Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is estimated to be a factor in causing about
30-40% of total corrosion-related failures. This type of corrosion results from the formation
of biofilms on metal surfaces. The activities of a consortium of microorganisms in the biofilm
influence corrosion by altering the electrochemical conditions at the metal-solution interface.
MIC monitoring thus requires a combination of microbiological, surface analytical and
electrochemical techniques. This paper reviews various techniques available to monitor MIC
including molecular biology techniques, surface analytical tools and electrochemical methods.
The paper also highlights an online electrochemical probe that can simultaneously monitor
both microbial activity and corrosion.