Carbon steel corrosion by bacteria from failed seal rings at an offshore facility

Corrosion behavior of predominant Halodesulfovibrio in a marine SRB consortium and its mitigation using ZnO nanoparticles

Formation of Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) biofilm accelerates microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). The aim of this study was to investigate both the corrosivity of a marine SRB consortium on carbon steel coupons and its mitigation in the presence of ZnO. Metagenomics analysis revealed that Halodesulfovibrio (78.9%) was predominant and could be related to MIC. The analysis also showed a remarkable shift from a highly corrosive SRB consortium in the control bioreactors to a far less corrosive consortium when ZnO was added to the bioreactors. Further results indicated that the corrosion rate of the SRB consortium was 8.17 mpy on the carbon steel coupons. In the ZnO-treated bioreactors, the count of SRB and MIC in the carbon steel coupons simultaneously reduced. Moreover, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and profilometry analysis determined that ZnO could significantly decrease the amount of biofilm and the corrosion rate. Electrochemical experiments revealed higher corrosion current density (icorr) and lower charge transfer resistance (Rct) in the control bioreactors relative to the ZnO-treated bioreactors. We introduce Halodesulfovibrio as a potentially important corrosive genus in a marine SRB consortium. Additionally, ZnO could be considered a proper candidate to control the corrosion induced by Halodesulfovibrio.

Deciphering microbial communities involved in marine steel corrosion using high-throughput amplicon sequencing

To characterize the source and effects of bacterial communities on corrosion of intertidal structures, three different UK coastal sites were sampled for corrosion materials, sediment and seawater. Chemical analyses indicate the activity of sulfate-reducing microbes (SRBs) at 2 sites (Shoreham and Newhaven), but not at the third (Southend-on-Sea). Microbial communities in the deep sediment and corrosion samples are similar. The phylum Proteobacteria is dominant (40.4% of the total ASV), followed by Campilobacterota (11.3%), Desulfobacterota and Firmicutes (4%-5%). At lower taxonomic levels, corrosion causing bacteria, such as Shewanella sp. (6%), Colwellia sp. (7%) and Mariprofundus sp. (1%), are present. At Southend-on-sea, the relative abundance of Campilobacterota is higher compared to the other two sites. The mechanism of action of microorganisms at Shoreham and Newhaven involves biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion of iron by the combined action of SRBs and sulfur-oxidizing microbes. However, at Southend-on-sea, sulfur compounds are not implicated in corrosion, but SRBs and other electroactive microbes may play a role in which cathodic reactions (electrical MIC) and microbial enzymes (chemical MIC) are involved. To contribute to diagnosis of accelerated intertidal corrosion types, we developed a rapid identification method for SRBs using quantitative polymerase chain reaction high-resolution melt curve analysis of the dsrB gene.

Microbially mediated metal corrosion

A wide diversity of microorganisms, typically growing as biofilms, has been implicated in corrosion, a multi-trillion dollar a year problem. Aerobic microorganisms establish conditions that promote metal corrosion, but most corrosion has been attributed to anaerobes. Microbially produced organic acids, sulfide and extracellular hydrogenases can accelerate metallic iron (Fe0) oxidation coupled to hydrogen (H2) production, as can respiratory anaerobes consuming H2 as an electron donor. Some bacteria and archaea directly accept electrons from Fe0 to support anaerobic respiration, often with c-type cytochromes as the apparent outer-surface electrical contact with the metal. Functional genetic studies are beginning to define corrosion mechanisms more rigorously. Omics studies are revealing which microorganisms are associated with corrosion, but new strategies for recovering corrosive microorganisms in culture are required to evaluate corrosive capabilities and mechanisms. Interdisciplinary studies of the interactions among microorganisms and between microorganisms and metals in corrosive biofilms show promise for developing new technologies to detect and prevent corrosion. In this Review, we explore the role of microorganisms in metal corrosion and discuss potential ways to mitigate it.

