Hydrogen metabolism in sulphate‐reducing bacteria and its role in anaerobic corrosion

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Abstract
It is generally accepted that in the absence of oxygen corrosion of metals occurs largely due to microbial activity. Sulphate‐reducing bacteria are identified as the single most common causative microorganism responsible for the corrosion process under anaerobic conditions. They are believed to influence the overall process either directly, by consuming cathodic hydrogen (cathodic depolarisation), or indirectly, by producing sulphide as an end product of their metabolism, which then gives rise to cathodically active FeS. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the high corrosion rates observed in the field. It is not the author's intention to evaluate these hypotheses, but instead the main aim of this review is to assemble and analyse the literature concerning hydrogen metabolism in sulphate‐reducing bacteria and its role in the anaerobic corrosion process. In recent years evidence has been accumulating that quite clearly demonstrates the importance of hydrogen utilisation from metal surfaces via the hydrogenase enzyme in anaerobic corrosion. Thus, to bring this point to focus, the physiology of sulphate‐reducers is discussed with respect to their ability to consume and produce hydrogen. Also discussed is the recent evidence obtained by several investigators in favour of the cathodic depolarisation hypothesis. Finally, a foundation is laid down for future studies that may help to provide a unifying concept about the very complex process of anaerobic corrosion.

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