Used in combination, surface analytical techniques can be used to resolve spatial relationships between bacteria and localized corrosion, determine specific corrosion mechanisms and to differentiate between abiotic and biotic processes. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning vibrating electrode microscopy were used to demonstrate marine bacteria and anodic sites are co-located. Environmental scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy was used to demonstrate deailoying of nickel from copper:nickel alloys.
X-ray absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy equipped with electron energy loss spectrometry were used to determine the speciation of copper associated with corrosion products.