Investigation the Effect of Beet Molasses and Comparing Direct and Pulse Current on Electrodeposition of Copper Oxide to Control the Microbial Corrosion of Steel Reinforced Concrete Sewers

Microbial corrosion is a leading deterioration mechanism in concrete wastewater conveyance systems. The aim of this paper is controlling this type of corrosion in steel reinforced concrete sewers by electrodeposition of copper oxide on concrete. Electrodeposition process was tested in two ways: direct and pulse current. Therefore, a pilot study conducted on eight mock pipe specimens and the specimens were characterized by field scanning electron microscopy and atomic absorption tests. The results showed that the percentage of copper deposited in the pores of concrete depends on the type of current and electrolyte solution. Atomic absorption results presented that the percentage of copper oxide deposit in direct current method was more than the pulse current, although the scanning electron microscope images showed that in pulse deposition the size of the particles were smaller than direct mode and the number of holes in concrete is less. Moreover, the effect of beet molasses addition on electrolyte solution was studied and the experimental data revealed that the use of beet molasses could have removed and reduced Cu (II) ions from the electrolyte solution.