Corrosion reactions between T. ferrooxidans and pure iron were studied by using linear polarization technique. The effect ofpH on corrosion was the main focus of this study. Experiments were performed at pH 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 under controlled and uncontrolled conditions. In addition to the corrosion kinetic parameters (Icorr, Ecorr, and Rp), the redox potential and pH changes for the uncontrolled case were also
monitored over time. In-situ imaging was done by an Atomic Force Microscope in tapping mode and also by a digital video camera. Biocorrosion of iron differs from abiotic corrosion in that ferric iron is generated by bacterial metabolic activity.
Keywords: Biocorrosion of iron, T.ferrooxidans biocorrosion, linear polarization, Atomic Force Microscopy