What can bacteria do to accelerate corrosion mechanisms?

Bacteria can significantly influence corrosion mechanisms, particularly through their ability to produce deposits and secrete acidic fluids. This process is known as microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC).

When bacteria colonize a surface, they can produce organic and inorganic substances that form biofilms. These biofilms can trap corrosive agents and create localized environments that are more corrosive than the surrounding conditions. The secretion of acidic fluids lowers the pH of the local environment, which can further accelerate corrosion by enhancing the solubility of metal ions and promoting the electrochemical reactions that lead to material degradation.

This phenomenon is common in environments such as pipelines, storage tanks, and marine structures, where bacteria thrive and can contribute to the deterioration of metallic surfaces. The resulting corrosion can lead to structural failures and significant maintenance challenges, making it a critical aspect of power engineering and materials management.