Biofilm formation on brass coupons exposed to a cooling system of an oil refinery

Abstract

Brass coupons (70% Cu 30% Zn) were exposed to a cooling freshwater system of an oil refinery, in order to investigate susceptibility of the metal to biofilm formation. The coupons were fixed on bypasses at points which allowed the circulation of makeup, cooling and return water. The number of aerobic, anaerobic and sulfate-reducing bacteria was determined in both the planktonic and the sessile phases. Maximum bacterial concentrations were detected in the cooling water, corresponding to 2.1 ± 0.1 x 106 CFU ml-1 (planktonic phase) and 1.3 ± 0.2 x 105 CFU cm-2 (sessile phase) for aerobic bacteria and to 3.2 ± 0.3 x 105 cells ml-1 (planktonic phase) and 6.2 ± 0.7 x 105 cells cm-2 (sessile phase) for anaerobic bacteria. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) were observed only in the planktonic phase, being found in greater numbers in the return water. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicated that biofilm formation occurred at the three monitored sites and showed a diversity in cell morphology. Nonetheless, no evidence of corrosion was observed on the brass coupons during the experimental period.