Microbial Diversity of Biofilms on Metallic Surfaces in Natural Waters Case Study in a Hydropower Plant on Amazon Forest

摘要

The Balbina Hydroelectric Power Station is located in the central Brazilian Amazon Forest and is vulnerable to biofouling and biofilm formation on immersed metal surfaces because of the high ambient temperature near equatorial line. Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) comprises organic and inorganic processes that occur simultaneously or separately and enhance the harmful effects of the dissolution of metal surfaces. Several types of microorganisms are involved in this process, and microbial colonisation of surfaces through biofilm maturation leads to biocorrosion. Each stage of MIC has characteristic microorganisms, and the present study aimed to characterise the different microorganisms found in samples collected from carbon steel, stainless steel, and copper alloy coupons exposed to the water reservoir of the Balbina Hydroelectric Power Station. Microorganisms described in the literature as important for MIC were detected using microbiological tests and molecular tools. In Brazil, 72% of the energy-based power generation is derived from hydropower plants; hence, it is important to study the origin of corrosion on metallic surfaces exposed to the water of the reservoir.