In this paper, the application of Extended Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey, Overbeek (XDLVO) theory to elucidate the initial events in sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) adhesion to various collector surfaces leading to biofilm formation was studied. Desulfovibrio (D.) desulfuricans, D. singaporenus, and Marine SRB isolates were used as model bacteria, with stainless steel (SS) and Aluminum 1100 as collector surfaces. The interaction between SRB, and FeS2, Fe2O3, and Al2O3 was also investigated to determine the effect of scales in biofilm formation. The adhesion energy between D. desulfuricans and D. singaporenus, and a conditioned SS steel surface was higher than that of an unconditioned surface; -9.68×10-14 to -9.40×10-14 J and -49.9×10-18 to -194×10-18 J, respectively. The interaction between the Marine SRB isolate and Al 1100 was the highest (-14.9×10-14J) compared to that of D. desulfuricans (- 9.31×10-14 J). Furthermore, the model predicted that while the interaction been Al2O3 and Fe2O3, and SRB was not thermodynamically favorable, D. desulfuricans and D. singaporenus can form biofilm on the surface of pyrite (FeS2) with corresponding adhesion energy values of -130×10-18J and -49.9×10- 18J, respectively. Therefore, this suggests these bacteria can readily attach and develop a biofilm on the stainless steel, aluminum as well as on sulfide scales.

Subject
Steel surfaces, Water, Electrochemical cells, Metal surfaces, Iron sulfides, Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, Biofilms, Metallic surfaces, Free energy, Bacteria, Pyrite, Maritime, Adhesion
Keywords:
SRB, Biofilm, XDLVO theory, Ionic strength, Stainless steel, Scale, Adhesion energy
© 2013 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
2013
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
You do not currently have access to this content.