Antifouling Surfaces Based on Polyzwitterion Loop Brushes

Antifouling surfaces have attracted increasing interest in recent years due to their potential application in various fields. In this work, we report a loop polyzwitterionic coating that exhibits excellent resistance to protein adsorption. Triblock and diblock copolymers of 2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)disulfanyl]ethyl methacrylate) (HSEMA) and 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (DMAEMA) were synthesized by atom-transferred radical polymerization, followed by betainization of the DMAEMA block with 1,3-propane sultone and reduction of the disulfide bond in HSEMA to yield a triblock copolymer comprising a zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) midblock and poly(2-sulfanylethyl methacrylate) (PSEMA) terminal blocks as well as its diblock analogue that was of the same composition as the former and half the chain length. Both copolymers adsorbed to the gold substrate via the thiol groups in the terminal PSEMA block(s), creating loop and linear PSBMA brush coatings of comparable thickness, as revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ellipsometry. Adsorption of bovine serum albumin and fibrinogen as model proteins from solution to these surfaces was investigated by a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and platelet and bacterial adhesions were assessed by scanning electron microscopy and CLSM. The results demonstrate that both linear and loop polyzwitterion brushes are excellent in resisting the adsorption of the foulants, and the loop brushes are superior to the linear analogues.

Effect of Pseudomonas sp. on simulated tidal corrosion of X80 pipeline steel

Microbiologically influenced corrosion of pipeline steel in seawater has long been concerned by scholars all over the world, but there were few reports on the microorganism effect on marine tidal corrosion of steels. In this work, the effect of Pseudomonas sp. on static tidal corrosion of X80 pipeline steel were systematically studied using weight-loss, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electrochemical measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ultra-deep field 3D microscope. The results manifested that after 720 h exposure to the marine tidal environment, the sessile Pseudomonas sp. counts multiplied with the elevation increase. The corrosion style of the steel in the inoculated environment was mainly localized corrosion. As a consequence of the higher bacteria number, the corrosion rate, pit depth and corrosion product thickness collectively enhanced. Pseudomonas sp. significantly accelerated uniform and localized corrosion of the steel in the marine tidal zone, and the acceleration role enhanced with the steel elevation in the tidal zones.

Complete Genome Sequence of Enterobacter roggenkampii RX.G5M56, a C1-Metabolizing Strain from a Freshwater Stream in Hong Kong

The C1-metabolizing strain Enterobacter roggenkampii RX.G5M56 was isolated from a freshwater stream in Hong Kong. Its complete genome, a single chromosome of 4,772,201 bp (GC content of 56.05%), was established through hybrid assembly.

Effect of deposit chemistry on microbial community structure and activity: Implications for under-deposit microbial corrosion

Introduction

The deposition of solid particles carried by production fluids from oil and gas companies in horizontal surfaces of different assets has shown to cause severe localised corrosion. Sand, one of the most common deposits in the energy sector pipelines, is frequently mixed with crude, oil, asphaltenes, corrosion inhibitors, and other organic compounds. For this reason, they might favour the metabolic activity of native microbial communities. This study aimed to determine the impact of sand-deposit chemical composition on the microbial community structure and functional attributes of a multispecies consortium recovered from an oilfield and the resulting risk of under-deposit microbial corrosion of carbon steel.

Methods

Sand deposits recovered from an oil pipeline were used in their raw form and compared against the same deposits exposed to heat treatment to remove organic compounds. A four-week immersion test in a bioreactor filled with synthetic produced water and a two-centimeter layer of sand was set up to assess corrosion and microbial community changes.

Results

The raw untreated deposit from the field containing hydrocarbons and treatment chemicals resulted in a more diverse microbial community than its treated counterpart. Moreover, biofilms developed in the raw sand deposit exhibited higher metabolic rates, with functional profile analysis indicating a predominance of genes associated with xenobiotics degradation. Uniform and localized corrosion were more severe in the raw sand deposit compared to the treated sand.

Discussion

The complex chemical composition of the untreated sand might have represented an additional source of energy and nutrients to the microbial consortium, favoring the development of different microbial genera and species. The higher corrosion rate obtained under the untreated sand suggests that MIC occurred due to syntrophic relationships between sulphate reducers or thiosulphate reducers and fermenters identified in the consortium.

