Microbiologically induced corrosion of concrete(MICC) and its protective coatings has a high economic impact on sewer maintenance and rehabilitation.A better understanding of the micro-organisms and the biogenic acids that are generated in the sewer is essential in controlling the corrosion of concrete pipes and protective coatings.The role of succession of micro-organisms growth in the corrosion of concrete and protective coatings was evaluated in this study.Examination of various sewer pipe materials exhibiting various extents of degradation,including concrete,cement based and epoxy based coating revealed the presence of both organic and biogenic sulphuric acids.This reflects the activity of fungi and the thiobacilli strains.Organism growth and metabolism were strongly related to the substrate pH.Fungi were found to grow and metabolise organic acids at pH from 2.0-8.0.Whilst the thiobacilli strains grew and generated sulphuric acids at pH below 3.0.The successive growth of the organisms provides an important bearing in developing improved strategies to better manage sewers.
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