Characterizing and Enhancing Biological Corrosion of Metals
Abstract
Metal oxidizing bacteria are able to use the oxidation of metals as an energy source for growth, and they play an important role in mining operations as they can help to liberate valuable metals from lean ores. These cells can also contribute to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and this has led to interest in understanding metal/microbial interactions to ensure the protection of metallic materiel. We have been interested in characterizing and engineering the iron-oxidizing bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans for the improved performance in mining operations and for the production of biochemicals from CO2. The overarching goal of this proposal is to develop A. ferrooxidans strains and culture conditions to enhance the MIC activity for a wide range of metals and alloys. This will be accomplished through the fundamental investigation of the MJC capabilities of the wild type cells, the investigation of culture conditions and additives to improve MIC, and finally the genetic modification of the cells to produce additives that will enhance MIC. The completion of this proposal will be used to demonstrate that cells and culture conditions can be developed that will lead to enhanced corrosion abilities which could be used to reduce the environmental impact of military activities and could be used to rapidly oxidize various metallic objects. In the future, engineered organisms could eventually be used for the recycling of electronic waste, for the rapid degradation of unwanted material, and eventually to obtain useful chemical or electrical energy from scrap metal resources. Therefore, there are potential new opportunities to alter the life cycle of metal resources using biotechnology approaches.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1810239
Entities
People
- Scott Banta
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Columbia University
- United States Army