Publication in ACS OMEGA
This study evaluates the role of microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) in industrial accidents and identifies processes and environments most prone to microbially driven corrosion. An analysis of publicly available accident databases combined with expert assessment suggests that MIC may contribute to approximately 10–20% of corrosion‑related incidents, although this estimate is uncertain due to inconsistent reporting and limited microbiological verification. The presence of anaerobic microorganisms and biofilms substantially increases the likelihood of MIC, highlighting the need for improved monitoring of microbial communities and environmental parameters. Despite significant data gaps, the findings underline the importance of integrating microbiological assessment into corrosion prevention strategies to enhance reliability and safety in industrial facilities.