4.1 Biologische Materialschädigung und Referenzorganismen
Filtern
Dokumenttyp
Schlagworte
- Biocides (63)
- Antimicrobial resistance (52)
- Standardization (28)
- Bacteria (27)
- MIC (22)
- Antimicrobial surfaces (19)
- Biofilm (14)
- Biofilms (14)
- Evolution (14)
- Microbiologically influenced corrosion (13)
Organisationseinheit der BAM
- 4 Material und Umwelt (238)
- 4.1 Biologische Materialschädigung und Referenzorganismen (238)
- 6 Materialchemie (34)
- 6.2 Material- und Oberflächentechnologien (25)
- 1 Analytische Chemie; Referenzmaterialien (19)
- 9 Komponentensicherheit (13)
- 4.5 Kunst- und Kulturgutanalyse (11)
- 1.1 Anorganische Spurenanalytik (8)
- 9.1 Komponenten für Energieträger (7)
- 6.1 Oberflächen- und Dünnschichtanalyse (6)
Paper des Monats
- ja (8)
Conclusion
(2026)
This concluding chapter synthesizes the outcomes of the Euro-MIC COST Action CA20130, charting a path toward integrated and sustainable management of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). It highlights the transition from fragmented investigations to an interdisciplinary framework that unites microbiology, materials science, and engineering practice. Central to this vision is the multiple lines of evidence approach, which combines microbiological, electrochemical, and analytical data to strengthen diagnostic accuracy and guide targeted mitigation. The chapter further emphasizes advances in monitoring, standardization, and education, and proposes future priorities including predictive modeling, biomarker development, and technology integration. By promoting collaboration and harmonization across sectors, it positions MIC research for a proactive, evidence-based, and environmentally responsible future.
This chapter provides an introduction to the history of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) research using two different approaches. The first part of the chapter is a very brief overview of some of the key moments in MIC research. This section is designed to provide some context and background to readers who may not be familiar with the early history of MIC research, providing links to seminal works that the reader can track down and read separately for more context. The second part of this chapter provides personal reflections of four well-known and influential MIC researchers, whose insights and contributions have helped shape the direction of the field. Through a series of interviews these researchers were asked to provide their thoughts and insights gained over their decades of involvement in MIC research. By combining historical context with personal reflections and forward-looking perspectives, the chapter underscores the importance of continued transdisciplinary work and collaboration in tackling MIC. Last but not least, it makes the human beings behind the research a bit more visible.
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a recognized degradation phenomenon in water-contact systems, and nuclear facilities typically employ stringent material selection, chemistry control, and operating practices to limit corrosion. However, MIC can remain inconsistently diagnosed compared with better-characterized abiotic mechanisms, particularly in auxiliary and raw-water circuits, during stagnation/outages, and in long-lived wastemanagement settings. This review synthesizes peer-reviewed research and sector guidance to map MIC hotspots across the nuclear lifecycle, from construction/commissioning through operation, wet spent-fuel storage, and deep geological disposal, and to translate current knowledge into practical ageing-management priorities. We frame MIC assessment using a Multiple Lines of Evidence (MLOE) approach that integrates chemistry, microbiology, materials characterization, and operational history, and we summarize monitoring and control options within relevant standards and regulatory contexts. Finally, we identify key knowledge gaps, such as sparse field rate datasets and standardized MIC diagnostics in restricted areas, and present eleven recommendations to strengthen prevention, detection, and lifecycle decision making for MIC in the nuclear energy sector.
This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of strategies to control, prevent, and mitigate microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), emphasizing recent innovations and emerging challenges. It explores technological, environmental, and regulatory dimensions, highlighting the widespread impact of MIC on global infrastructure. Through sector-specific case studies, the chapter evaluates the effectiveness of various mitigation approaches and offers a methodology for selecting optimal or integrated solutions.
A key focus is the development of environmentally friendly strategies, aligning with Europe’s shift toward sustainable industrial practices. The chapter underscores the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration to address MIC’s complexity and promote long-term materials protection.
