Mimic the Reality: comparison of Microbiologically influenced corrosion under laboratory and field exposure conditions (Acronym: Miracles)

• Applicant: Dr. Sara Taghavi Kalajahi
• Subject Area: Microbial Ecology and Applied Microbiology
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 538638119

Despite extensive research and numerous publications, fundamental questions regarding microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) remain unanswered. Specifically, predicting corrosion rates for materials in environments teeming with aggressive microorganisms remains a challenge. Addressing this issue holds the potential to demonstrate, validate, and predict the lifespan of new materials, coatings, and mitigation strategies in various environments, aiding in MIC control. This necessitates a deeper understanding of how different environmental parameters influence the behavior of microbial communities and their subsequent impact on corrosion rates. The divergence between laboratory and real-world corrosion rates, as well as the differences in the efficacy of mitigation strategies, has been well-established. The role of various experimental platforms for MIC investigations also significantly impacts data acquisition. This DFG project seeks to comprehensively comprehend the influence of diverse environmental parameters on microbial community structures and their subsequent effect on steel corrosion. Utilizing an innovative laboratory platform (ESS-column), the study aims to improve accelerated laboratory tests, producing results closely approximating real-world corrosion rates. Additionally, the project explores how CP affects microorganisms and biofilm formation through omics techniques. Despite cathodic protection (CP) being a recommended method for corrosion control in marine environments, its effectiveness in mitigating MIC lacks sufficient literature. In summary, this research aims to bridge the gap between accelerated laboratory experiments and real-world corrosion rates. The outcomes of this project will contribute to the development of effective mitigation plans for controlling MIC and extending material lifespans across different environments and industries.

• DFG Programme: WBP Position