BIOCORROSION AND BIOFOULING OF INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS. A STATE OF THE ART AT THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW MILLENNIUM

摘要

An overview on the present state of knowledge on biocorrosion problems affecting metals and alloys of industrial usage is made on the basis of the author's expertise after 25 years of research in the field. This overview starts describing the first attempt to interpret the sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) induced corrosion of iron in the early thirties, and continues with a critical analysis of the electrochemical and microbiological studies developed until the end of the last century. Hydrogen effects owing to SRB and mechanisms of microbial inhibition of corrosion are also described. The key concepts related to the biologically and electrochemically conditioned metal/solution interface are discussed taking into account the latest advances on the knowledge about structure and function of biofilms. Recent advances for monitoring and controlling biocorrosion undesirable effects are included in the last part of the lecture. Finally, a future perspective of the field is made considering the potential of innovative techniques in microscopy, surface analysis and electrochemistry.