A novel method for controlling microbial concrete corrosion in sewers (2016-2019)

Concrete sewer corrosion is a long-standing and costly problem for the water industry. Microbial hydrogen sulfide oxidation on concrete surfaces plays a critical role. Utilising a newly discovered, low-cost and environmental benign antimicrobial agent, we will develop an innovative technology and the underpinning science to control the development of corrosion-inducing sewer biofilms. The technology can be applied to prevent corrosion of new concrete sewers by adding a precursor chemical into the cement, or to slow down the corrosion of existing sewers by infrequently (once every one to few years) spraying the precursor chemical directly onto the concrete surface. Potentially, the project will substantially reduce sewer corrosion.