Microbial Biofilms: Mixed Populations, Spatial Gradients, and Corrosion

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One of the greatest threats to maximum performance and system reliability in industrial equipment is fouling and corrosion of the equipment surfaces. Fouling and corrosion combined cost the U.S. billions of dollars annually. Much of the fouling is due to biofilms forming on equipment surfaces in contact with water and significant amounts of corrosion result from the resultant microbial activity at the equipment surface (generally a metal alloy). Biodeterioration has been observed on many materials including metals, concrete, wood, and plastics. Despite the concern over microbial corrosion, most of its literature contains anecdotal material. This investigation focuses on microbial corrosion of metals and metal alloys. Measurements will focus on defining the metal-biofilm interface through the use of microelectrodes and real time electrochemical monitoring of corrosion processes. Microbial process engineering techniques will integrate the measurements in a model for describing/predicting microbial corrosion in industrial environments. New instrumentation or new uses for current instrumentation related to detecting, identifying, and monitoring microbial corrosion processes are also anticipated outcomes of the research.