Standardization of measurement protocols, proof-of-concept procedures, and validation tests is critically examined to ensure reliable efficacy assessments across laboratory and field settings. This effort aims to bridge the gap between controlled research environments and real-world applications.
By integrating technological progress with ecological responsibility and global policy frameworks, the chapter provides a holistic perspective on MIC mitigation. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers committed to advancing sustainable solutions and fostering resilient infrastructure systems.
Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) describes the largely negative influence that a microorganism can have on a material, with sometimes severe consequences for humans, nature, and the economy. Although the problem of MIC has been known for decades, work on this topic has been fragmented and isolated; interdisciplinarity is the exception rather than the rule. This book offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary investigation of the interaction between materials science and microbiology to find solutions to cope with adverse effects of MIC. It includes the current state of the field, advances in technologies, and guidance for the future to address remaining challenges.
• Addresses the latest findings, methodologies, standards, gaps, and potential improvements.
• Highlights current barriers that need to be overcome and offers solutions to situations not yet found in the literature.
• Explores a variety of sectors affected by MIC.
• Provides guidance on lab-to-field and field-to-lab knowledge transfer to design sustainable solutions.
Written by and aimed at an interdisciplinary audience, this work serves as an essential reference for readers across the materials, chemical, environmental, energy, and related engineering fields as well as microbiologists and biotechnologists seeking to mitigate the negative impact of MIC on industry and livelihoods.
The integrity of carbon steel canisters in deep geological repositories (DGRs) for high-level radioactive waste (HLW) may be compromised by microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) driven by bentonite-associated or naturally occurring subsurface microorganisms. This study investigates the MIC potential of anaerobic microbial consortia enriched from Czech bentonite Černý Vrch (BCV). It represents the first phase of a comprehensive research project on MIC in BCV bentonite, aimed at identifying the most corrosive environments and taxa, progressing toward mechanistic studies of microbial electron transfer and corrosion behavior under near-repository conditions. Carbon steel coupons were incubated in selective media inoculated with BCV targeting nitrate-reducing bacteria (NRB), sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), heterotrophs, acetogens, and methanogens, under static and dynamic flow conditions. A two-stage (2- and 3-month-long, respectively) batch experiment was performed, with the second stage employing inocula from the first to enrich MIC-active consortia. Corrosion rates were quantified, and microbial communities analyzed using qPCR and 16 S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Highest corrosion rates were observed in Nitrate Broth (targeting nitrate reducers, NRB), R2A (heterotrophs), and Postgate (sulphate reducers, SRB) media, reaching 60 μm·a⁻¹, 31 μm·a⁻¹, and 33 μm·a⁻¹, respectively. Corrosion localization was observed only in Nitrate Broth media (maximum penetration depth nearly 40 μm). Organic-rich media supported greater microbial diversity and activity. Dynamic flow conditions simulating worst-case scenarios significantly increased corrosion. In Nitrate Broth, sterile samples rose 11.8-fold (211 μm·a⁻¹) and biotic samples 6.5-fold (125 μm·a⁻¹) compared to static conditions. In R2A, sterile samples increased 11.5-fold (28 μm·a⁻¹) and biotic 9.7-fold (37 μm·a⁻¹). Clostridia, Bacilli, and SRBs were identified as key corrosion-inducing organisms in the studied systems. Our findings identify NRB as a potential corrosion threat, refine MIC risk assessments for DGRs, and improve predictions of canister longevity and repository safety.
Offshore wind structures (OWS) must remain reliable for decades to ensure stable renewable energy production. However, microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) poses a significant threat to the long-term integrity of monopiles, particularly at the sediment–water interface. This study investigates how naturally occurring microbial communities contribute to carbon steel corrosion under conditions representative of monopile environments.
An in-house column system was established and inoculated with sediment and seawater from the North Sea. Controlled flow regimes were applied to mimic seabed hydrodynamics. Corrosion progression and biofilm development were characterized using molecular microbiological analyses, metabolomics, and 3D surface profilometry.
