Recent research indicates that the quantification of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB) and other
corrosive bacteria in biofilms is of great practical and scientific relevance. Common microbial
techniques based on selective cell cultivation are of limited usefulness for both quantification and
characterization of environmental populations since the used methods are time-consuming and
inconvenient for field trials or express analysis. To determine the total concentration of bacteria
composing the corrosive biofilms, our research team developed a new approach was developed using
bioluminescent method of ATP detection. The method also was optimised to determine microorganisms
number in mixed cultures. The study of kinetics of corrosive biofilm formation in artificial pilot systems of
field trials were carried out. The influence of the following factors on biofilm formation was revealed:
microbial content of media, presence of oil, sulfide layer on the surface and metal type. The express
screening of potential biocides active in relation to corrosive biofilms and the determination of minimal
concentrations of tested compounds leading to destruction of corrosive biofilms were demonstrated
herein.
Key words: corrosion, biofilms, bioluminescent method, SRB, ATP detection, kinetic analysis, minimal
inhibitory concentrations, biocides