Interaction of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans biofilms with stainless steel surface and its impact on bacterial metabolism

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2006

Authors

Lopes, FA (Author) Other; Morin, P (Author) Other; Oliveira, R (Author) Other; L. F. Melo (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY

Vol. 101 No. 5

Pages: 1087-1095

ISSN: 1364-5072

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 26 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 36 Citations

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Technological sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-004-GAR

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.03001.x

Abstract (EN): Aims: To study the influence of some metallic elements of stainless steel 304 (SS 304) on the development and activity of a sulfate-reducing bacterial biofilm, using as comparison a reference nonmetallic material polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Methods and Results: Desulfovibrio desulfuricans biofilms were developed on SS 304 and on a reference nonmetallic material, PMMA, in a flow cell system. Steady-state biofilms were metabolically more active on SS 304 than on PMMA. Activity tests with bacteria from both biofilms at steady state also showed that the doubling time was lower for bacteria from SS 304 biofilms. The influence of chromium and nickel, elements of SS 304 composition, was also tested on a cellular suspension of Des. desulfuricans. Nickel decreased the bacterial doubling time, while chromium had no significant effect. Conclusions: The following mechanism is hypothesized: a Des. desulfuricans biofilm grown on a SS 304 surface in anaerobic conditions leads to the weakening of the metal passive layer and to the dissolution in the bulk phase of nickel ions that have a positive influence on the sulfate-reducing bacteria metabolism. This phenomenon may enhance the biocorrosion process. Significance and Impact of the Study: A better understanding of the interactions between metallic surfaces such as stainless steel and bacteria commonly implied in the corrosion phenomena which is primordial to fight biocorrosion.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9