Experiments were designed to evaluate corrosion-related consequences of storing/transporting
biodiesel in contact with natural seawater under anaerobic conditions. Coastal Key West, FL (KW) and
Persian Gulf (PG) natural seawaters were used in these 60-day studies. The highest corrosion rates
measured by electrochemical techniques were for unprotected carbon steel exposed to natural KW
seawater with biodiesel addition. However, the deepest pits were measured in biodiesel with PG
seawater. Microbial sulfide production was stimulated in both seawaters by the presence of biodiesel
either as a separate phase or as a fuel-in-water emulsion. The presence of seawater influenced the
chemistry of the biodiesel, contributing both sulfur and chloride.
Keywords: seawater, carbon steel, biodiesel, sulfide, microbiologically influenced corro