Utilization of Cathodic Hydrogen by Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough)

Summary: Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough) can grow on acetate plus CO2 as carbon source with H2 as the sole source of energy. The capability of sulphate reducers to oxidize H2 has been proposed as a major factor in the anaerobic corrosion of metals. Utilization by D. vulgaris of cathodic hydrogen from a mild steel electrode was demonstrated electrochemically and physiologically. D. vulgaris depolarized the metal electrode and growth on acetate under N2/CO2 was dependent on the presence of the electrode. Although the highest corrosion rate was observed under aerobic conditions, D. vulgaris significantly increased the corrosion rate under anaerobic conditions.