Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is one of the most complex forms of material degradation because it is not caused by microorganisms alone, but by the interaction between microorganisms, biofilms, electrochemical reactions, water chemistry, deposits, flow regime and engineering design. MIC affects pipelines, cooling-water systems, marine structures, storage tanks, medical and food-processing equipment, sewage systems and buried metal constructions. The main danger of this type of corrosion is its localized and often hidden nature: deep pits may develop under biofilms or deposits while the external surface seems relatively intact. This article analyzes current approaches to protection against MIC with emphasis on prevention, monitoring and integrated corrosion management. The study is based on a narrative review of scientific literature, standards-oriented technical materials and recent reviews on microbial corrosion control. The results show that no single method can reliably prevent MIC in all environments. Effective protection requires a combined strategy that includes correct material selection, hygienic design, coating and lining systems, water chemistry control, removal of deposits, biocide or biological control programs, cathodic protection where applicable, regular monitoring of corrosion rate and microbiological activity, and systematic maintenance. The article concludes that the most rational protection against MIC is not reactive repair after leakage or failure, but risk-based prevention supported by continuous diagnostics and interdisciplinary cooperation between microbiologists, corrosion engineers, chemists and maintenance specialists.
Samariddin Eshkoraev (2026) studied this question.