Some bacteria settle on the surface of materials, hence speeding
up their degradation. Called biodegradation, the phenomenon
has been studied for several years. The studies of biodegradation
have been useful in understanding the mechanisms of fast destruction
and in preventing it when possible. The component materials
may be metallic or cement. These studies are conducted on materials
that are immersed in water.
The
Teams
Biocorrosion is an emerging
discipline where experts (researchers or technicians) able to
address simultaneously the physicochemical and biological aspects
of biodegradation must be available at the same site. Few teams
of this kind exist in Europe. The symbiosis between both disciplines
can be found at the CRITT (Centre Régional d'Innovation
et de Transfert de Téchnologie, regional centre for innovation
and technology transfer). Several laboratories can also provide
their expertise:
LUSAC (Laboratoire Universitaire des Sciences Appliquées
de Cherbourg, the Cherbourg university laboratory of applied science)
www.eic.unicaen.fr/lusac
Laboratoire de microbiologie de l'environnement,
the laboratory of environmental microbiology www.unicaen.fr
Laboratoire de microbiologie alimentaire, the laboratory
of food microbiology www.unicaen.fr
The research consists in characterising
the bacteria to blame for the observed degradation at the site,
duplicate the reported phenomena in the lab, and suggest countermeasures
to slow degradation speed.
Contacts
For general technological
or scientific information
Mr. Dominique KERVADEC - Directeur
Ecole d'Ingénieurs de Cherbourg
Site Universitaire
Rue Louis Aragon - BP 78
50130 CHERBOURG-OCTEVILLE FRANCE
Tél : 33 (0)2 33 01 42 06 - Fax : 33 (0)2 33 01 42 01 dkervadec.eic@chgb.unicaen.fr
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