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Corrosion by the Sulphate-reducing Bacteria

Nature volume 233, pages 491–492 (1971)Cite this article

Abstract

THERE are several explanations for the aggravation of corrosion of iron and steel in oxygen-free conditions by sulphate-reducing bacteria. These are (a) stimulation of the cathodic part of the corrosion cell by the removal and utilization of the polarizing hydrogen by the bacteria1; (b) stimulation of the cathodic reaction by solid ferrous sulphides formed by the reaction of ferrous ions with sulphide ions produced by bacteria2; (c) stimulation of the anodic reaction, metal dissolution, by bacterially produced sulphide3; (d) local acid cell formation4, and (e) formation of iron phosphide by reaction of the metal with bacterially reduced phosphates5.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Corrosion Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology,

    R. A. KING & J. D. A. MILLER

Authors
  1. R. A. KING
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  2. J. D. A. MILLER
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KING, R., MILLER, J. Corrosion by the Sulphate-reducing Bacteria. Nature 233, 491–492 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1038/233491a0

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