An overview on corrosion of iron and steel components in reclaimed water supply systems and the mechanisms involved

Abstract Population growth in the cities in developing countries necessitates the expansion of reclaimed water production and utilization. Corrosion of iron and steel components in supply systems can cause water quality deterioration and lead to extra costs for maintenance. An increasing number of studies have investigated the properties of corrosion scales formed on iron and steel components in reclaimed water. These works have attempted to use material characterization approaches to reveal the morphological, mineralogical and other chemical features of corrosion scales. Some works have sought to clarify the biological and electrochemical mechanisms for the formation of scales. The structure of microbial communities on corrosion scales have been identified and corrosion mechanisms postulated. The current work provides an updated overview on the properties of corrosion scales of iron and steel components in reclaimed water distribution systems. Studies on the mechanisms of corrosion formation are summarized. In addition, some suggestions for further studies are given.