Which group of organisms is thought to be responsible for the corrosion of submerged metal structures and pipelines?
A) fermentative microorganisms
B) acidophilic iron-oxidizers
C) sulfate reducers
D) hydrocarbon-degrading anaerobes

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sulfate reducers are known to produce hydrogen sulfide gas as a byproduct of their metabolism, which can react with metal surfaces to form metal sulfides and accelerate corrosion. This makes sulfate reducers a likely culprit for the corrosion of submerged metal structures and pipelines. Anaerobic hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria can also play a role in corrosion, but they are not the primary suspects in this case. Fermentative microorganisms and acidophilic iron-oxidizers are unlikely to be involved in the corrosion of submerged metal structures.

Which Group of Organisms Is Thought to Be Responsible for the Corrosion