This brief covers case studies on Microbial Induced Corrosion (MIC) and
its mitigation. After reviewing the basics of corrosion, it focuses on
MIC. MIC is a special type of electrochemical corrosion in which the
presence of microbes and bacteria alters the chemistry of liquid media
so as to make them more corrosive. These changes are harmful to metallic
equipment, processing machinery, marine vessels, etc. in an environment
that is host to a wealth of microorganisms. A 2007 US survey estimated
corrosion-related damages to cost $276 billion a year, roughly 50% of
which are due to MIC. The industries most affected by MIC are power
production, oil exploration, transportation and storage, water
distribution and more generally all industries involving marine
environments. However, means for effectively preventing and controlling
MIC are poorly understood. As such, the book's later chapters address
various mechanisms/processes that show promise with regard to MIC
mitigation. Lastly, the book discusses the strategies currently being
explored to mitigate MIC using green technologies.