Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion Mechanisms

Understanding microbiologically influenced reactions that promote corrosion of metals and alloys is essential for materials selection and corrosion control/prevention. As the list of putative microorganisms influencing corrosion has expanded, the number of potential electron donor/electron acceptor relationships (mechanisms) has also increased. Investigations of microbiologically influenced corrosion can no longer end with the identification of specific microorganisms, but instead requires identification of specific mechanisms by which microorganisms influence corrosion. The following chapter presents an overview of the most recent interpretations of mechanisms for microbiologically influenced corrosion, stressing that the consequences of microorganism/metal interactions are determined by electrolyte chemistry and exposure conditions.