Sains Malaysiana 38(3): 359-364(2009)  

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Surface Studies of Steel

Corrosion by Sulphate-Reducing Bacteria

(Kajian Spektroskopi Impedans Elektrokimia dan Permukaan

Terhadap Kakisan Keluli oleh Bakteria Penurun-Sulfat)

Fathul Karim Sahrani¹*, Zaharah Ibrahim², Madzlan Aziz³ & Adibah Yahya²

¹Marine Ecosystem Research Centre (EKOMAR), Faculty of Science and Technology

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

²Deparment of Biology Industry, Faculty of Bioscience and Bioengineering

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Skudai, Johor, Malaysia  

³Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science,

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Skudai, Johor, Malaysia

Diserahkan: 17 April 2008 / Diterima: 29 April 2008

ABSTRACT

Sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB), implicated in microbiologically influenced corrosion were isolated from the deep subsurface at the vicinity of Pasir Gudang, Johor, Malaysia. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) study was carried out to determine the polarization resistance in various types of culturing solutions, with SRB1, SRB2, combination of SRB1 and SRB2 and without SRBs inoculated (control).  EIS results showed that in the  presence of SRB1, SRB2 and mixed culture SRB1 and SRB2, polarisation resistance values were 7170, 6370 and 7190 ohms respectively compared to that of control, 92400 ohm. X-ray analysis (EDS) of the specimens indicated high sulphur content in the medium containing SRBs. Localized corrosion was observed on the metal surface which was associated with the SRB activity.  

Keywords: Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; microbiologically influenced corrosion;  sulphate-reducing bacteria  

  ABSTRAK

Bakteria penurun-sulfat, memberi kesan kepada kakisan yang dipengaruhi oleh mikrobiologi telah dipencilkan dari dasar persekitaran Pasir Gudang, Johor, Malaysia. Spektroskopi impedans elektrokimia telah digunakan bagi menentukan rintangan pengutuban dalam pelbagai larutan kultur iaitu SRB1, SRB2, gabungan SRB1 dan SRB2 dan tanpa SRB (kawalan). Keputusan EIS menunjukkan dengan kehadiran SRB1, SRB2 dan kultur campuran SRB1 dan SRB2, rintangan pengutuban masing-masing ialah 7170, 6370 dan 7190 ohm, berbanding dengan kawalan 92400 ohm. Analisis sinar-x (EDS) terhadap spesimen menunjukkan kandungan sulfur yang tinggi dalam medium yang mengandungi SRB. Kakisan setempat diperhatikan berlaku dan mempunyai kaitan dengan aktiviti SRB.  

Kata kunci: Bakteria penurun sulfar; hakisan dipengaruhi mikrobiologi; spektroskopi impedans elektrokimia

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*Pengarang untuk surat-menyurat; email: fathul@ukm.my