MIC Information: Bacteria

There are many kinds of bacteria that cause Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion.


 

Aerobic Bacteria

Need oxygen to function.
 

Anaerobic Bacteria

Do not need oxygen to function.

Aerobic Bacteria

Thiobacillius Thioxidans: Produce Sulfuric Acid.
 
Thiobacillis Ferrooxidans: Oxidize Ferrous to Ferric.
 
Gallionella & Sphaerotilus: Oxidize Ferrous to Ferric.
Form Tubercles.
 
Pseudomonas: Can Reduce Ferric to Ferrous.
 
Fungi: Some Can Produce Organic Acids.

Anaerobic Bacteria

Desulfovibro: Promotes formation of Sulfide films. Affects Iron & Steel, Stainless Steels, Aluminum, Zinc & Copper Alloys.
 
Desulfotomaculum: Produces Hydrogen Sulfide Gas. Affects Iron & Steel, and Stainless Steels. Spore Former.
 
Desulfomonas: Produces Hydrogen Sulfide gas. Affects Iron & Steel.


What does it matter if they are Aerobic or Anaerobic?

Different bacteria can thrive in different parts of your fire sprinkler system and cause damage by the MIC process.
 
Dry Systems: Mainly aerobic conditions.
 
Wet Systems: Mainly anaerobic conditions.
 
Both Systems May Have Micro-Environments where both aerobic & anaerobic conditions exist.