An overview of mechanisms by which sulphate-reducing bacteria influence corrosion of steel in marine environments.

This communication provides an overview of the literature on the biocorrosion of steel in marine media, influenced by the presence of sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Electrochemical aspects, microbial interactions within biofilms, the significance of medium composition and the role of iron sulphides, and hydrogen effects are discussed. A brief description of recent experiments involving the use of electrochemical techniques for corrosion assessment, surface studies employing energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microprobe complemented with electron microscopy observations, as well as the application of novel techniques, such as micro sensors and atomic force microscopy, is given. The growth of SRB in marine environments causes significant modifications of many physicochemical parameters at the steel/seawater interface, including local changes in pH and redox potential values, variations in anion and cation concentrations and alteration of the composition and structure of corrosion products. Complex chemical and biological reactions and equilibria are also markedly altered during bacterial proliferation. These effects, which are absent in abiotic media, often lead to significant changes in the corrosion behaviour of steel. The complicated nature of the local environment at the steel/seawater interface is enhanced in the presence of microorganisms and their extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). As a consequence of biofilm heterogeneity, areas with different ion concentrations are formed and the development of corrosion product layers of dissimilar protective characteristics occurs.

Biocorrosión

la biocorrosión es un proceso electroquímico al iagual que la corrosión inorgánica. No obstante, la participación de los microorganismos es activa e introduce características diferenciales en el proceso, pero sin modificar su naturaleza. Se presentan los resultados de los estudios realizados

Electrochemical study of endodontic silver cones used in root canal therapy.

In previous studies it was observed that endodontic silver cones placed in fine canals became dislodged as a result of corrosion. To investigate the corrosion of high purity silver, potentiostatic and potentiodynamic electrochemical techniques were used. Triangular potential sweeps made in physiological solutions and human plasma showed similar potential-current relationships. However, in human plasma, peak currents were lower and peak potentials were more anodic than those observed in the physiological solutions. The electron microprobe analysis and the EDAX of the film formed in the biological fluids revealed the presence of silver and chloride and a certain amount of carbon. The addition of small quantities of Na2S to the physiological solutions favoured metal dissolution and promoted the formation of a mixed film of AgCL and Ag2S. According to these results chloride and sulphide anions seem to be particularly aggressive towards the metal surface in implanted silver cones. Precautions to avoid direct contact of the cones with saliva and tissue fluids must be taken. Fractures and discontinuities present in the cement considerably increase the corrosion risks.

Study of the biological films formed during the pitting of aluminium in human plasma.

Film formation during the pitting corrosion of aluminium in human plasma is studied using conventional electrochemical techniques complemented with scanning electron microscopy as well as energy-dispersive x-ray, electron microprobe and immunoelectrophoresis analysis. The anodic polarization curve of aluminium in human plasma at 37 degrees C shows a passive region related to a low corrosion rate that extends up to -0.66 V (s.c.e.). At more positive potential values than -0.66 V, the breakdown of the oxide protective film occurs due to the chloride anions, leading to an intense localized dissolution of the metal (pitting corrosion). Scanning electron microscopy of the metal surface reveals a thick non-adherent precipitate covering pits of a crystallographic feature. Energy-dispersive x-ray and the microprobe analysis show the presence of aluminium, chloride and carbon signals. Immunoelectrophoresis of the precipitate resuspended in physiological solution shows a strong protein denaturization. Results suggest that the corrosion products are formed during pitting by the interaction of the saturated AlCl3 salt present within the pits and the adsorbed plasma proteins.

The response of a bioelectrochemical cell with Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolizing glucose under various fermentation conditions.

Working conditions of a biochemical fuel cell formed by an oxygen cathode and a platinum bioanode in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae suspension metabolizing glucose are described. The biocell response in terms of bioanode potential and current drainage under different fermentation conditions is reported. A kinetic equation relating the current, the number of microorganisms, and the substrate concentration is obtained. The bioanode potential corresponds to that of an oxygen concentration polarization cell.

Biocorrosión

la biocorrosión es un proceso electroquímico al iagual que la corrosión inorgánica. No obstante, la participación de los microorganismos es activa e introduce características diferenciales en el proceso, pero sin modificar su naturaleza. Se presentan los resultados de los estudios realizados