Effect of H2 on D. vulgaris growth, metabolism, and corrosion of X80 steel under carbon source starvation

In this study, we investigated the corrosion mechanisms of X80 steel induced by Desulfovibrio vulgaris in the presence of H₂ as an electron donor under starvation. External H2 and Fe0 donors synergistically promote D. vulgaris growth and metabolism. D. vulgaris sustains its growth and metabolism by utilizing H₂ as an electron donor through the action of hydrogenase. An increase in H₂ concentration enhances the growth of D. vulgaris, accelerating localized corrosion of X80 steel. External H₂ promotes the H₂/H+ shuttle-mediated electron transfer process, thus accelerating D. vulgaris corrosion and hydrogen permeation process in X80 steel under starvation conditions.