Material testing under the influence of biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion

Biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion (BSC) is a type of damage that occurs primarily in sewer systems, but also in biogas plants, for example. Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria such as acidophilic thiobacilli are responsible for the damaging process. These bacteria excrete a strong mineral acid as part of their metabolism, causing a biological and chemical attack on the materials. Gaining knowledge about the BSC resistance of materials – such as mortar, concrete or plastics – is a challenge faced by many building material manufacturers, plant operators and manufacturers, and an important basis for both material development and the planning and construction of long-term resistant systems. 

We support you in testing materials based on our 20 years of experience. In our globally unique BioThio^® system, we can expose materials to accelerated weathering under practical conditions – using hydrogen sulfide, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and controlled environmental conditions. This experience has been incorporated into the revision of DIN 19573. The standard defines test methods for assessing the suitability of mortars for sewer construction and sewer rehabilitation. The revised DIN 19573 (published in June 2026) now also presents a biological method in annex D (informative).

Fraunhofer UMSICHT offers manufactureres and operators a range of services to evaluate the durability of materials:

• a test method for cement-bound mortar according to DIN 19573 (appendix D, informative)
• customized tests for a wide variety of systems and materials (e.g. pipes and coatings)
• accompanying microbial analysis (in cooperation with Dr. Brill + Partner GmbH, Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Hamburg and Bremen)
• experienced staff who meet deadlines

Does your company have a specific analytical question or do you want to test a material under practical conditions and under the influence of biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion? If so, please contact us with your research or development question. We will discuss how we can successfully support your company with our know-how and infrastructure. The size of your company is irrelevant: our teams provide research and development services to small companies just as professionally as to medium-sized or large companies.

By the way: Our test campaigns start continuously. Depending on your needs and requirements, we can create and execute customized campaigns for you. We are happy to advise you!

Request a no-obligation consultation!

Biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion

to the product sheet