Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a phenomenon that is increasingly becoming a problem for the society. Our European MIC-network brings together experts, industry leaders, and infrastructure operators to develop effective prevention measures aligned with European standards. Join us in reshaping the narrative, fostering collaboration, and propelling Europe to the forefront of MIC mitigation. Together, let's safeguard our shared values, environment, and critical assets.
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a phenomenon that is increasingly becoming a problem for the society. Our European MIC-network brings together experts, industry leaders, and infrastructure operators to develop effective prevention measures aligned with European standards. Join us in reshaping the narrative, fostering collaboration, and propelling Europe to the forefront of MIC mitigation. Together, let's safeguard our shared values, environment, and critical assets.
Euro-MIC Working Groups
WG1 Intersectoral bridging
WG1 Intersectoral Bridging The establishment of interdisciplinary collaboration and the generation of a common language/terminology are of utmost importance to accelerate progress in diagnosis, monitoring
WG2 Diagnostic technology development
WG2 Diagnostic Technology Development Accurate diagnosis of MIC failures in technical, industrial or infrastructural equipment and facilities is a grand problem due to simultaneous occurrence of
WG3 Development of innovative monitoring technologies
WG3 Development of Innovative Monitoring Technologies The current situation with the COVID-19 clearly demonstrates the importance of real time data forguiding the overall disease mitigation
WG4 Strategize green mitigation methods
WG4 Strategize ‘Green’ Mitigation Methods In industrial practice, many alternatives exist for the mitigation of MIC, ranging from mechanicalcleaning, to sterilization and chemical disinfection by
WG5 Achieving standardization
WG5 Achieving Standardization The transition of new detection and mitigation methods into routine process control and inspection measures requires the availability of standardized procedures. Thus, the
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Introduction to MIC and Abiotic Corrosion Mitigation and Prevention
Euro-MIC Working Groups
WG1 Intersectoral bridging
WG1 Intersectoral Bridging The establishment of interdisciplinary collaboration and the generation of a common language/terminology are of utmost importance to accelerate progress in diagnosis, monitoring
WG2 Diagnostic technology development
WG2 Diagnostic Technology Development Accurate diagnosis of MIC failures in technical, industrial or infrastructural equipment and facilities is a grand problem due to simultaneous occurrence of
WG3 Development of innovative monitoring technologies
WG3 Development of Innovative Monitoring Technologies The current situation with the COVID-19 clearly demonstrates the importance of real time data forguiding the overall disease mitigation
WG4 Strategize green mitigation methods
WG4 Strategize ‘Green’ Mitigation Methods In industrial practice, many alternatives exist for the mitigation of MIC, ranging from mechanicalcleaning, to sterilization and chemical disinfection by
WG5 Achieving standardization
WG5 Achieving Standardization The transition of new detection and mitigation methods into routine process control and inspection measures requires the availability of standardized procedures. Thus, the
What We Do
Q: What is MIC?
A: Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion is corrosion affected by the presence and/or activity of microorganisms. It does not describe a single mechanism for corrosion, it is rather a collective term for a variety of different mechanisms through which microorganisms alter the kinetics of corrosion reactions by their presence or activity.
Q: How microorganisms are able to cause corrosion?
A: Microorganisms are ubiquitous and survive over a wide range of conditions – the true extent to which they are involved in corrosion is still not fully understood. There are various mechanisms through which they can influence corrosion, including the formation of biofilm and resulting in under deposit corrosion, producing corrosive metabolites, directly removing electrons from metals, among others.
Q: Which industries are most affected by MIC?
A: Almost all industries with a stagnant environment. The oil and gas industry has the most research, but drinking water and wastewater networks, cooling water systems, paper manufacturing industry, etc. can also be seriously affected.
Q: How much MIC could cost to my company/organization?
A: The direct estimated costs of corrosion (e.g. maintenance, repair) represent 2-3% of GDP in developing countries, out of this, microbiologically influenced corrosion accounts for more than $2684 billions annually (Cámara, M., et al 2022). Based on this estimate, cost of MIC to your company can be substantial. If a system is properly maintained and monitored for MIC, chances are better that you can prevent MIC to develop. However, if once developed, mitigation or replacement of affected assets can be very costly.
Q: What methods can be used to detect MIC?
A: A multidisciplinary approach is the most effective. A combination of chemical, metallurgical and molecular microbiological (MMM) methods is needed to clearly demonstrate that the observed phenomenon is indeed MIC.
Q: How can I present MIC to my company/organization?
A: There are some great resources out there, e.g. literature reviews, online courses, short videos (e.g. this or this) or you can reach out to our experts and ask their help.
Q: How can I support EuroMIC?
A: Join one or more working groups, attend their regular meetings and volunteer for tasks you feel competent in.
STSM and ITC Grants
Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs)
Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) are exchange visits aimed at supporting researchers’ individual mobility, strengthening existing networks and fostering collaboration.
STSMs finance researchers participating in EUROMIC to go to a legal entity based in a COST Full/Cooperating Member, an European RTD or a NNC (according to the Annotated Rules) to perform research that contributes to the goals of this action.
Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITC) Grants
ITC Grants aim at supporting Young Researchers and Innovators affiliated in an Inclusiveness Target Country (ITC) or Near Neighbour Country (NNC) to attend and present their work in international science and technology related conferences.
The conference can take place anywhere in the world (face to face) or virtually. They serve COST Excellence and Inclusiveness Policy.
2024 Short Stay / Scientific Mission (STSM) Oppportunities
Latest Euro-MIC Network news - October 2024
Action Highlights
Our course & workshop
24-26th August, 2022 - Berlin
