Penicillium chrysogenum Influenced Corrosion

The presence of fungi in the oil sector, particularly in refineries and production sites, can cause significant problems in installations, tanks, filters, and other equipment. Fungal activity can compromise entire systems, often leading to environmental damage through oil leakage, necessitating costly replacements and clean-up efforts. This paper investigates the effects of the locally isolated fungus Penicillium chrysogenum (Pc) from Al-Ahmadi, Kuwait, on steel coupons with a focus on pitting corrosion. The study interprets the occurrence of pitting corrosion in terms of acid production resulting from fungal metabolic activity, providing insights into the mechanisms by which fungi can accelerate corrosion in industrial settings.