Corrosion-influencing microorganisms in petroliferous regions on a global scale: systematic review, analysis, and scientific synthesis of 16S amplicon metagenomic studies

The objective of the current systematic review was to evaluate the taxonomic composition and relative abundance of bacteria and archaea associated with the microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), and the prediction of their metabolic functions in different sample types from oil production and transport structures worldwide. To accomplish this goal, a total of 552 published studies on the diversity of microbial communities using 16S amplicon metagenomics in oil and gas industry facilities indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and OnePetro databases were analyzed on 10th May 2021. The selection of articles was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Only studies that performed amplicon metagenomics to obtain the microbial composition of samples from oil fields were included. Studies that evaluated oil refineries, carried out amplicon metagenomics directly from cultures, and those that used DGGE analysis were removed. Data were thoroughly investigated using multivariate statistics by ordination analysis, bivariate statistics by correlation, and microorganisms' shareability and uniqueness analysis. Additionally, the full deposited databases of 16S rDNA sequences were obtained to perform functional prediction. A total of 69 eligible articles was included for data analysis. The results showed that the sulfidogenic, methanogenic, acid-producing, and nitrate-reducing functional groups were the most expressive, all of which can be directly involved in MIC processes. There were significant positive correlations between microorganisms in the injection water (IW), produced water (PW), and solid deposits (SD) samples, and negative correlations in the PW and SD samples. Only the PW and SD samples displayed genera common to all petroliferous regions, Desulfotomaculum and Thermovirga (PW), and Marinobacter (SD). There was an inferred high microbial activity in the oil fields, with the highest abundances of (i) cofactor, (ii) carrier, and (iii) vitamin biosynthesis, associated with survival metabolism. Additionally, there was the presence of secondary metabolic pathways and defense mechanisms in extreme conditions. Competitive or inhibitory relationships and metabolic patterns were influenced by the physicochemical characteristics of the environments (mainly sulfate concentration) and by human interference (application of biocides and nutrients). Our worldwide baseline study of microbial communities associated with environments of the oil and gas industry will greatly facilitate the establishment of standardized approaches to control MIC.

Mechanical property degradation of X80 pipeline steel due to microbiologically influenced corrosion caused by Desulfovibrio vulgaris

Apart from pinhole leaks, MIC (microbiologically influenced corrosion) can also cause catastrophic failures such as pipe ruptures and support beam collapses due to mechanical property degradation or stress corrosion cracking. In this work, X80 pipeline steel dogbone coupons and square coupons were immersed in 150 ml broths containing Desulfovibrio vulgaris, a common corrosive sulfate reducing bacterium (SRB), for up to 14 days. The headspace volumes in the anaerobic bottles were increased from 150 ml to 200 ml and 300 ml to increase MIC severity. After 14 days of SRB incubation in ATCC 1249 culture medium with X80 coupons at 37°C, the sessile cell counts were 6.5 × 107 cells cm-2 for 150 ml, 2.3 × 108 cells cm-2 for 200 ml and 1.4 × 109 cells cm-2 for 300 ml headspace volumes, respectively owing to reduced H2S cytotoxicity in the broth with a larger headspace because it allowed more biogenic H2S to escape from the broth. Weight losses were 1.7 mg cm-2, 1.9 mg cm-2 and 2.3 mg cm-2 for 150 ml, 200 ml and 300 ml headspace volumes, respectively. The corresponding pit depths were 2.6 μm, 4.2 μm and 6.2 μm for 150 ml, 200 ml and 300 ml headspace volumes, respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear polarization resistance (LPR) and potentiodynamic polarization results corroborated the increasing weight loss and pitting data trends as a result of increased headspace. Tensile testing of dogbone coupons after the 14-day SRB immersion test indicated that more severe MIC pitting led to a higher ultimate strain loss by up to 23% (300 ml headspace) compared to the abiotic control, while the ultimate strength losses for all headspace volumes were quite small (3% and lower).

