* Summary Microorganisms have the ability to modify biochemical actions by different physicochemical structure of matter.

The alloys were engineered to tolerate the physicochemical transformation microbiological action. However microorganisms stimulated by the environment can destabilize the alloy due to various biochemical mechanisms that have to do so. The purpose of this review is to show the importance of microorganisms on metal alloys and their components. Keywords: microorganisms, environment, chemical transformations. I. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND In the late nineteenth century pioneers of microbiology, the hunters known microbes such as S. Winogradsky described the existence of soil microorganisms that use energy and inorganic elements to grow, this prokaryote inorganic environments also change their metabolism to use organic matter (Bolivina et al., 1990; Furussaka et al., 1991). Oxidizing bacteriacontaining minerals (Gaylard and Videla) autotrophic CO2 fixation are like plants, are known as chemolithotrophs (Kearns and Little, 1994) or eating stone, the following equation describes this kind of bacteria (Alexander, 1977) . MS + 2O2 microorganism MSO4 + H2 + S04 Where M is a divalent metal and S elemental sulfur or reduced forms. The product M is a metal oxide and sulfuric acid, the reason for that environment, the pH is less than 2, this is a group specializing in extreme acidity (Booth, 1971), in addition to their tolerance to metal that soluble in this pH and soluble metal ions are toxic to life, microbial (Costello, 1969; Iverson, 1987). To view the graph select the Download top menu Figure 1. Appearance of the surface alloy (A) normal and microbial attack (B, C) When BC is happening on the surface of an alloy, the reaction of the elements that constitute the environment, resulting in a deterioration or corrosion (Lowes et al., 1993) as

diagrammed in Figure 2, above Winogradsky suggested which works in a highly specialized group (Duquette, 1986). To view the graph select the Download top menu Figure 2. Corrosion phenomenon caused by microorganisms. The second group investigated microbial, heterotrophic microorganisms, in the absence of molecular oxygen, using combined forms of these elements as sulphates (Sanders and Hamilton, 1986), nitrates (Touvinen and Mair, 1986) or phosphates, therefore the result of the reduction is another strong oxidizing agent him responsible for the deterioration H2S located on the surface of the metal alloy (painted and Moreno, 1986), where microorganisms are found to establish the biofilm (Silva et al., 1986) The equation that summarizes this capability in bacteria, related to sulfate is as follows (Costello, 1969). SO = 4 micro H2 S + S = Where the sulfate anion is inorganic compound used as a terminal electron acceptor (Hill et al., 1987), and hydrogen sulfide corrosion strong product that reacts with small items such as ferrous ion (Kearns and Little, 1994, Torres- Sanchez et al., 1997), common in alloys and generating pyrite (ferrous sulfide), a typical indicator of BC (Blumentals et al., 1990), as described in Figure 2. History of biological agents causing corrosion. The BC Garrett described it at the end of the nineteenth century, when it reported the activity of deterioration due to microbial products such as ammonia, nitrites and nitrates in surface lead. In 1895 Beijerinck one of the pioneers of microbiology of soil, investigated the corrosive activity of mixed microbial cultures on steel (Costerton and Bolivina, 1989, Videla, 1989). Van Deldel in 1903 isolated and analyzed axenic culture of Spirillum dessulfuricans, sulfate-reducing anaerobic bacteria (Dexter, 1976), associated with corrosion of metal structures (Duquette, 1986). In 1936 and Van Niel identified Kluyer Desulfovidrio desulfuricans (Characklis, 1986) other anaerobic sulfur cycle native soil (Coleman et al., 1993), responsible for the corrosion of steel alloys (Videla and Salvarezza, 1984), this assumed the existence of a wide diversity of sulfate-reducing bacteria, as presented in Figure 3. To view the graph select the Download top menu Figure 3. Activity of anaerobic bacteria on an alloy causes metal dissolution resulting from corrosion by using inorganic compounds as acceptors late voters. Dissolution of Metal The source of microorganisms, working in organic and mineral transformations in soil (Alexander, 1965, Brock and Gustafson, 1976; Furussaka et al., 1991), biological agents are part of a community with extraordinary metabolic capacity (Dexter, 1976; Inverson, 1987), using elements and organic compounds as an energy source or as a final electron acceptor, for latency, growth involves resistance to adverse environmental factors, lack of molecular oxygen, under anaerobic conditions. The activity of soil microorganisms, allows the recycling

