Review – Interactions between diatoms and stainless steel: focus on biofouling and biocorrosion

Abstract

There is a considerable body of information regarding bacterially enhanced corrosion, however, this review focuses on diatoms (unicellular algae) whose contribution to biocorrosion is less well studied. The reasons why diatoms have been neglected in studies of biocorrosion in natural waters are discussed and the question whether diatoms should be considered as inert with respect of electrochemical processes is considered. A particular focus is given to the case of stainless steels (SS), which are widely used in variety of applications in natural waters. Basic information on the cell biology of diatoms is included in the review, particularly with respect to their ability to 'sense' and adhere to surfaces. Investigations at the nanoscale are reviewed as these studies provide information about the behavior of cells at interfaces. Recent advances include the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM), although only a few studies have been applied to diatoms. Regarding the electrochemical behavior of SS, the mechanisms by which diatoms influence the potential ennoblement process is discussed. Such studies reveal the association of diatoms, in addition to bacteria, with biocorrosion processes.

Development of periphytic diatoms on different artificial substrates in the Eastern Adriatic Sea

“…Metals in sea-water form hydroxides biologically unavailable for uptake by algae (LEWANDOWSKA and KOSAKOWSKA 2004). Most studies of diatoms, and biofi lm in general, on metal surfaces have investigated diatom biofi lms on hydrodynamic drag on vessels (BOHLANDER 1991, SHULTZ et al 2011) and the biofi lm development on stainless steel surfaces (SCHNEIDER 1996, LANDOULSI et al 2011.…”

The possible role of bacterial signal molecules N-acyl homoserine lactones in the formation of diatom-biofilm ( Cylindrotheca sp.)

“…However, very few reports addressed the relationship between diatoms and bacteria in biofilm (Bruckner et al, 2011). Some scholars have pointed out that future studies should focus on the relevance of bacteria for diatom adhesion in marine biofilm (Landoulsi et al, 2011). The relationships between diatoms and bacteria are very close in fouling biofilms.…”

Mini-review: Inhibition of biofouling by marine microorganisms

“…While being of relatively small size, microbial biofilms are extremely important in industry, as they can increase drag force and reduce heat transfer efficiency (Yebra et al 2004). Biofilms can lead to corrosion of metals by increasing the open circuit potential toward positive values by metal deposition at the cathode, oxygen removal and acid production (Videla & Herrera 2005;Landousli et al 2011). While biocidal and foulingrelease coatings are generally free from macrofouling, they are still subject to colonisation by biofilms (Cassé & Swain 2006;Molino et al 2009;Dobretsov & Thomason 2011;Zargiel et al 2011;Briand et al 2012).…”