Instrumental analysis of microbiologically influenced corrosion

Appropriate application of techniques for detection and monitoring of microbiologically influenced corrosion is essential for understanding the mechanistic nature of the interactions and for obtaining control methods. This paper reviews techniques and methods applied to microbiologically influenced corrosion in recent years. The techniques presented in this paper include electrochemical noise measurement, concentric electrodes, scanning vibrating electrode mapping, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, confocal laser microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, extended x-ray absorption fine structure and utilization of piezoelectric materials. These techniques are reviewed regarding the heterogeneous characteristics of microbial consortia and their possible influences on metal substrata. We hope this review will motivate application and combination of new techniques for practical detection and on-line monitoring of the impact of biofilms on engineering alloys.