Electrochemical techniques are increasingly being used in microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) studies to gain a better understanding of the effects of microorganisms on the corrosion of metals. To avoid altering MIC processes by the analyses, techniques that do not damage the biofilms are preferred. Among the techniques being used to study MIC is electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Applications of EIS in MIC studies have included monitoring corrosion over time on carbon steel exposed to bacteria,1 carbon steel exposed to bacteria and treated with biocides,2 stainless steel weldments exposed to bacteria,3 and stainless steel samples exposed to natural seawater.4
The advantages of using EIS in MIC studies have been reviewed.5 One of the advantages of using EIS is that small amplitude signals, within the linear response range and generally 5 mV·rms or less, are applied. Repeated EIS analysis on stainless steel samples with biofilms caused no...
