Bofilms were generated on as received surfaces of UNS K14675 stainless steel coupons exposed for 30 days in a continuous culture of marine Pseudomonas obtained from the National Collection of Industrial and Marine Bacteria, UK, (NCIMB) strain no. 2021. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis was undertaken to determine the effect of
biofihns on the composition of passive layers. Before exposure to bacteria, as well as prior to and following the biofilm removal, steel surfaces were imaged using scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Microscopy study continued that damage to steel in the form of micropitting, occurred underneath the biofilm. XPS depth profile analysis revealed that the thickness of passive layers and concentration of elements such as Fe, Cr, Ni, Mo, C, N and O in these
layers, varied between surfaces exposed to Pseudomonas and control coupons placed in sterile media. Keywords: Pseudomonas, marine, passive layer, XPS, AFM, biofilms, corrosion.