Sustainable Marine Infrastructure: Biomineralization’s Role in Combatting Microbial Corrosion

Brief

Discover how biomineralization offers a sustainable solution to microbially induced corrosion, enhancing the durability of marine structures and promoting environmental sustainability.

Insight

Microbially induced corrosion (MIC) significantly impacts marine environments, compromising the integrity and lifespan of concrete structures and incurring substantial economic costs. Leading the charge against this pervasive issue, Prof. Xiang-dong Li and Ko Jan Ming have pioneered a groundbreaking biomineralization strategy. This innovative approach effectively shields marine concrete from MIC, marking a significant advancement towards sustainable coastal infrastructure development.

At the heart of MIC’s challenge lies its prevalence in harsh, microorganism-rich environments, such as sewage systems, wastewater treatment facilities, and marine constructions. The creation of a biomineralized film on concrete surfaces emerges as a key anti-corrosion measure, offering a robust barrier against corrosive forces. Prof. Li underscores the technique’s eco-friendliness and its dual benefit of enhancing concrete durability while leveraging carbon dioxide for mineral precipitate formation.

This process not only minimizes the environmental footprint of marine infrastructure but also contributes to global carbon neutrality efforts.

The effectiveness of the biomineralization treatment has been demonstrated through its ability to curb the proliferation and impact of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), notorious for producing hydrogen sulfide and accelerating material decay. By forming a protective layer that controls sulfate diffusion and segregates concrete from harmful SRB, the technique substantially prolongs the infrastructure’s service life without adversely affecting native marine microbial ecosystems.

Prof. Li further highlights the enduring nature of the biomineralized film, which negates the need for recurrent concrete repainting, thereby reducing maintenance costs and environmental impacts. This biomineralization approach holds vast potential for broad application across various corrosive settings, promising a future of durable, sustainable marine infrastructure. The research, featured in Environmental Science & Technology, combines chemical and mechanical assessments with microbial community analysis, offering new insights into MIC management and sustainable marine concrete strategies.

Highlight

This innovative approach effectively shields marine concrete from MIC, marking a significant advancement towards sustainable coastal infrastructure development.
The creation of a biomineralized film on concrete surfaces emerges as a key anti-corrosion measure, offering a robust barrier against corrosive forces.
By forming a protective layer that controls sulfate diffusion and segregates concrete from harmful SRB, the technique substantially prolongs the infrastructure’s service life without adversely affecting native marine microbial ecosystems.