Microbial induced corrosion (MIC) effects on wastewater treatment plant infrastructures

Abstract

This thesis provides a comprehensive analysis of Microbial Induced Corrosion (MIC) and the influence of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) on municipal wastewater treatment plants. The primary objective is to investigate the mechanisms behind H₂S production, its detrimental effects on infrastructure, and the diverse methods available for its removal. The study focuses on both small- and large-scale treatment facilities, encompassing centralized and decentralized systems. It is grounded in an extensive literature review that draws from numerous scholarly articles accessed via Google Scholar. The review delves into the biological processes that lead to sulfide production, the role of sulfate-reducing bacteria, and the factors affecting MIC. Additionally, it evaluates the environmental and health risks associated with H₂S production and its mitigation. The research findings emphasize the crucial role of sewer sediments in H₂S production, highlighting the necessity for precise modeling and simulation to predict emissions. Moreover, the economic impact of MIC, along with the costs and benefits of various H₂S removal techniques, are scrutinized. The effectiveness and practicality of different H₂S removal methods, including chemical, biological, and physical approaches, are also assessed for their applicability in various treatment plant contexts.