The role of hydrogenases in the anaerobic microbiologically influenced corrosion of steels

The direct electron transfer between 316 L stainless steel and the NAD-dependent hydrogenase from Ralstonia eutropha was studied by spectroelectrochemistry. The presence of hydrogenase and NAD+ clearly increased the quantity of electricity, which was consumed during the electrolysis performed at potential lower than −0.70 V/SCE. The involvement of hydrogenase in the cathodic depolarisation theory was discussed in the light of these results.