Direct Evidence for the Cathodic Depolarization Theory of Bacterial Corrosion

Cathodic depolarization of mild steel by Desulfovibrio desulfuricans was demonstrated with benzyl viologen used as an electron acceptor. Direct measurement of the cathodic depolarization current indicated a maximum current density of 1 microampere per square centimeter. Aluminum alloys were also cathodically depolarized by the organism.