In many cases, microbial corrosion involves different bacteria supporting each other. This can make it difficult to prevent and combat microbial corrosion, and early detection and treatment are a big part of the risk and damage reduction process. The formation of biofilm during biological corrosion is a good example of the combination of multiple bacteria to accelerate corrosion. The effect of mixed microbial mucus composed of multiple layers was considered. As the outer layer is made up of bacteria with high oxygen requirements, the inner layer begins to collect and concentrate more anaerobic bacteria -- such as sulfate-reducing bacteria. This, in turn, leads to the production of hydrogen sulfide, further accelerating the corrosion process. The formation of biofilms can lead to drastic changes in ion concentration, pH value and REDOX potential in specific environments.
Parameters affecting the development of biofilms include:
Effectiveness of biofouling remedial measures.
Nutrient availability
The pH of water in the system
The temperature of the system or ambient temperature
Water flow rate past the surface
The surface of the substratum
Once formed, the various layers of the biofilm can also increase resistance to biocides, chemical treatments, and even temperature treatments, further complicating the treatment process and making it harder to slow corrosion progression and eliminate microbes from a piping process or system.