The role of iron-oxidizing bacteria in biocorrosion: a review. Issue 9 (21st October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Emerson, David
• Is Part Of: Biofouling. Volume 34:Issue 9(2018)
• Page Start: 989
• Page End: 1000
• Publication Date: 2018-10-21
• Subjects: Iron-oxidizing bacteria -- corrosion -- Zetaproteobacteria -- Gallionellaceae; Marine fouling organisms -- Periodicals; Materials -- Biodeterioration -- Periodicals; Fouling -- Periodicals; Biodegradation -- Periodicals; Environmental Microbiology -- Periodicals; Water Microbiology -- Periodicals; 576.165
• DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2018.1526281
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0892-7014

Abstract

Abstract: Lithotrophic iron-oxidizing bacteria depend on reduced iron, Fe(II), as their primary energy source, making them natural candidates for growing in association with steel infrastructure and potentially contributing to microbially influenced corrosion (MIC). This review summarizes recent work on the role of iron-oxidizing bacteria (FeOB) in MIC. By virtue of producing complex 3-dimensional biofilms that result from the accumulation of iron-oxides, FeOB may aid in the colonization of steel surfaces by other microbes involved in MIC. Evidence points to a successional pattern occurring whereby FeOB are early colonizers of mild steel (MS), followed by sulfate-reducing bacteria and other microbes, although studies of aged corrosion products indicate that FeOB do establish a long-term presence. There is evidence that only specific clades of FeOB, with unique adaptations for growing on steel surfaces are part of the MIC community. These are discussed in the context of the larger MIC microbiome.