The Characterization of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) Under Cathodic Protection Conditions.

The goal of the present research is to investigate the effectiveness of cathodic protection in preventing, halting, or limiting the microbiologically influenced corrosion MIC of carbon steel substrates in seawater. MIC is defined as the corrosion resulting from the interaction of bacteria, especially Sulfate Reducing Bacteria SRB, and their biological end products with metal surfaces. In order to address this problem, four key issues are being investigated. Firstly, the chemical and electrochemical conditions beneath biofilm must be determined. Secondly, the thermodynamic conditions necessary at the surface of the substrate for cathodic protection to be effective must be known. Thirdly, the process by which SRB colonize and adhere to steel surfaces needs to be examined. Finally, the effectiveness of impressed current cathodic protection techniques on inhibiting corrosion due to the presence of biofilms and tubercles on the carbon steel surface must be investigated.