Monitoring of microbially mediated corrosion and scaling processes using redox potential measurements

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The use of redox potential measurements for corrosion and scaling monitoring, including microbially mediated processes, is demonstrated. As a case study, monitoring data from 10. years of operation of an aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) site located in Berlin, Germany, were examined.(Fe 2+)-activities as well as [Fe 3+]-build up rates were calculated from redox potential, pH, conductivity, temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements. Calculations are based on assuming (Fe 3+)-activity being controlled by Fe(OH) 3-solubility, the primary iron(III)-precipitate. This approach was tested using a simple log-linear model including dissolved oxygen besides major Fe 2+-ligands. Measured redox potential values in groundwater used for thermal storage are met within ±8mV. In other systems comprising natural groundwater and in heating and cooling systems in buildings, quantitatively interpretable values are obtained also.It was possible to calculate particulate [Fe 3+]-loads in the storage fluids in the order of 2μM and correlate a decrease in filter lifetimes to [Fe 3+]-build up rates, although observations show clear signs of microbially mediated scaling processes involving iron and sulphur cycling.

Original languageEnglish
JournalBioelectrochemistry
Volume97
Issue numberSpecial Issue
Pages (from-to)137-144
Number of pages8
ISSN1567-5394
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 06.2014