Spatial and temporal relationships between localized microbial metabolic activity and electrochemical activity of steel.

摘要

The relationship between the localized microbial activity and localized electrochemical on corroding steel surfaces was investigated. The scanning vibrating electrode technique provided a sensitive means for defining local anodic and cathodic currents associated with corrosion. Localized bacterial metabolic activity was determined using autoradiography of bacterial incorporated (sup 14)C-acetate into insoluble cell material. Microautoradiography of individual bacteria, with the incorporated acetate, was used to determine percentages and morphological types of active bacteria. The results showed a correlation between the location of anodic activity of the steel and the location of incorporated label. Although the results do not necessarily indicate a role for bacterial activity in the initiation of pitting, the results suggest that the actively metabolizing bacteria may exacerbate the propagation of pits by colonizing active anodic sites. 18 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.