of inorganic to organic, in conversion of matter into energy and vice versa (Characklis, 1986; Burdige and Nelson, 1986). Figure 4. Biofilm of sulfate-reducing bacteria, iron sulfide is the product of its corrosive activity that dissolves or alloy metals such as iron. Anaerobic Bacteria To view the graph select the Download top menu Anode Soil bacteria use ferrous iron, elemental sulfur (Daumas et al., 1988) reduced forms (Alexander, 1977) and sulfates (Furussaka et al., 1991). Copper, cobalt and nickel (Kearns et al., 1994, King, 1995) and other elements (Kobrin, 1993, Videla et al., 1994), this explains the type of alloy severely damaged by their activity (Videla, 1989) when environment is favorable, limited aeration (Sanders, 1986), low redox potential (Characklis and Cooksey, 1983; King, 1995), acid pH (Ballesteros-Almanza et al., 2000), temperature of 50C or higher stimulates this activity (Belkin et al, 1986), high humidity in the BC is critical in the aquatic environment (Chapelle and Loevley, 1992, Childers et al., 1992), Figure 4 shows the chemical reactions in the BC. This means that the BC affects the industrial infrastructure, petrochemicals (Hill et al., 1987, Videla, 1989), automotive, hydraulic (Brankevich et al., 1990; Touvinen and Mair, 1986), food (Silva et al. , 1986), electrical (Torres-Sanchez et al., 1997), port or marine, nuclear, (Duquette, 1986) etc. losses are substantial, even in developing countries incalculable (Pintado and Moreno, 1986). Table 1 Main characteristics associated with biocorrosion archeobacteriahipertermofilas. To view the graph select the Download top menu Figure 5. Activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria on a surface alloy, carbon sources stimulate biological corrosion that dissolves metal. To view the graph select the Download top menu Since the late nineteenth century methods are used to detect and prevent BC, with chemical agents (Duquette, 1986). The BC case elevated temperatures or their external environments such as those presented in Table 1. Bio-corrosion and biofouling (biofouling) The BC and biofouling (BE), are illustrated in Figure 6, both processes depend on a property microbial genetics for the synthesis mucopolysaccharides (MPS), organic compounds (Characklis, 1981) necessary for the microorganisms to adhere to the surface alloy, which is to stop stimulating surrounding minerals BC located on the site, (Licina, 1988). The MPS facilitate microbial redox reactions (anode-cathode), between alloy material and mineral water (electrochemical phenomena), which stimulates cyclic BC (Silva et al., 1986) with increased secretion of MPS, mineral circulation is retained in that place and time, it catches larger number and variety of microorganisms (Videla et al., 1994) suspended in water and damage dynamics BC increases in area and depth. Under this condition the microorganisms induce the formation of a biofilm bioflim or (BP), where microbial types coexist,

representing: obligate and facultative chemolithotrophic, heterotrophic undemanding, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, as described in Figure 6. This shows that to prevent and control a problem in BC, in the alloy which is physicochemical condition (Videla and Salvarezza, 1984), which in no way is related to chemical corrosion (Kearns and Little, 1994), understanding this difference reduces or eliminates the problem or failure of the prevention strategy (Kobrin, 1988; Touvinen and Mair, 1986). In the past without environmental restrictions biocidal corrosion inhibitors (De Beer et al., 1994), anionic detergents were used (Leal et al., 1994) and cataonicos (Booth, 1971; Dester, et al., 1976) heavy metals (lead, mercury, zinc), metalloids: arsenates, chromates, etc.. reduced mineral salt deposits: type calcium carbonate and sulfuric acid are not used today because of environmental protection, control of the BE is recommended chlorine and / or pentachlorophenol, and quaternary ammonium (Duquette, 1986). Although the pressure of the laws in force for environmental protection, have dramatically changed the type of inhibitory effect for environmental protection has drastically changed the type of inhibitor of BC, it is no longer possible to apply cromotos due to its toxicity (Burdige and Nealson, 1976; Characklis, 1981). Unfortunately the new treatments have not been as effective as expected due to the variety and quantity of microorganisms that are involved in the BC. In addition to physical factors such as temperature to prevent and control the BE (Childers, 1992, Fiala and Stetter, 1986). This means that in an area essential to avoid BC, is research on biocide, to control the problem effectively and at low cost, toxic to humans without the risk of environmental damage. Figure 6. Biofilm formation (biofilm), which involves the addition of nutrients and microorganisms in localized areas with corrosion in a surface alloy. To view the graph select the Download Interaction biocorrosion and biofouling. The way the influences BE BC has been clearly described by Characklis as follows (Characklis, 1981) 1) Its impact is dependent on microbial metabolism involved in the BP. 2) The concentration-dependent metabolic products released by microorganisms in the BP. 3) Depending on the type of small chemical compounds by microorganisms attached by the MPS, in contact with the metal surface (oxide reduction reactions). 4) is regulated by the chelating ability of the BP, to selectively trap ions that influence the biological activity of the consortium. 5) It results in the reaction of the metal surface in the environment of the BP, with changes in the electrical conductivity of the area involved. 6) It affects the severity BE of BC, because it blocks or reduces the action of biocides to neutralize the range of microbial compounds produced by metabolic activity.

