Theoretical Substantiation of the Biochemical Mechanisms of Activation of the Microbial Corrosion

We investigate the participation of sulfur-cycle bacteria in the processes of underground corrosion. It is shown that the metabolism of these microorganisms decreases the efficiency of the electrochemical protection of underground metal structures almost to zero. It is proved that the leading role in these processes is played by bacterial redox enzymes. However, there is no answer to the question about the mechanisms of transformation of nonaggressive communities of soil microorganisms into corrosion-active communities. Finally, we present a theoretical generalization and formulate a hypothesis that explains the mechanism of formation of corrosion-active microbial communities.