Corrosion of carbon steel by sulphate reducing bacteria: Initial attachment and the role of ferrous ions

•The role of ferrous ions on SRB attachment and corrosion of carbon steel was studied.•Initial attachment (⩽60 min) was independent of ferrous ions in the test medium.•After 60 min, attachment increased in Fe rich medium compared to Fe deficient medium.•SRB corrosion (28 days) increased in Fe rich medium compared to Fe deficient medium.

A study of the effect of ferrous ions on the initial attachment of sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) and subsequent corrosion of carbon steel has been performed. It was found that the initial bacterial attachment process is complex, depending upon time period investigated. Early stages (⩽60 min) of attachment showed no dependence on the iron level in the media. After 60 min, more attachment and exopolymer production was observed in iron rich medium compared to iron deficient medium. The results suggest that monitoring of ferrous ion levels might be helpful in detection of MIC attack by SRB.