Analysis of microbial activity and the biocorrosion of metals

The metals iron, stainless steel, copper, nichrome, titanium, aluminum and aluminum alloys were exposed to different cultures of bacteria. The microorganisms included pure strains of sulfate-reducing bacteria, cocultures and mixed cultures. The results of the biological activity such as biocorrosion, scaling and precipitation of metals was studied by using Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy, gravimetric analysis, and by Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis. The effect of different nutrients, cultures, and the presence of oxygen were studied. The observation of bacteria, colloids and plaque of iron sulfide, crystals and tubercules in their natural and wet state was facilitated by the environmental microscopy.