NICOP - Microbial dynamics and its influence on the development of a corrosive biofilm over stainless steel surfaces exposed to marine conditions.
Abstract
Microbial dynamics and its influence on the development of a corrosive biofilm over stainless steel surfaces exposed to marine conditions.AbstractCorrosion generates structural losses that costs billions of dollars every year to United States and others developed countries. Marine corrosion is an important part of this global problem and affects large portion of the infrastructure and equipment for the development of energy, transport and defence located in the coastal zone. The development of these areas and its improvement is part of the objectives of US Naval Research. Addressing the problem through a microbiological approach that involves understanding of the microbial dynamics within a corrosive biofilm, it will allow the generation of more efficient control strategies and preventive measures that can be environmental friendly at the same time. Previous analysis indicates that the initial microbial community that colonizes the surface would be a key factor for the development of this kind of biofilm but it is not completely clear which aspects of biological succession are critical for the development of corrosion. This project seeks to identify the key stages in the process of shaping the microbial community a corrosive biofilm.We propose to use a microcosms approach to evaluate the biocorrosion developed on stainless steel plates exposed to natural seawater conditions during summer and winter to understand the microbial dynamics that are related to the process. Following a methodology developed by the Pontificia Universidad Cat~lica de Chile research team in a previous marine corrosion project. Stainless steel plates will be submerged on natural seawater for15 weeks using acrylic aquariums with continuous flow of water. The ecological dynamicsof the microbial community and the biological succession on it, will be analyzed using a time series set-up to determine the taxonomy, metabolic capabilities and functionality of the community during the exposition time. This critical first step on marine biocorrosion will be analyzed through molecular analysis of 16S and 18S rRNA genes, metagenomics and metatranscriptomic (or metabolomics) analysis. Additionally, we will monitored the electrochemical behavior and weight loss of the plates. The samples will be analyzed with the collaboration of Dr. Iwona Beech from the University of Oklahoma Biocorrosion Center. Her contribution would be key to understand the metabolic capabilities and functionality of the biofilm.The ultimate aim of this research is to publish the results in high quality journals (e.g. Biofouling, Corrosion Science, Corrosion), and to present in top international conferences (e.g. CORROSION, EUROCORR) for the transfer of knowledge to the international scientific community.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 03, 2017
- Source ID
- N629091712012
Entities
People
- Ignacio Vargas
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy