This award will help establish a joint microbial engineering research program between the Institute for Biological and Chemical Process Analysis (IPA), at Montana State University, and the Research Institute of Theoretical and Applied Physical Chemistry (INIFTA), La Plata, Argentina. Dr. William G. Characklis, Director of the IPA, will work primarily with Dr. Hector A. Videla of the INIFTA to study microbial corrosion although other scientists at both institutes will be involved in the research as well. Their objectives will be to develop methods to characterize the biofilm-metal interface (microelectrodes), to electrochemically monitor corrosion, and to observe biofilm population dynamics. Additionally, they will determine the significance of biofilm patchiness, microbial product formation, surface roughness, and surface welds and crevices on microbial corrosion processes. Microbial corrosion poses a significant and costly challenge to U.S. industry. A number of industries support research at the IPA. Thus far, not enough is known about the topic and of how to ameliorate its effects. The cooperation between the IPA and the INIFTA is important because it integrates their two areas of expertise and distinct methodologies for uncovering the mechanisms of microbial corrosion. The IPA group is expert in biofilm process engineering and the INIFTA has a long, successful history of working on electrochemical techniques for determining microbial corrosion rates. The cooperation will permit the exchange of these methodologies to the benefit of both groups.