7) thus reduces the effectiveness of biocides, the lower its critical concentration. Prior to the colonization of a metal surface is absorbed by microorganisms BP micromolecules traps at the interface metal-solution (Videla et al., 1994). This spontaneous adsorption process adjust the sensitivity and distribution of electrical charges on the metal surface. (Daumas et al., 1988), which contributes to creating a suitable environment for microbial activity. The subsequent adsorption of microbial cells and thus their metabolic activity primarily occurs in the alloy-solution interface. The cells that produce this interface, starting illegal colonization of the metal surface to establish heterogenias localized areas (Ballesteros et al., 1995, Ballesteros-Almanza et al., 2000, Dexter, 1976), where there are areas that act as anodes or cathodes on the metal surface (Videla, 1989) which allows the solubilization of minerals which consequently attract other types of microorganisms. This location does not report induces differential aeration cells, while low in these areas survive in anaerobic microorganisms, as the surface high aerobic respiratory activity of microorganisms in the BP and / or the surrounding area causing a difference redox potential (Sanders and Hamilton, 1986), in which the oxygen concentration is higher. That is an area that favors anodic dissolution of the alloy, simultaneously the highest concentration of oxygen causes a cathodic reaction zone (Alexander, 1965; Bolivina et al., 1990, Bryant et al., 1991) to accelerate the incorporation of ions to the interface and consequently the BC with pits that grow in area and depth. The analysis in situ metal surface made with microelectrodes, show that a liquid medium, the highest oxygen consumption by the BP made a (Characklis, 1981; Daumas et al., 1988, Navarrete-Bedolla et al. 1999), depth of only 180 micrimetros thick. Below this zone in the anaerobic environment, and stimulates the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), which are able to proliferate, even when the concentration of oxygen and temperature in the surrounding water is high (Furussaka et al ., 1991). This is explained on the basis of the existence of a diffusion barrier of the BP (or matrix of MPS) that has only recently been studied by observations using a microscope laser cofocal (Characklis, 1986; Duquette , 1986). With which it has developed a model of BP consists mainly of clusters or accumulations of microbial and intercom channels, through which the flow is essentially controlled by convection rather than diffusion as shown in Figure 6. These new findings have established a new concept of BP, which can be overridden by the general action of certain biocides that act directly on microorganisms adhering to the metal (and Bolivina Costerton, 1989). A BP is made up of microbial cells that produce capsular MPS, which not only ensure their adherence to the metal, also establish a density gradient constutiyen organic molecules, which in turn alter the concentration of ions, which as chlorides, which stimulate the BC, or prevent the exit device interface acidic metabolites, and thus in turn generate areas with acid pH inside him (Elsgaard and Jorgensen, 1992, Sanders and Hamilton, 1986) Similar phenomena occur on Jan ground when several complex organic matter is mineralized in soil (Bolivina et al., 1990) and water (Touvinen and Mair, 1986). The magnitude of these ingredients in pH (Costerton, 1994; Costerton and Bolivina, 1989) is dependent on the buffering capacity of the surrounding fluid environment and other variables (temperature, oxygen concentration of minerals, etc.) in analog form to that seen loe on the ground during the mineralization of carbon and organic nitrogen (Furussaka et al., 1991), or during mineral processing (Alexander, 1965; Burdige and Nealson, 1986). Recently published the uneven distribution of BP on metallized surface (Videla et al., 1994) determines the corrosion resistance of copper nickel alloys exposed to seawater (Videla, 1989). These alloys colonized

