Microbiologically influenced corrosion as a function of environmental conditions: A laboratory study using oilfield multispecies biofilms

•Presence of sulphur compounds shifted biofilm activity and community structure.•Biofilms were more aggressive to carbon steel in the presence of sulphur compounds.•Temperature variation led to changes in the risk of MIC.•Old biofilms triggered greater pitting corrosion than young biofilms.•Removal of sulphur compounds does not prevent MIC in carbon steel. The effect of sulphur compounds and temperature on the microbiologically influenced corrosion of carbon steel has been assessed using multispecies biofilms. Biofilm composition, community structure and activity level shifted in response to environmental conditions, which resulted in substantial differences in pitting susceptibility of carbon steel. Microorganisms enhanced pitting when sulphur compounds were available, but there was not a distinctive pattern on the effect of temperature. In average, old biofilms caused greater pitting than young biofilms. Functional profiles predicted from 16S rRNA data revealed that biofilms had similar capabilities regardless of environmental conditions and the extent of corrosion associated with them.