The Effects of Physiochemical Parameters and Microbial Counts on Metal Coupons Corrosions in Freshwater Environment at Different Water Depths

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This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2025 | Volume : 12 | Issue : 02 | Page : –
    By

    Ejoku George,

  • C.P Ukpaka,

  • E.N Wami,

  • E.O Ehiri,

  1. Reserch Scholar, Department of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Rivers State University, Rivers State, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
  2. Professor, Department of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
  3. Professor, Department of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
  4. Professor, Department of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

The effect of water quality on metal coupon corrosion was investigated at the New Calabar River in Choba. The study examined metal corrosion rates at five different depths: 30 cm, 60 cm, 90 cm, 120 cm, and 150 cm in a freshwater environment. Water samples were collected at each depth and analyzed for physicochemical and microbial parameters to understand their impact on metal degradation. Key parameters measured included pH, Electrical Conductivity, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Hardness, Turbidity, Nitrate, Phosphate, and heavy metals such as Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Sulphate (SO₄²⁻), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), and Copper (Cu). Additionally, microbial analyses were conducted to assess the role of biological activity in corrosion. Results indicated that physicochemical properties of freshwater varied with depth, influencing corrosion rates of the submerged metal coupons. Variations in parameters such as dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and heavy metal concentrations contributed to differences in corrosion rates and weight loss. Although Total Coliform levels remained consistent across depths, biofilm formation was observed, significantly enhancing corrosion. Furthermore, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella species increased with depth, contributing to biofilm development and accelerating corrosion. The deeper the metal coupons were submerged, the more pronounced the biofilm formation, leading to greater metal deterioration. This study highlights the impact of depth-dependent water quality variations on corrosion processes. Understanding these influences is crucial for industries utilizing submerged metal structures to mitigate corrosion risks and ensure the longevity of materials in freshwater environments.

Keywords: corrosion, environmental pollution, metal coupon, microbial-count, physicochemical

[This article belongs to Journal of Water Pollution & Purification Research ]

How to cite this article:
Ejoku George, C.P Ukpaka, E.N Wami, E.O Ehiri. The Effects of Physiochemical Parameters and Microbial Counts on Metal Coupons Corrosions in Freshwater Environment at Different Water Depths. Journal of Water Pollution & Purification Research. 2025; 12(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
Ejoku George, C.P Ukpaka, E.N Wami, E.O Ehiri. The Effects of Physiochemical Parameters and Microbial Counts on Metal Coupons Corrosions in Freshwater Environment at Different Water Depths. Journal of Water Pollution & Purification Research. 2025; 12(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jowppr/article=2025/view=206787



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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 12
Issue 02
Received 04/03/2025
Accepted 01/04/2025
Published 09/04/2025
Publication Time 36 Days
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