Bio-corrosion in concrete sewer systems: Mechanisms and mitigation strategies

Sagor Kumar Pramanik; Muhammed Bhuiyan; Dilan Robert; Rajeev Roychand; Li Gao; Ivan Cole; Biplob Kumar Pramanik

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171231

Bio-corrosion in concrete sewer systems: Mechanisms and mitigation strategies

Sci Total Environ. 2024 Apr 15:921:171231. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171231. Epub 2024 Feb 26.

Authors

Sagor Kumar Pramanik¹, Muhammed Bhuiyan², Dilan Robert¹, Rajeev Roychand¹, Li Gao³, Ivan Cole¹, Biplob Kumar Pramanik⁴

Affiliations

¹ School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
² School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia. Electronic address: muhammed.bhuiyan@rmit.edu.au.
³ South East Water, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia.
⁴ School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia. Electronic address: biplob.pramanik@rmit.edu.au.

PMID: 38417509
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171231

Abstract

The deterioration of concrete sewer structures due to bio-corrosion presents critical and escalating challenges from structural, economic and environmental perspectives. Despite decades of research, this issue remains inadequately addressed, resulting in billions of dollars in maintenance costs and a shortened service life for sewer infrastructure worldwide. This challenge is exacerbated by the absence of standardized test methods and universally accepted mitigation strategies, leaving industries and stakeholders confronting an increasingly pressing problem. This paper aims to bridge this knowledge gap by providing a comprehensive review of the complex mechanisms of bio-corrosion, focusing on the formation and accumulation of hydrogen sulfide, its conversion into sulfuric acid and the subsequent deterioration of concrete materials. The paper also explores various factors affecting bio-corrosion rates, including environmental conditions, concrete properties and wastewater characteristics. The paper further highlights existing corrosion test strategies, such as chemical tests, in-situ tests and microbial simulations tests along with their general analytical parameters. The conversion of hydrogen sulfide into sulfuric acid is a primary cause of concrete decay and its progression is influenced by environmental conditions, inherent concrete characteristics, and the composition of wastewater. Through illustrative case studies, the paper assesses the practical implications and efficacy of prevailing mitigation techniques. Coating materials provide a protective barrier against corrosive agents among the discussed techniques, while optimised concrete mix designs enhance the inherent resistance and durability of the concrete matrix. Finally, this review also outlines the future prospects and challenges in bio-corrosion research with an aim to promote the creation of more resilient and cost-efficient materials for sewer systems.

Keywords: Bio-corrosion; Concrete; Hydrogen sulfide; Sewer system; Strength.

Publication types

Review