Research Projects

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) poses a significant threat to energy security, alongside abiotic CO2 and H2s corrosion of oil and gas pipelines. MIC is caused by biofilms, which bounce back and require treatment cycles. Detection of corrosion type is crucial for decision-making of downtime and treatment methods. Current corrosion sensors cannot distinguish abiotic corrosion from MIC. This project aims to develop a novel biofilm/MIC sensor capable of distinguishing abiotic corrosion from MIC and two main types of MIC. One type is EET-MIC, where an electroactive biofilm, like sulfate reducing bacteria (sRB), harvests electrons from elemental iron for energy production. The other type is M-MIC (metabolite-MIC), caused by secreted corrosive chemicals like organic acids. Treatment of EET-MIC requires killing "bottom-feeders." Lab research will develop electrochemical scans that can distinguish abiotic corrosion and MIC. Biofilms respond differently to external voltage, allowing us to distinguish abiotic corrosion from MIC. Electron mediators like riboflavin and magnetite nanoparticles can be used to distinguish EET-MIC from M-MIC. The research will develop two-electrode sensors, eliminating the need for a separate reference electrode in the classical three-electrode setup. The counter electrode will be used as the pseudo-reference electrode for a solid-state sensor with only a solid electrode.