https://www.cas.cn/syky/202507/t20250721_5077104.shtml

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41529-025-00623-5

A research team led by the CAS Institute of Oceanology found that sublethal concentrations of the fungicide tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate (THPS) can accelerate steel corrosion by promoting biofilm formation and electron transfer.

Fungicides are currently one of the most widely used technical means to control microbial corrosion in industrial environments such as oil and gas fields. Among them, THPS is widely used in microbial corrosion prevention and control of oil and gas pipelines and cooling water circulation systems due to its low toxicity and high water solubility.

The research team studied the corrosion behavior of Pseudomonas stutzeri on X70 pipeline steel under the action of sublethal concentrations of THPS. The results showed that although sublethal concentrations of THPS can effectively inhibit the growth of planktonic cells, it will promote the formation of biofilms on the surface of X70 steel; at the same time, extracellular polymers (EPS) in the biofilm, constitute an effective organic barrier to prevent the entry of fungicides, providing physical protection for the growth of P. stutzeri.

The research team further pointed out that the use of green and non-toxic fungicide enhancers can significantly improve the dispersion of THPS on bacterial biofilms and effectively improve the bactericidal effect of THPS.