Distinct microbial and corrosion responses emerged under different hydrodynamic conditions. High-flow treatments were dominated by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB), which oxidize hydrogen sulfide to sulfate, reducing the persistence of corrosive sulfur intermediates near the steel surface. In contrast, low-flow conditions favored sulfate-reducing bacteria (Desulfocapsaceae, Desulfolunaceae), associated with localized anoxia and moderate sulfide accumulation. Under static conditions, Desulfovibrionaceae prevailed, reflecting strict anoxia and high H₂S concentrations that promote aggressive corrosion.
Surface analyses revealed treatment-dependent corrosion patterns. High-flow conditions produced the greatest variability and deepest pits, suggesting enhanced localized corrosion driven by turbulence and nutrient exchange. All microorganism-treated samples exhibited higher pitting depths compared to sterile controls, confirming the strong influence of microbial processes on corrosion intensity.
Our findings demonstrate that hydrodynamic conditions shape microbial community structure and biofilm-associated corrosion patterns, providing mechanistic insights into MIC in offshore settings. These results contribute to improving monitoring strategies and informing mitigation approaches for protecting OWS infrastructure.
Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) represents a significant threat to offshore infrastructure (such as monopile) operating in the mud zone. The sediment–water interface creates an aggressive environment, where steel structures are in direct contact with sediment, and oxygen availability is limited, creating conditions favorable for anaerobic microbial activity and MIC. At the same time, near-bed hydrodynamic conditions in offshore environments are inherently heterogeneous, even within nominally laminar regimes. However, despite this variability, a mechanistic understanding of how small changes in near-bed flow modulate biofilm development, mass transport, and dominant MIC mechanisms remain limited. Here, we investigated the role of controlled laminar hydrodynamics under anoxic sediment–water interface conditions relevant to offshore wind monopiles. Carbon steel coupons were exposed in a column system inoculated with the North Sea sediment communities. Corrosion rates and pit morphology were quantified by gravimetry and three-dimensional surface profilometry, while microbial community composition (16S rRNA gene sequencing), dissolved sulfide, and untargeted metabolomics resolved the governing biogeochemical processes. The result indicated that static (no flow) conditions promoted diffusion-limited biofilms dominated by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and acetogens, resulting in low and relatively uniform corrosion. Low laminar flow conditions enhanced syntrophic interactions and sulfide accumulation, producing moderate corrosion severity. In contrast, higher laminar flow reduced bulk sulfide accumulation and biofilm thickness yet generated the most pronounced pitting rate. These findings demonstrate that MIC cannot be confirmed or excluded based solely on sulfide concentration, microbial presence, etc. Rather, corrosion emerges from the coupled interplay between hydrodynamics, biofilm architecture, mass transport, and electrochemical surface processes.
Bacterial biofilms are aggregates of bacterial cells, often attached to a surface, and enclosed by a self-produced extracellular matrix which confers increased stress tolerance and resistance to cleaning and disinfection. Biofilm formation leads to biofouling which gives rise to high costs in numerous technical settings due to biocorrosion and biodegradation. However, biofilms can also be attractive for industrial settings such as wastewater treatment systems or for soil bioremediation processes. Hence, the control of bacterial adhesion to a surface is of major concern. Surface topography strongly influences bacterial adhesion. Therefore, one promising way to achieve bacteria-guiding surfaces lies in the contactless and aseptic large-area laser processing of technical surfaces. We used short and ultrashort pulsed laser systems to generate different surface textures, mainly high-spatial-frequency and low-spatial-frequency laser-induced periodic surface structures, LIPSS (HFSL and LFSL), on Ti, Ti-alloy, steel, and polymers (PET and PE). Pristine (polished) and laser processed samples were subjected to bacterial adhesion experiments with two different Escherichia coli strains and Staphylococcus aureus as test organisms. The bacterial strains differed in their cell wall structure (grampositive vs. gramnegative strains), in size, shape, the occurrence of cell appendages, and in their biofilm forming capabilities. Adhesion patterns were analyzed microscopically and compared regarding the respective test strain and surface topography. Our results revealed that adhesion behavior strongly depends not only on the material’s topography and chemistry, but also on the specific bacterial strain, the presence of cell appendages, and ambient growth conditions.
