Certain types of bacteria can accelerate the corrosion process by producing carbon dioxide and which other product?

Certain types of bacteria can accelerate the corrosion process by producing carbon dioxide and which other product?

• A. Oxygen
• B. Hydrogen
• C. Hydrogen sulfide
• D. Nitrogen

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is hydrogen sulfide. Certain bacteria, particularly sulfate-reducing bacteria, thrive in environments where they can break down organic matter and utilize sulfate as a terminal electron acceptor. This process leads to the formation of hydrogen sulfide as a byproduct. Hydrogen sulfide is corrosive, particularly to metals, as it can degrade metal surfaces and lead to pitting, which accelerates corrosion in water systems. The presence of hydrogen sulfide not only contributes to the deterioration of materials but can also lead to unpleasant odors, impacting both water quality and industrial processes. In contrast, while oxygen is crucial for many biological processes, its presence typically leads to oxidation rather than corrosion (as seen in rusting) and does not directly contribute to the corrosion accelerated by specific bacteria. Hydrogen and nitrogen, though they can have various roles in biochemical reactions, do not have the same corrosive effects associated with bacterial metabolism as hydrogen sulfide does.

The correct answer is hydrogen sulfide. Certain bacteria, particularly sulfate-reducing bacteria, thrive in environments where they can break down organic matter and utilize sulfate as a terminal electron acceptor. This process leads to the formation of hydrogen sulfide as a byproduct.

Hydrogen sulfide is corrosive, particularly to metals, as it can degrade metal surfaces and lead to pitting, which accelerates corrosion in water systems. The presence of hydrogen sulfide not only contributes to the deterioration of materials but can also lead to unpleasant odors, impacting both water quality and industrial processes.

In contrast, while oxygen is crucial for many biological processes, its presence typically leads to oxidation rather than corrosion (as seen in rusting) and does not directly contribute to the corrosion accelerated by specific bacteria. Hydrogen and nitrogen, though they can have various roles in biochemical reactions, do not have the same corrosive effects associated with bacterial metabolism as hydrogen sulfide does.