The role of microbes in the inhibition of the atmospheric corrosion of steel caused by air pollutants

Abstract Due to the presence of corrosive contaminants in the air, metals naturally corrode when exposed to the environment. Air pollution, in conjunction with climate conditions, may significantly deteriorate outdoor materials, especially metals and hence, the need for corrosion control. Using inhibitors is a powerful strategy that is frequently employed for corrosion prevention and control. Chemical inhibitors are often used. However, due to their low effectiveness and stringent environmental regulations, the majority of chemical corrosion inhibition techniques are becoming less desirable. For this reason, there is an increasing interest in and focus on biological inhibition approaches, which most recently have included the use of microbes. Microbiologically-influenced corrosion inhibition (MICI) is apparently far more complex than traditional corrosion inhibition procedures. A current overview of the mechanisms that have been used or may be efficient for MICI technologies is important in order to facilitate the advancement of MICI and its practical industrial applications, especially for atmospheric corrosion caused by air pollutants, for which there is little information in the reviewed literature. Therefore, this review addresses the role of microbes, like Pseudomonas putida, in the inhibition of atmospheric corrosion of metals and brings the reader up-to-date on the few literatures existing on the subject. The review describes and characterizes MICI for atmospheric corrosion as a developing field still in need of enthusiastic researchers to further investigate the area in order to establish useful methodologies, procedures, and technologies for later adoption in industrial terrains and applications.