Un cas de corrosion biologique en eau de bassin portuaire

A case study of a biological corrosion in ports basin

¹ Groupe de Recherche en Génie Civil, Université du Havre
² Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle, Le Havre

Abstract

The role of sulfate-reducing bacteria on the perforative corrosion of soft steel is now one of the principal areas of research undertaken in the field of microbiological corrosion. Frequently, the sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are involved in the perforative corrosion within an anaerobic environement, although they might be present in an aerated environment within a biofilm as well. The influence of the SRB on the corrosion is not the only harmful effect. However, the growth of he bacteria can produce the compound H₂S, which is highly toxic to most living beings. Since H₂S is one of the major products of the SRB's metabolism, certain industrial accidents can result from their presence. The aim of this work is to show, by counting of the SRB, the important contribution of these micro-organisms and others, such as iron bacteria and sulfo-bacteria, to the corrosion of soft steel, and therefore to the damage of fixed portuary installations.