Protective Action of Serratia Marcescens in Relation to the Corrosion of Aluminum and Its Alloys

Abstract

There are few references in the literature which relate the action of kerosene-contaminating bacteria to corrosion found in fuel-storage and distribution systems. The presence of such bacteria in water-displaced, ships¹ storage tanks is generally associated with both fungal and yeast growth which provide adequate pH values for bacterial growth (Neihof and May, 1983). Although the corrosiveness of the fungus Cladosporium resinae is well documented with respect to mild steel and aluminum alloys (Schon and Atter by, 1973; McKenzie et al. , 1977), the corrosive activity of bacterial contaminants of jet fuel has not been documented. This investigation was conducted to determine the electro chemical behavior of aluminum and two aircraft alloys (2024 and 7075) in the presence of Pseudomonas spp. and Serratia marcescens, and t o compare the different corrosion effects of these microorganisms. Conventional electro chemical polarisation measurements were later complemented with scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations. In addition, gas chromatography was used to evaluate the degree of hydrocarbon degradation.