by bacteria and other microorganisms after exposure periods of salt water, despite its known anti-fouling properties. In this case, the distribution of BP on the metal surface, is clearly dependent on the composition and distribution of products of corrosion in the metal-solution interface (Touvienen and Mair 1986) and assumptions of the chemical composition of the alloy ( Sanders and Hamilton, 1986). The provision of passive films on metal, are characterized by a stratified distribution makes subsequent detachment, caused by turbulent water moviento. Consequently there is an uneven distribution of BP, an increase of differential aeration corrosion (Videla and Salvarezza, 1984). These effects are provided in cases of BE for microbial species larger than bacteria, and protozoa (Costerton and Bolivina, 1989), which also have organelles with adherence, which are properly MPS bacteria. These organisms are then released by the cutting effect of liquid flow (Dexter, 1976), leaving exposed areas of metal exposed and sensitized to the corrosive action of sea water. The microorganisms that form consortia or mixed communities in the thickness of the BP to produce synergistic effects, which are not caused by single microbial species (Brankevich et al., 1990). For example, the coexistence of aerobic and anaerobic species on the surface of carbon steel, allows bacteria capable of reducing ferric compounds (insoluble) to ferrous (soluble) cause the dissolution of passive layers of iron (Brock and Gustafson, 1976; King, 1995) consisting predominantly of iron oxides and hydroxides (Videla et al., 1994). This will facilitate access to the metal surface of sulfates and other corrosion products generated by the anaerobic BRS (Kearns and Little, 1994), microbial consortia comprising the thickness of the BP as illustrated in Figure 6. The impact of metabolites extracted by microorganisms on the corrosion reaction are enhanced in the areas of contact between microorganisms and the metal surface (Daumas et al., 1988). For example, acid metabolites induce localized corrosion of aluminum alloys for aeronautical use by the fungal activity which contaminates the turbo fuel (Videla, 1989), in these cases, is the preference in the place where the mycelium was fixed in the metal as when microorganisms mineralize organic would get distributed to the formation of aggregates in the soil (Characklis, 1981). This adhesion is produced in areas where there are three phases: water, metal combustion under conditions appropriate to induce BC. Biological attack, reproduce the outline of the fungal mycelium and causes a preferential dissolution of mineral components you or metal alloy, in the areas of fixation, thus pitting will be observed later (Videla, 1992). II. METHODS OF DETECTION AND CONTROL OF biocorrosion. The inevitable post presence and activity of microorganisms in the water supply either in BE because well water river, or sea statuary (Inverson, 1987). The result of BE, is a function of the microbial load and operational characteristics of the system (flow rate, temperature, structural design), so the sequence of processes for its establishment and result of corrosion problems (Touvinen and Mair, 1986). Chemical treatments usually implemented in a trade, do not include interactions enters biological and inorganic deposits, and the compatibility of corrosion inhibitor treatment and a simultaneous application biocide (Kobrin, 1993). Measures to eliminate BE, matching the control of organic deposits, but generally are strategies must be tailored to the problem (Kearns and Little, 1994). The system registry variable must include methods to measure the process dela BC and BE. The most common

method used in the control of BE is periodic or continuous chlorination of water supply to kill the microorganisms in the BP and partly solubilize the MPE (De Beer et al., 1994), that holds the components dela BP. In some systems, chlorination is not used for reasons of environmental and chemical incompatibility. This has led to implement treatment biocides and dispersants most modern design with speculation emphasis on preserving the environment (Leal et al., 1994). Recent research has shown that the chlorine concentration within BP, with only reached the more superficial layers (De Beer et al., 1994) and are limited to an effective concentration which represents only 20% of the level of chlorine in the liquid phase. These limitations on the use of chlorine in the last years has focused attention on other alternative biocides better compatibility with the environment (Leal et al., 1994). Among these, ozone is a promising biocide. The quality of a biocide is evaluated in terms of non-peak quickly lose against a BP microorganisms responsible for corrosion, short period, so it is considered that the best biocidal properties must have side decks (Protection) on certain metals and common relations in the industry and even anti-fouling action to prevent the accumulation of nutrients that attract causing BC (Kobrin, 1993). In recent years, interest in ozone as a biocide in the cooling system has increased and numerous reports and or economic feasibility has been recommended by NACE. BC identification. Surface appearance