Anaerobic corrosion

During oxygen-driven corrosion, layers of rust form, creating various non-homogenous anoxic niches throughout the metal's surface.

[1] Within the niches the diffusion of oxygen is inhibited, leading to the ideal conditions for anaerobic corrosion to occur.

[1] Under anoxic conditions, the mechanism for corrosion requires a substitute for oxygen as the oxidizing agent in the redox reaction.

The ferrous hydroxide may be oxidized further by additional hydrogen ions in water to form the mineral magnetite (Fe3O4) in the process called the Schikorr reaction.

[1][2] When in biotic conditions, anaerobic corrosion can be facilitated by the metabolic activity of microorganisms in the surrounding environment.

Currently, the permanent disposal of nuclear waste is commonly in deep geological repositories (DGR) that use copper coating to prevent metal corrosion.

[2] The ability of microorganisms such as SRB to survive in a wide range of environments also lends to their relevance when considering the threat of corrosion to permanent chemical waste disposal.