Localised corrosion of mild steel in presence of<i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>biofilm

Abstract

Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) is a destructive type of corrosion, which is initiated, facilitated or accelerated by the presence of bacteria. The objective of this study is to determine the MIC behaviour of mild steel exposed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa inoculated nutrient rich simulated sea water medium. The formation of the biofilm layer, corrosion products and pitting areas on the steel substrate are characterised by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The overall results showed the aggressive role of P. aeruginosa biofilm in inducing the corrosion process and generating significant pits on steel. This study may provide a new understanding of the MIC behaviour of steel caused by bacterial colonisation and biofilm formation.