The contribution of nitrate-reducing bacterium Marinobacter YB03 to biological souring and microbiologically influenced corrosion of carbon steel

Abstract We have previously studied the effect of nitrate addition on the souring caused by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). It revealed that the nitrate addition could suppress the growth of SRB and stimulate the growth of nitrate-reducing bacteria (NRB). It is not quite clear, however, whether NRB could lead to souring in oil fields and Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC). In this study, we isolated NRB and investigated the effect of isolated NRB on souring and MIC. Based on 16S ribosomal RNA identification, isolated NRB belongs to the genus Marinobacter and was named Marinobacter YB03. This bacterium is identified as NRB with sulfate reducing ability. Severe pitting corrosion was found on the carbon steel coupon associated with YB03. Therefore, YB03 promotes souring and corrosion.