Water System Corrosion

Microbial growth in water systems has the potential to cause significant corrosion. If left unchecked, this Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC), or bio-corrosion, can lead to severe and costly damage to infrastructure, necessitating lengthy periods of downtime for repair.

Aerobic (oxygen-loving) bacteria, when freely swimming, can attach themselves to the surfaces of pipelines, forming three-dimensional growths known as biofilms or slimes. These growths create an oxygen-depleted environment beneath the biofilm next to the pipe surface, fostering the growth of specific bacteria types that produce corrosive by-products detrimental to metals.

Corrosive sulphide generation is deemed the most prevalent mechanism of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC). However, MIC can be instigated by one or more of the following bacterial types:

• Sulphate Reducing Bacteria
• Iron Oxidising / Reducing Bacteria
• Sulphur Oxidising Bacteria
• Acid Producing Bacteria

Industries or systems vulnerable to microbial corrosion include:

• Potable / Drinking Water Distribution Systems
• Closed Water Heating and Cooling Systems
• Wastewater / Sewage Distribution and Treatment Facilities
• Paper and Pulp Industries

Implementing effective monitoring strategies for the early detection of microorganisms implicated in MIC is imperative to prevent Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) and avert costly damage. Regular monitoring of water samples for microbial contamination serves as an early warning sign that your infrastructure may be at risk of MIC.

With decades of unparalleled experience in combatting Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC), ECHA is ideally positioned to provide the products and technical expertise you require. The ECHA Sig Sulphide test kit enables users to effortlessly identify and quantify Sulphide Generating Bacteria (SGB) / Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) in water. Additionally, our Sig Nitrite test kit gauges the extent of contamination by Nitrite Reducing Bacteria (NRB), which can compromise corrosion inhibitors in water systems.

Should corrosion issues arise, ECHA’s laboratory and consultancy services can help in determining whether observed corrosion stems from microbial activity. Utilising industry-standard methods such as NACE TM0-194, BSRIA BG29/12, and EA Drinking Water – Part 12, problematic microorganisms can be identified and quantified.

How ECHA can help with Microbial Corrosion in Water Systems

• Analyse water samples from your system or facility in our UK laboratory to evaluate the level of microbiological contamination.
• Supply on-site microbial test kits. ECHA’s Sig Sulphide® for Sulphate reducing bacteria and Sig Nitrite® for Nitrite-reducing bacteria are test kits that can be utilised on-site or in the laboratory by non-microbiologists to assess the risk of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC).
• Conduct surveys of water systems at your facility if there are concerns regarding microbiological contamination or Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC). Find out more about our Site Surveys
• Provide advice on remediation, control, monitoring strategies, and best practices. Find out more about our Consultancy Services
• Offer comprehensive, tailored training courses on microbiological contamination of water, including the management of issues such as Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC).