Iron-Oxidizing Bacteria

Definition

Iron-oxidizing bacteria are microbes that promote corrosion by metabolizing iron and contributing to biofilms and deposits on metal surfaces. They are highlighted alongside sulfate-reducing bacteria as particularly damaging.

Like other corrosion-relevant organisms, they bond to metal surfaces and help form rigid biofilms that aid under-deposit corrosion. By altering local chemistry through their metabolism they help create a living anode factory. They are a contributing agent in microbiologically influenced corrosion.

Related concepts

Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria · Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion · Biofilm

---

Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🦠 biology