Factors affecting microbiologically influenced corrosion of carbon steels in lab-based studies

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is the deterioration of materials caused by the presence and activity of microorganisms. The industries mostly affected by MIC include maritime, chemical processing, nuclear power, oil and gas production, and sprinkler water systems. In this research, laboratory-based studies have been undertaken to investigate the effect of different metallurgical, chemical and microbiological factors on the initial bacterial attachment and subsequent MIC of carbon steels. The findings from this research will help to design more rigorous lab-based tests of MIC that can be used to support the development of mitigation strategies for MIC attack in actual field conditions.