Abstract

Biofilms are aggregates of microorganisms that persist on a surface within a matrix of self-produced polysaccharides and other organic and inorganic matter. They can form on almost any material that comes into contact with water, and those present within marine systems and in the oil industry are made up of different types of microorganisms [1,2]. Because it is commonly accepted that some classes of microbes contribute to metal corrosion [3] and both industries rely on a primarily metal infrastructure, various laboratory studies include material from the industry partner (ie pipeline cutouts, biofilm material, production waters, etc) and at least one of the following approaches to monitor biofilm production and/or microbiologically-influenced corrosion