The Potential Role of Fungi and Algae in the Atmospheric Corrosion of Waste Packages in Interim Storage and During the Operational Period of a GDF

The influence of microorganisms on corrosion processes has received considerable attention for many years due to the associated economic and safety implications1-3. Microorganisms are able to initiate, accelerate or inhibit corrosion processes through either direct or remote interactions which modify the electrochemical environment of metal surfaces2-7. However, there is no universal mechanism underpinning Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC), rather a range of processes are involved8 including: the consumption of oxygen; increasing the mass transport of corrosion reactants and products; the generation of corrosive substances; the generation of anaerobic environments through the presence of biofilms; the generation of additional cathodic reactants.