also investigated using the dual anaerobic biofilm reactor. Cyclic dosing led to an electronegative shift and reduced H₂S concentrations, indicating biofilm susceptibility. However, the biocide failed to fully eradicate the mixed-species biofilm, likely due to its structural properties acting as a diffusion barrier. These findings underscore the limitations of traditional biocide treatments and emphasize the need for improved biofilm management strategies. By bridging the gap between laboratory studies and real-world applications, this research enhances our understanding of MIC processes and contributes to the development of more effective corrosion mitigation techniques for industrial applications.
This research provides new insights into MIC mechanisms and highlights the need for evidence-based approaches to biofilm management and biocide application in industrial environments. The findings represent a step toward the development of standardised biofilm testing methods, improving MIC prediction and mitigation strategies.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Liam Matthew Jones: orcid.org/0000-0002-2695-0464

ORCID for Jeremy Webb: orcid.org/0000-0003-2068-8589

ORCID for Julian Wharton: orcid.org/0000-0002-3439-017X

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