Corrosion can occur electrochemically, and can be enhanced microbiologically.
Metal ion oxidizers such as manganese bacteria are important because they generally form thick, bulky deposits, which create concentration cells or harbor other corrosive microbes. This investigation has two phases, a field study with 8 sites, and a lab component. Mn-oxidizing biofilms can colonize 316L SS in natural waters and influence the electrochemistry at the SS surface. Environmental factors, which potentially influence the dynamics of manganese oxide accumulation on passive metal surfaces in parallel with open circuit potentials, were monitored in the field. Monitoring for increase in E corr or ennoblement, was used as a tool for detecting the initiation of corrosion.