Using Electrochemical Techniques to Characterize Impact of Surface Roughness on Microbial Colonization and Expansion in the Absence or Presence of Biocides

Abstract The aim of this investigation is to implement Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) to study real-time biofilm formation on mild steel. The first part of the study focuses on evaluating the influence of surface finish (roughness) on the anchorage of microbial growth on the metal surface. The second objective is to determine the efficacy of biocides in controlling biofilm formation on mild steel. For this study, mild steel coupons were immersed in produced water samples with and without microbes or in the absence or presence of biocide treatment and allowed to grow biofilm. After removal from the solutions, the coupons were examined under an optical microscope and SEM to visualize the presence of biofilm. To complete the assessment, all biofilms were removed, and the coupons were analyzed for pitting analysis. Biofilm was assessed by using fluorescence microscope to detect live cells, dead cells and the thickness of the biofilm.