Towards Understanding Microbes Involved in Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion in the Marine Environment

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), the deterioration of metals as a result of the metabolic activities of microorganisms, involves complex microbial communities. This thesis explored a particular form of MIC called accelerated low water corrosion (ALWC), which affects metallic structures in marine environments, particularly around the low tide water level. This research has led to a better understanding of the spatial variation of microbial communities relevant to ALWC and the microbes that are being enriched in test kits commonly used in the field to help identify MIC/ALWC. Work has also started on the use specific combinations of microbes from the culture collection of 187 isolates obtained, with the aim of producing more realistic laboratory-based corrosion tests.