MICROBIAL CORROSION
Abstract
Studies of the effect of microorganisms, particularly sulfate reducers (Desulfovibrio), on marine corrosion were initiated. The inability of sulfate reducers to grow on the agar surface of media appears to be due to the presence of the ferrous salt used as an indicator for hydrogen sulfide. Evidence indicates that phosphate may be an electron acceptor in the cathodic depolarization of steel. Iron phosphide and vivianite were produced by Desulfovibrio growing in contact with mild steel. The organism reduces phosphate in the presence of hydrogen to form a volatile phosphorous containing compound which is not phosphine. Light increases the corrosion rate of steel as indicated by polarization measurements. The cathodic protection currents required to maintain a potential of 0.8 volts on a steel specimen in indirect sunlight was found to be 1.5 times that required in the dark.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0670501
Entities
People
- Warren P. Iverson
Organizations
- National Institute of Standards and Technology