MICROBIAL CORROSION OF CONCRETE

Sulphuric-acid-producing thiobacilli cause severe corrosion of concrete walls in sewage pipelines. The bacteria excrete sulphuric acid, which degrades carbonaceous binding material. Nitrifying organisms have been found in high cell numbers on historical sandstone buildings as well as on concrete buildings. The nitric acid, which is excreted by these organisms as metabolic end-product, also causes severe corrosion. The microorganisms are able to metabolize inorganic substances like ammonia and NO originating from air pollution. The natural process was remodelled by means of simulation experiments. It became evident that mineral-acid-producing bacteria play an important role in biodeterioration of building materials.