Extracellular DNA: A Critical Aspect of Marine Biofilms

Multispecies biofilms represent a pervasive threat to marine-based industry, resulting in USD billions in annual losses through biofouling and microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). Biocides, the primary line of defence against marine biofilms, now face efficacy and toxicity challenges as chemical tolerance by microorganisms increases. A lack of fundamental understanding of species and EPS composition in marine biofilms remains a bottleneck for the development of effective, target-specific biocides with lower environmental impact. In the present study, marine biofilms are developed on steel with three bacterial isolates to evaluate the composition of the EPSs (extracellular polymeric substances) and population dynamics. Confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and fluorimetry revealed that extracellular DNA (eDNA) was a critical structural component of the biofilms. Parallel population analysis indicated that all three strains were active members of the biofilm community. However, eDNA composition did not correlate with strain abundance or activity. The results of the EPS composition analysis and population analysis reveal that biofilms in marine conditions can be stable, well-defined communities, with enabling populations that shape the EPSs. Under marine conditions, eDNA is a critical EPS component of the biofilm and represents a promising target for the enhancement of biocide specificity against these populations.

Enhancing Biocide Efficacy: Targeting Extracellular DNA for Marine Biofilm Disruption

Biofilm formation is a global health, safety and economic concern. The extracellular composition of deleterious multispecies biofilms remains uncanvassed, leading to an absence of targeted biofilm mitigation strategies. Besides economic incentives, drive also exists from industry and research to develop and apply environmentally sustainable chemical treatments (biocides); especially in engineered systems associated with the marine environment. Recently, extracellular DNA (eDNA) was implicated as a critical structural polymer in marine biofilms. Additionally, an environmentally sustainable, multi-functional biocide was also introduced to manage corrosion and biofilm formation. To anticipate biofilm tolerance acquisition to chemical treatments and reduce biocide application quantities, the present research investigated eDNA as a target for biofilm dispersal and potential enhancement of biocide function. Results indicate that mature biofilm viability can be reduced by two-fold using reduced concentrations of the biocide alone (1 mM instead of the recommended 10 mM). Importantly, through the incorporation of an eDNA degradation stage, biocide function could be enhanced by a further ~90% (one further log reduction in viability). Biofilm architecture analysis post-treatment revealed that endonuclease targeting of the matrix allowed greater biocide penetration, leading to the observed viability reduction. Biofilm matrix eDNA is a promising target for biofilm dispersal and antimicrobial enhancement in clinical and engineered systems.

Corrosion of Carbon Steel by Shewanella chilikensis DC57 Under Thiosulphate and Nitrate Reducing Conditions

Shewanella chilikensis DC57 is a bacterial strain isolated from a corrosion failure in a floating oil production system. Previous studies have indicated that this microorganism has potential to trigger corrosion of carbon steel through several metabolic pathways identified in its genome. In this study we evaluated the corrosion of carbon steel by S. chilikensis in the presence of thiosulphate or nitrate as terminal electron acceptors of the anaerobic respiration. Electrochemical response of carbon steel to the biofilm formation revealed differences in the corrosion process under the different electron acceptors conditions. Microscopic examination of the metal surface confirmed that S. chilikensis induced corrosion in both scenarios; however, in the presence of thiosulfate S. chilikensis triggered a higher pitting corrosion rate, whereas in presence of nitrate it promoted higher uniform corrosion. This study demonstrates the importance of understanding the metabolic versatility of microbes in order to assess the MIC risk of industrial facilities.

Conditioning of metal surfaces enhances Shewanella chilikensis adhesion

Microbiologically influenced corrosion and biofouling of steels depend on the adsorption of a conditioning film and subsequent attachment of bacteria. Extracellular deoxyribonucleic acid (eDNA) and amino acids are biologically critical nutrient sources and are ubiquitous in marine environments. However, little is known about their role as conditioning film molecules in early biofilm formation on metallic surfaces. The present study evaluated the capacity for eDNA and amino acids to form a conditioning film on carbon steel (CS), and subsequently, the influence of these conditioning films on bacterial attachment using a marine bacterial strain. Conditioning films of eDNA or amino acids were formed on CS through physical adsorption. Biochemical and microscopic analysis of eDNA conditioning, amino acid conditioning and control CS surfaces demonstrated that organic conditioning surfaces promoted bacterial attachment. The results highlight the importance of conditioning the surface in initial bacterial attachment to steel.

In Situ Investigation of Under-Deposit Microbial Corrosion and its Inhibition Using a Multi-Electrode Array System

Carbon steel pipelines used in the oil and gas industry can be susceptible to the combined presence of deposits and microorganisms, which can result in a complex phenomenon, recently termed under-deposit microbial corrosion (UDMC). UDMC and its inhibition in CO₂ ambiance were investigated in real-time using a multi-electrode array (MEA) system and surface profilometry analysis. Maps from corrosion rates, galvanic currents, and corrosion potentials recorded at each microelectrode allowed the visualization of local corrosion events on the steel surface. A marine bacterium Enterobacter roggenkampii, an iron-oxidizing, nitrate-reducing microorganism, generated iron deposits on the surface that resulted in pitting corrosion under anaerobic conditions. Areas under deposits displayed anodic behavior, more negative potentials, higher corrosion rates, and pitting compared to areas outside deposits. In the presence of the organic film-forming corrosion inhibitor, 2-Mercaptopyrimidine, the marine bacterium induced local breakdown of the protective inhibitor film and subsequent pitting corrosion of carbon steel. The ability of the MEA system to locally measure self-corrosion processes, galvanic effects and, corrosion potentials across the surface demonstrated its suitability to detect, evaluate and monitor the UDMC process as well as the efficiency of corrosion inhibitors to prevent this corrosion phenomenon. This research highlights the importance of incorporating the microbial component to corrosion inhibitors evaluation to ensure chemical effectiveness in the likely scenario of deposit formation and microbial contamination in oil and gas production equipment.

Efficiency of a Novel Multifunctional Corrosion Inhibitor Against Biofilms Developed on Carbon Steel

In natural environments, populations of microorganisms rapidly colonise surfaces forming biofilms. These sessile communities comprise a variety of species which contribute to biofouling and microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), especially on metals. Species heterogeneity in natural systems confers higher tolerance to adverse conditions such as biocide treatment compared with single species laboratory simulations. Effective chemical treatments to combat recalcitrant biofilms are often dangerous to apply; both to operators and the environment, and face international embargoes. Today, there is a drive to exchange current toxic and environmentally hazardous biocides with less harmful compounds. One effective method of achieving this goal is to generate multi-functional compounds capable of tackling corrosion and biofilm formation simultaneously, thus reducing the number of compounds in dosing procedures. In a previous study, a novel corrosion inhibitor demonstrated biocidal effects against three marine isolates during the early stages of biofilm formation. The compound; CTA-4OHcinn, holds great promise as a multi-functional inhibitor, however its effect on complex, multi-species biofilms remains unknown. Here we evaluate CTA-4OHcinn biocidal capacity against multi-species biofilms developed from oilfield samples. Mature biofilms were developed and treated with 10 mM CTA-4OHcinn for 4 h. The effects of the compound were assessed using mean probable number (MPN), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) quantification, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Results demonstrate that CTA-4OHcinn significantly reduces the viability of mature biofilms, supporting previous demonstrations on the secondary function of CTA-4OHcinn as a biocide. CLSM results further indicate that CTA-4OHcinn targets the cell membrane resulting in lysis. This finding complements the established corrosion inhibition function of CTA-4OHcinn, indicating the compound is a true multi-functional organic corrosion inhibitor.

