Microbial Influenced Corrosion
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) Testing
Identify and quantify the organisms driving corrosion in your pipelines, storage tanks, and industrial water systems — before infrastructure failure occurs. EBPI delivers Microbial Insights molecular MIC diagnostics across Canada with local sample logistics and expert interpretation.
Request a Sampling Kit Email EBPIWhy Conventional Culture Testing Is Not Enough
Traditional culture-based MIC testing (API vials, BART tubes) only detects organisms that grow under specific laboratory conditions — fewer than 1% of those present. Molecular qPCR directly quantifies DNA from all organisms in your sample, giving a true and defensible picture of corrosion risk in your system.
Fig. 1 — Pipeline cross-section showing biofilm colonization zones, SRB-rich sediment, and active corrosion pit locations.
Corrosion-Relevant Organisms Quantified by qPCR
Census® and QuantArray®-MIC panels target the full range of organisms known to drive infrastructure corrosion.
Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria
Primary MIC drivers in anaerobic systems. Reduce sulfate to H₂S, causing direct metal attack and hydrogen embrittlement in pipelines and storage tanks.
Sulfate-Reducing Archaea
Archaea capable of sulfate reduction under extreme conditions (high temperature, high salinity) — often missed by bacteria-only assays.
Acid-Producing Bacteria
Fermentative bacteria producing organic acids that lower local pH, accelerating metal dissolution and supporting SRB growth in microenvironments.
Iron-Oxidizing Bacteria
Aerobic bacteria forming dense rust tubercles that trap anaerobic conditions underneath — creating ideal conditions for SRB-driven corrosion below.
Nitrate-Reducing Bacteria
Complex role: some competitively exclude SRB; others contribute to localized corrosion. Understanding NRB populations informs biocide selection and nitrate treatment strategies.
Methanogens
Hydrogen-consuming archaea that sustain corrosion where SRB are absent. Significant in deep subsurface and gas storage environments.
The Right Test for Every MIC Question
Census® qPCR (MIC)
Targeted quantification of individual MIC organisms — SRB, SRA, APB, IOB, NRB, methanogens. Results in gene copies per mL or cm² for direct risk ranking.
QuantArray®-MIC
Simultaneous quantification of 30+ corrosion-relevant targets in a single analysis. Identifies the full corrosion community and supports biocide program optimization.
Next Generation Sequencing
16S rRNA community profiling to identify all organisms present — a complete picture for novel or complex systems where the corrosion community is unknown.
Metagenomics (MIC)
Functional gene analysis revealing what the microbial community can do — going beyond community composition to actual metabolic potential for corrosion.
FieldQuant™ Rapid Testing
Field-deployable qPCR for same-day results at the wellhead, platform, or pipeline station — real-time data for operational decisions.
Bio-Extract™ Field Extraction
Portable DNA extraction for pipeline coupon scrapings, water samples, and biofilm swabs — preserves microbial DNA for transport to EBPI.
From System Sampling to Corrosion Control Strategy
Sample Collection
Coupon, swab, water, or pig run solids
EBPI Processing
DNA extraction & cold-chain to Microbial Insights lab
qPCR / QuantArray®
Species quantification & community profile
Action Decision
Biocide selection, treatment schedule, monitoring plan
Sample types accepted: produced water, pipeline coupon scrapings, pig run solids, corrosion deposits, biofilm swabs, injection water, and storage tank sludge.
Industries Served in CanadaMIC Affects Every System That Moves or Stores Fluids
Oil & Gas Pipelines
Internal corrosion monitoring, biocide program evaluation, and intelligent pig follow-up
Oilfield Water Systems
Injection water, produced water, and water flood management
Storage Tanks
Tank bottom sludge analysis and corrosion risk stratification
Cooling Water Systems
Industrial HVAC, process cooling, and once-through systems
Mining Infrastructure
Tailings lines, process water, and mine drainage conveyance
Municipal Distribution
Drinking water system integrity and biofilm monitoring
🍁 Canadian MIC Support from EBPI
EBPI provides Canadian-based sample logistics, provincial regulatory guidance, and technical support covering Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and beyond. No international couriers, no US Customs delays. We coordinate directly with Microbial Insights on your behalf and provide result interpretation tailored to Canadian operating environments, including cold-climate and SAGD conditions.
Common Questions
- How do I collect a sample for MIC qPCR testing?
- EBPI supplies standardized sampling kits — including sterile collection tubes, coupon scraping protocols, and swab kits. We provide detailed instructions for water, pig-run solids, and biofilm swabs. Samples ship on ice overnight to EBPI for DNA extraction before forwarding to Microbial Insights.
- What is the difference between Census® qPCR and QuantArray®-MIC?
- Census® qPCR targets a specific organism or small defined set — best when you already know what you are looking for. QuantArray®-MIC simultaneously quantifies 30+ targets in a single well — best for initial assessments, biocide selection, or complex systems where the full corrosion community is unknown.
- Can molecular MIC data be used to optimize biocide programs?
- Yes. Quantifying specific organisms (SRB, APB, NRB) and their relative abundance enables evidence-based biocide selection. Monitoring before and after treatment confirms efficacy and detects emerging resistance patterns that are invisible to culture methods.
- Does qPCR detect viable versus dead cells?
- Standard DNA-based qPCR detects total DNA, including recently dead cells. Viable cell-specific qPCR (using propidium monoazide, PMA) is available for applications where distinguishing active from inactive populations matters for treatment decisions.
Contact EBPI to select the right MIC panel, receive a sampling kit, and get expert interpretation for Canadian operating conditions.