Microbiologically induced deterioration of concrete: a review

Microbiologically induced deterioration (MID) causes corrosion of concrete by producing acids (including organic and inorganic acids) that degrade concrete components and thus compromise the integrity of sewer pipelines and other structures, creating significant problems worldwide. Understanding of the fundamental corrosion process and the causal agents will help us develop an appropriate strategy to minimize the costs in repairs. This review presents how microorganisms induce the deterioration of concrete, including the organisms involved and their colonization and succession on concrete, the microbial deterioration mechanism, the approaches of studying MID and safeguards against concrete biodeterioration. In addition, the uninvestigated research area of MID is also proposed.

The importance of biofilms in microbial deterioration of constructional materials

Constructional materials, such as concrete, stone, wood, plastic, painted surfaces and metal, are colonized by bacteria, algae and fungi, which form biofilms on the surfaces acceleranting deteriotion of the structure. The mechanisms of such deterioration, the major microbial genera involved some and of factors which can affect the degree of colonization and attack are discussed. The major factor determining microbial growth on constructional materials is moisture and the importance of correct design of structures to avoid the ingress of water is pointed out.