Microbial Corrosion and Material Challenges in Marine Environments

Marine environments pose significant risks to materials, one of the most critical being microbial corrosion, which can drastically affect the durability and lifespan of structures. The combined effects of climate change and coastal urbanization have increased seawater aggressiveness, making it more challenging for materials to withstand the harsh marine conditions.

Other than the new challenges posed by climate change, the need to rethink sustainable development are driving a shift towards a blue economy. This economy focuses on minimizing waste and promoting innovative energy forms and industries, even in sectors completely different from those explored in the past. In this context, the enormous economic impact of corrosion on metal structures plays a significant role, as it remains a major issue for modern societies. This typically results in the costly and total replacement of compromised components as the only viable option.

Traditionally resilient materials, such as stainless steels and copper alloys, are now showing heightened vulnerability. Even advanced materials and multilayer coatings, such as those based on aluminum and titanium, are not immune.

This Research Topic aims to explore the new challenges faced by marine environments in the context of blue economy demands, sustainable solutions, and innovative materials. Key areas of focus include:

• Microbial Corrosion: Examining cases, mechanisms, and microbial fingerprints in marine environments.
• Green Solutions: Proposing and discussing new antifouling solutions, including biocides and coatings.
• Risk Management: Addressing risks related to marine energy facilities, yachting, shipping, and other marine activities.

This topic invites contributions that highlight cutting-edge research and advancements in materials science, engineering, and sustainability within marine contexts.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Microbial corrosion, MIC, Blue economy, marine environment, Microbiologically influenced corrosion, Micorbially induced corrosion, materials, biofouling, antifouling, coatings, biocides

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.