Anaerobic microbial corrosion of carbon steel under conditions relevant for deep geological repository of nuclear waste

We examined microbial corrosion of carbon steel in synthetic bentonite pore water inoculated with natural underground water containing microorganisms over a period of 780-days under sterile and anaerobic conditions. Corrosion behaviour was determined using the mass loss method, SEM-EDS analysis and Raman spectroscopy, while qualitative and quantitative changes in the microbial community were analysed using molecular-biological tools (16S rDNA amplicon sequencing and qPCR analysis, respectively). Corrosion rates were significantly higher in the biotic environment (compared with an abiotic environment), with significant localisation of corrosion attacks of up to 1 mm arising within 12-months. Nitrate reducing bacteria, such as Pseudomonas, Brevundimonas and Methyloversatilis, dominated the microbial consortium, the high abundance of Methyloversatilis correlating with periods of highest localised corrosion penetrations, suggesting that this bacterium plays an important role in microbially influenced corrosion. Our results indicate that nitrate-reducing bacteria could represent a potential threat to waste canisters under nuclear repository conditions.

Evaluation of a novel, multi-functional inhibitor compound for prevention of biofilm formation on carbon steel in marine environments

Chemical biocides remain the most effective mitigation strategy against microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), one of the costliest and most pervasive forms of corrosion in industry. However, toxicity and environmental concerns associated with these compounds are encouraging the development of more environmentally friendly MIC inhibitors. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial effect of a novel, multi-functional organic corrosion inhibitor (OCI) compound, cetrimonium trans-4-hydroxy-cinnamate (CTA-4OHcinn). Attachment of three bacterial strains, Shewanella chilikensis, Pseudomonas balearica and Klebsiella pneumoniae was evaluated on wet-ground (120 grit finish) and pre-oxidised carbon steel surfaces (AISI 1030), in the presence and absence of the new OCI compound. Our study revealed that all strains preferentially attached to pre-oxidised surfaces as indicated by confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and standard colony forming unit (CFU) quantification assays. The inhibitor compound at 10 mM demonstrated 100% reduction in S. chilikensis attachment independent of initial surface condition, while the other two strains were reduced by at least 99.7% of the original viable cell number. Our results demonstrate that CTA-4OHcinn is biocidal active and has promise as a multifunctional, environmentally sound MIC inhibitor for industrial applications.

Influence of Salt Water Flow on Structures and Diversity of Biofilms Grown on 316L Stainless Steel

Salt water, in addition to being a naturally corrosive environment, also includes factors such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of the microbial community in the environment that influence degradation processes on metal surfaces. The presence or absence of water flow over the metal surfaces is also an important aspect that influences the corrosion of metals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence or absence of salt water flow in the formation of biofilms grown in 316L stainless steel coupons. For this, the 316L stainless steel coupons were exposed in two different microcosms, the first being a system with continuous salt water flow, and the second without salt water flow system. The results of the sequencing of the 16S rDNA genes showed a clear difference in structures and diversity between the evaluated biofilms. There was greater abundance and diversity in the "In Flux" system when compared to the "No Flux" biofilm. The analysis of bacterial diversity showed a predominance of the Gammaproteobacteria class in both systems. However, at lower taxonomic levels, there were considerable differences in representativeness. Representatives of Vibrionales, Alteromonadales, Oceanospirillales, and Flavobacteriales were predominant in "No Flux", whereas in "In Flux" there was a greater representation of Alteromonadales, Rhodobacterales, and Saprospirales. These findings help to understand how the flow of water influences the dynamics of the formation of microbial biofilms on metal surfaces, which will contribute to the choice of strategies used to mitigate microbial biofouling.

Role of Atmospheric Aerosol Content on Atmospheric Corrosion of Metallic Materials

Despite extensive work on improving atmospheric corrosion resistance in metals, i.e., steel and alloy, the corrosion rate on the metallic surface is higher at some localized geographical area of the globe. Despite the visible successes in recent coating technology in curbing environmental conditions, it is proposed that the recent increase of atmospheric bioaerosols has a significant role in the dissolution of corrosion-resistant coating over a metallic surface. In this review, the science of atmospheric corrosion on metallic materials was reviewed in the light of the chemical and physical composition of atmospheric bioaerosols and aerosols. It was observed that aside from general conditions (i.e., alloying element level, surface roughness, surface treatment, and microclimate), the bioaerosols content is essential for future research in corrosion. It is recommended that further experimental research be carried out to corroborate the science of atmospheric bioaerosols to different forms of corrosion.