Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion in Stainless Steel by Pseudomonas aeruginosa: An Overview

Abstract

AbstractThe loss of materials due to corrosion is inevitable and has gained significant attention at various stages in the process industries, including petroleum, food processing units, and tanneries. With significant detrimental effects occurring as a result of microbial activity, the research on microbial corrosion and methods to keep them under control has become essential. About 10% of the corrosion affliction to metals and non-metals is due to microbial activity. The Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a consequence of the contact, which are synergetic between bacteria and metals. A typical marine electroactive bacterium shown to produce severe MIC is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In the maritime environment, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacteria that is extremely corrosive to stainless steel. However, little is known about how P. aeruginosa causes corrosion on stainless steel. Stainless steel is a beneficial material that has been employed in various applications due to its corrosion-resistant properties and mechanical strength. The property of stainless steel to strongly resist corrosion is owed to the presence of chromium in its composition. The chromium forms a passive film of chromium-rich oxide in aerobic conditions at low temperatures, which protects it from the surroundings. This layer can be harmed by harsh weather conditions. The microbial activity and their existence can modify the inorganic passive layers, raising their dissolution levels and detaching them from the surface of the metal. The review aims to study steel corrosion as a result of microbial activity. The explicated methodologies are more significant within the broader context of metal–microbe interactions.