of the alloy. One way to identify the BC is microscopic inspection of the sample (Cragnolino, 1983). Various types of changes on the surface of the metal can be attributed to the presence of microorganisms: deposit characteristics, soft and / or slime (Dester et al., 1991) tubercles or excrescences of matal (Cragnolino, 1983, Kearns and Little, 1994) which contains live microorganisms and holes in the surface of stainless steel alloy (Ballesteros et al., 1995, Ballesteros-Almanza et al. 2000) carbon steel alloys, copper wing (Cragnolino, 1983), in general, irregularly distributed, small holes with cavities formed below the surface (Daumas et al., 1988). These structures are common in stainless steel for the activity of bacteria of the genus Gallionella (Belkin et al, 1986, Belkin et al, 1986). Bright streaks are visible after the removal of deposits (and Rossmoor Rossmoor. 1993). The appearance of the deposits can indicate which are the microorganisms involved: fibrous filamentous fungi (Hill et al., 1987) black: sulfate-reducing bacteria (Daumas et al., 1988), orange or brown, ironoxidizing bacteria as Gallionella spp (King, 1995), while sulfur-oxidizing bacteria with the genus Thiobacillus spp, group known to produce changes in the yellow-colored material, due to the release sulfurillo that cause acid oxidation (corrosion of metal), or While the brown color of capsular material (mucopolysaccharide) produced by microorganisms to adhere and trap nutrients, which gives it a viscous slime forming bacteria. However, this is the first microbiological examination is essential to confirm that the cause is biological. All this is easily summarized in Table 2, which allows a rapid diagnosis of BC (Childers et al., 1992). Biocorrosion dynamics. We must identify and list microorganisms that cause corrosion. Well as total aerobic bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, fungi, which are indicative of the seriousness of the problem (Sanders and Hamilton, 1986). Suspended microorganisms in the planktonic phase causing deterioration of the metal surface by the corrosive metabolite production or indirectly by the use of corrosion inhibitors (Duquette, 1986; Gaylard). General corrosion is a common form of corrosion of metals attacked by microorganisms attached to the surface of the BP cause localized corrosion in general more severe (Videla, 1989).

Observed punctate, striae or bright areas in the metal, according to the location and type of deposit. The detection of microorganisms is done by sampling, the deposits of aqueous sentence as indicated in Tables 2 and 3 (Blumentals et al., 1990, Kearns and Lettle, 1994). Therefore, there are specialized laboratories analyzing samples to detect the BC based on different biological aspects of the deterioration of materials, recently developed methods as those used in molecular biology (Belkin et al., 1986, Fiala and Stetter, 1986) the electrical methods (Dester et al., 1991) and those used as an indication of metabolic activity BC: oxygen consumption and CO2 production, enzyme kinetics. The analysis of the deposits may indicate the type of microorganism activity: reduced sulfur compounds (Sanders and Hamilton, 1986). Oxidized sulfur, sulfur chemolithotrophic bacteria (Alexander, 1995, Childers et al., 1992). Iron oxides of this element chemolithotrophic bacteria (Brock and Gustafson, 1976). The techniques used are routine methods in analytical chemistry and microanalysis to range from mass spectrometry. The microbiological analysis consists of two parts (Kearns and Little, 1994): i) determination of total microorganisms as the main tool are the optical and immunological methods. ii) detection, enumeration and investigation of specific microorganisms as presented in Tables 2 and 4. Thus conventionally have been identified basically three methods of detection of BC: i) total direct listing: Cell viable, active and dormant include dead ii) visible cells (reproduced) in this case, use the growth cells in general culture media and / or selective and iii) cell activity (not necessarily of aquaculture). Table 2. Laboratory techniques for the diagnosis of corrosion caused by microorganisms. L = low M = medium H = high ATP = adenosine triphosphate (consisting of energy transfer in cells). Immunosorbent assay ELISA (Practical Handbook biofoulling biocorrosion and industry, 1995). This is considered an enzyme, or the release of a specific product of the metabolism of the microorganisms involved and grow them. Thus the enzymes as a substrate for processing. Table 3. Basic tests for the diagnosis simple, fast and effective bio-corrosion in different environments.