Beating the bugs: roles of microbial biofilms in corrosion

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a complex type of environmentally assisted corrosion. Although poorly understood and challenging to ameliorate, it is increasingly appreciated that MIC accelerates failure of metal alloys, including steel pipeline. Historically, this type of material degradation process has been treated from either an electrochemical materials perspective or a microbiological perspective. Here, we review the current understanding of MIC mechanisms for steel – particularly those in sour environments relevant to fossil fuel recovery and processing – and outline the role of the bacterial biofilm in both corrosion processes and mitigation responses.