The electrochemical behavior of pure aluminum, 2024 alloy and mild steel have been studied in the presence of several species of fungi and bacteria isolated from kerosene fuels storage and distribution systems. Microbial growth facilitates passivity breakdown mainly through the action of organic acidic metabolites derived from hydrocarbon degradation. Their corrosive effect depends on the pH and electrolyte composition of the medium, especially with reference to chloride and nitrate levels. Microbial adhesion to the metal surface enhances metal dissolution. The metabolic activities of different microbial contaminants of fuel/water systems sometimes lead to opposite effects with respect to the corrosion of the metal. Thus, the uptake of nitrate as nitrogen source by Hormoconis resinae can be an important alternative corrosion mechanism. A protective effect has been observed for aluminum and 2024 alloy in the presence of Serratia marcescens in spite of its hydrocarbon degradation capacity.

Subject
Water, Metal surfaces, Aluminum, Storage, Microbial growth, Contaminants, Acidity, Nitrates, Nitrogen, Metals, Pitting, Aluminum alloys, Hydrocarbons
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1988
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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