A Review of Microbially Induced Corrosion (MIC) of Steel and a Preliminary Investigation to Determine Its Occurrence in Naval Vessels
Abstract
A study was made of the mechanisms of microbially induced corrosion of steels and of influencing factors. The main causative organisms were the sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) which require little more than a wet situation with depleted oxygen, some small organic molecules and sulfate. The corrosive effect is primarily by cathodic depolarization but local abundance of sulfide and pH change are also involved. SRB were detected at one third of the corrosion sites examined on three Naval ships. They were also present in their oily water wastes which would be a source of infection of any exposed steel surfaces. Based on current information, no special measures to counter microbially induced corrosion of ship steel are recommended but antibacterial treatments warrant further investigation as remedial measures for active microbially induced corrosion (MIC) areas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA268801
Entities
People
- John F. Upsher
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group