The presence of microbial cells on a metal surface, as well as their metabolic activities, modifies conditions at the metal-liquid interface and subsequent electrochemical processes. This effect is known as microbially influenced corrosion (MIC). Due to the complexity of corrosion in the presence of microorganisms and the severity of the effects, MIC has been receiving a lot of scientific attention recently. Both corrosion acceleration and corrosion inhibition by biofilms have been reported in the literatures.

My current research project aims to study the effects of marine bacteria on the corrosion of aluminum alloys. With laboratory set-ups made up of glassblowers, we are investigating the development of corrosion of aluminum alloys exposed to suspensions of Pseudoalteromonas atlantica, one type of marine bacteria. In order to avoid contamination, a non-contaminated three-electrode electrochemical measurement system in bacteria-containing solutions for impedance spectroscopy has been developed, and the corrosion rate is measured by this measurement system currently. Surface condition after corrosion is examined by scanning electron microscope; bacteria attached to the aluminum alloy surface are characterized by fluorescence microscope and confocal scanning laser microscope. The current results will be presented.