Acid-producing bacteria (APB)

Definition

Bacteria that lower pH at the metal surface by producing metabolic acids, increasing the anodic reaction rate.

APB drive the local pH gradient downward, making the metal surface more reactive and accelerating anodic dissolution. Like SRB and IRB, they supply favorable conditions to the corrosion cell continuously. Their acidity discourages re-passivation of the metal.

Related concepts

Passivation · Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) · Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC)

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