Effect of photosynthetic biofilms on the open?circuit potential of stainless steel

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Abstract
Periodic illumination of photosynthetic biofilms on AISI* 316L stainless steel resulted in evolution of oxygen (1–7 mg.1‐1) and a corresponding increase in open circuit potential (Ecorr) from 2 to 15 mV. The change in E^ depended on the interval of illumination. When the dark cycle began, elevation in potential was followed by an immediate drop. Illumination did not affect Ecorr in sterile systems or in systems that contained only nonphotosynthetic eubacteria. Radiated heat from illumination accounted for changes of 4 to 5°C in temperature which, in the absence of oxygen production, should decrease dissolved oxygen by 0.75 mgl‐1 and decrease Ecorr by 1 mV. Positive shifts of Ecorr induced by periodic illumination of photosynthetic biofilms are primarily the result of oxygen production.