Biofilms Formation and Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) In Different Materials

Abstract

Metal surface immersed in natural or industrial waters undergo a sequence of processes in time and space that lead to the formation of biological and inorganic (scaling) deposit adhesion of different microorganisms (bacteria, microalgae, fungi) on the metal surface through extracellular polymeric substances, causing microbiologically influenced corrosion. The biofilm formation and microbiologically influenced corrosion impact on economic interests and after inorganic corrosion they are the most important problems affecting different industries. The eradication of biofilm in the industry is difficult and costly. Technological importance in the thermoelectric industry by biofilm and biofouling formation lies in energy losses in heat exchanger systems. In the oil industry, problems derived from the presence of biofilms as filter plugging, corrosion in structures storage and distribution of fuel are presented. The aim of this work is to show the different industry cases of microbiologically influenced corrosion: jet aircraft fuel storage tanks and distribution plant, steel plant, thermoelectric industry. The evaluation of microbiologically influenced corrosion and the biofilm formation are investigated. Microbial counts were performed by conventional techniques. The formation of the biofilm and the attack on the metal surface were studied through scanning electron microscopic techniques. Different results were obtained for each of the industrial environments studied. Strategies to evaluate corrosion problems systems are proposed through microbiological and physical-chemical studies.