MSC: Effects of surface roughness on anaerobic marine biofilm formation and microbiologically influenced corrosion of UNS G10180 carbon steel

The challenge in understanding and predicting microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is the lack ofrobust and reproducible model biofilm systems that reflect real-world operating conditions.
Furthermore, there are no internationally recognised standards or test methods with which to evaluatecontrol strategies effective against MIC. Current industrial standards provide insightful guidance when itcomes to the detection, testing and evaluation of MIC; however, less than 25% of risk-based inspectionsanalyse sessile biofilm samples when investigating corrosion.
This work aims to develop and validate a model biofilm system to investigate the role of biofilmcommunities within MIC. The effect of surface roughness on MIC and biofilm formation between AsReceived, and 25 µm polished carbon steel coupons (UNS G10180) will be investigated. The objective isto run two CDC biofilm reactors, one control and one test reactor inoculated with an anaerobic marinesediment sample. Both reactors will be run with an electrochemical cell setup and H2S microsensor,whilst maintaining anaerobic conditions.Corrosion rates will be monitored daily via linear polarization resistance and electrochemical impedancespectroscopy measurements, with potentiodynamic polarization performed at the end. Similarly,changes in H2S concentration will be monitored daily. Once the experiment is complete, biofilm viabilitythrough LIVE/DEAD imaging and monitoring of ATP activity will be assessed. Gravimetric analysisalongside surface profilometry will be performed to assess the extent of the corrosion degradation.
We hypothesise that carbon steel coupons with greater surface roughness will facilitate biofilmattachment and growth, and thus exhibit higher corrosion rates.