In this work, the influence of the biofilms in the corrosion process of different alloys of stainless steel was studied in two sampling points in a wastewater treatment plant during 4 years. The physicochemical microenvironment within the biofilms was characterized through O 2 , H 2 S and pH microelectrodes. Corrosion rates were quantified from the number, diameter and depth of pits. The results show a remarkable development of the biofilm and a significantly greater number of pits in the grit removal channel than in the sludge recirculation channel. Based on the characteristics of the water phase and microelectrode measurements, our results suggest that biofilms induced corrosion throughout 3 mechanisms: creation of differential aeration cells, areas with different pH and areas having high sulphide production which may react with metal ions.
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