Understanding and addressing Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC)
Microbial life is everywhere. Microorganisms have been found inhabiting iced-covered lakes in Antarctica at -13°C and hydrothermal vents at the bottom of the ocean at 120°C [1]. Microorganisms have inhabited our planet for billions of years before plants and animals appeared. It was through...
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| Format: | Journal Article |
| Published: |
2019
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| Online Access: | http://online.fliphtml5.com/qcng/tigi/#p=88 http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/75285 |
| Summary: | Microbial life is everywhere.
Microorganisms have been found
inhabiting iced-covered lakes in
Antarctica at -13°C and hydrothermal
vents at the bottom of the ocean
at 120°C [1]. Microorganisms have
inhabited our planet for billions
of years before plants and animals
appeared. It was through their
activities that higher forms of life
could appear and thrive [2]. However,
microorganisms can also be harmful
and their activities can result, under
certain conditions, in detrimental
effects such as disease and damage
to infrastructure. Industrial systems
typically create new microbial
habitats that can stimulate undesired
microbial activities. A notable
example of this is microbiologically
influenced corrosion (MIC) which
refers to corrosion of metallic
equipment and structures caused or
accelerated by microorganisms. These
microorganisms are mainly bacteria
and archaea, but microalgae and fungi
can also be important contributors
in certain environments [3, 4]. In
Australia, MIC represents a common
threat to the oil & gas, defence and
marine industries which are major
components of the national economy.
Deterioration and corrosion due to
microorganisms drives a worldwide
market for microbial control that is
worth billions of dollars annually. |
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