Advances in the application of molecular microbiological methods in the oil and gas industry and links to microbiologically influenced corrosion

While the oil and gas industry has witnessed increased applications of molecular microbiological methods (MMMs) for diagnosing and managing microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) in the past decade, the process for establishing clear links between microbiological conditions and corrosion mechanisms is still emerging. Different MMMs provide various types of information about microbial diversity, abundance, activity and function, all of which are quite different from the culture-based results that are familiar to oil and gas industry corrosion professionals. In addition, a multidisciplinary process for establishing the significance of molecular microbiological data in regard to corrosion threat identification, mitigation and monitoring has yet to be clearly established. As a result, the benefits of employing MMMs for MIC management are not yet being fully realized or appreciated. Regardless of advances in technology, the microbiological insights being afforded by MMMs will not be embraced by many oil and gas asset operators until their significance relative to corrosion management and asset integrity are made more transparent. The need for an initiative to link corrosion, microbiological technologies and disciplinary experts together to reach a common understanding is discussed here. •Molecular microbiological methods (MMMs) are being used to advance our understanding of the roles of microorganisms incorrosion.•A process for establishing clear links between microbiological data and corrosion mechanisms has not yet evolved.•A multidisciplinary process is needed to establish the significance of molecular microbiological data in respect to corrosion.•Active functional groups of microorganisms should be connected to probable anodic and/or cathodic corrosion reactions.•Data integration, new technologies, interdisciplinarity, focus on damage mechanisms, and Translational Science offer solutions.