Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC)

Researchers at UA are characterizing the influences of various microbiological processes on the corrosion of various alloys. We apply a unique combination of innovative electrochemical and microbiological techniques to determine mechanisms and early indicators of microbially influenced corrosion (MIC).

UA Research

Apply a variety of approaches to understand the roles of microorganisms in corrosion
Use model microorganisms, organisms isolated from systems experiencing MIC, and mixed microbial consortia from those systems
Study microorganisms in situ, including measurements of chemical indicators of microbiological activities and culture-independent approaches to characterizing microbial communities and activities
Utilize microscopic approaches to surface characterization, and electrochemical approaches to interrogating fluid chemistry and solid-solution interfaces (e.g., LP, EIS).

The "ZRA" Technique

Interrogate MIC in a split-cell format
Zero-resistance ammetry (ZRA) measurements are collected from two working electrodes (WE) deployed in separate chambers that are connected by a semipermeable membrane
Mimic the conditions associated with heterogeneous coverage of metal surfaces by microbial biofilms, while adapting the physicochemical conditions to those observed in field settings
Monitor processes that occur when metals are exposed to different environmental conditions
UA researchers are currently using this technique to:
- Determine mechanisms of MIC
- Develop robust rate formulations for MIC
- Sensitively monitor MIC in real time