Colonization and weathering of engineering materials by marine microorganisms : an SEM study

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

COOMBES, M.A.

Geography, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Univ., Exeter, Royaume-Uni

NAYLOR, L.A.

Geography, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Univ., Exeter, Royaume-Uni

THOMPSON, R.C.

Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre, Univ., Plymouth, Royaume-Uni

ROAST, S.D.

Ecosystems Science, Environment Agency, Devon, Exeter, Royaume-Uni

GÓMEZ-PUJOL, L.

Mediterranean Inst. for Advanced Studies, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Balearic Islands, Esporles, Espagne

Dep. de Ciències de la Terra, Univ. de les Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Espagne

FAIRHURST, R.J.

Camborne School of Mines, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Univ. of Exeter in Cornwall, Penryn, Royaume-Uni

Description :
Here the AA. use scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine microbial colonization and micro-scale geomorphological features on experimental blocks of limestone, granite and marine concrete after eight months'exposure in the intertidal zone in Cornwall, UK. The results presented demonstrate the influence of substratum lithology, hardness and texture on the nature of early micro-scale colonization, and the susceptibility of different engineering materials to organic weathering and erosion processes in the intertidal zone. The implications of differences in initial biogeomorphic responses of materials for long-term rock weathering, ecology and engineering durability are discussed.

Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Earth surface processes and landforms, issn : 0197-9337, 2011, vol. 36, n°. 5, p. 582-593, nombre de pages : 12, Références bibliographiques : 2 p.

Date :
2011

Editeur :
Pays édition : Royaume-Uni, Chichester, Wiley

Langue :
Anglais