Concrete corrosion in the hamburg sewer system

Abstract

In the sewer network of Hamburg extensive biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion was noted. A field study indicated thiobacilli of the species Thiobacillus neapolitariUs, T. intermedius, T. novellus, and T. thio- ’ oxidans. A positive correlation between the cell numbers of T. thio-oxidans and the grade of corrosion was noted. As sources of sulfur the volatile compounds hydrogen sulfide, sulfite, methylmercaptane, dimethylsulfide, and dithiabutane are possible. Biogenic concrete ' corrosion was simulated in a strictly controlled EUS breeding chamber. Differences among various concrete types were reproducibly demonstrated. © 1984 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.