College
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
Date of Last Revision
2026-04-28 12:33:15
Major
Environmental Science
Honors Course
GEOL497
Number of Credits
5
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2026
Abstract
This study investigated the role of microbial activity and oxygen availability in the corrosion of carbon steel pipelines with a focus on microbially influenced corrosion (MIC). Sediment collected from Old Woman Creek, Ohio, was used to simulate natural soil conditions, and carbon steel coupons were incubated under four treatments: nonsterile oxic, nonsterile anoxic, autoclaved oxic, and autoclaved anoxic over 85 days. Corrosion was assessed through mass loss measurements and the analysis of pH, sulfate, chloride, and dissolved iron concentrations. The greatest mass loss was observed in autoclaved oxic conditions, contrary to the initial hypothesis that microbial activity would greatly enhance corrosion rates. Sulfate concentrations decreased across all treatments, suggesting the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria and abiotic processes. Dissolved iron concentrations declined over time, likely due to precipitation and acidic pH conditions likely accelerated corrosion. Minimal differences between the biotic and abiotic results suggest that abiotic processes may play a more significant role than previously expected. MIC is complex and should be further studied to prevent future pipeline failures.
Research Sponsor
John Senko
First Reader
Teresa Cutright
Second Reader
Nick Pollock
Honors Faculty Advisor
Caleb Holyoke
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Community Engaged Scholarship
No
Recommended Citation
Bamberger, Renee E., "Pipeline Corrosion and Relevant Microbial Influence" (2026). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 2125.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/2125
Included in
Environmental Chemistry Commons, Environmental Microbiology and Microbial Ecology Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons